Blackjack is a popular casino game where you play against the dealer. The game is fun but not as simple as some other games you might find in casinos, such as slot machines, for example. It requires skill and at least some level of strategy. However, there are simple as well as advanced tips that you can use to gain an edge over the house and improve your chances of winning.
Blackjack Tips – BEGINNER BLACKJACK TIPS
Learn Basic Strategy
Learn the correct basic strategy! Nothing is more important for beginners.
Avoid 6:5 Blackjack Games
Never play a game that pays 6:5 on blackjack. Always stick to games that pay the full 3:2. An 8-deck game that pays the full 3:2 on blackjack is better than a single-deck game of blackjack that pays only 6:5.
Look for the Best Table Rules
Try to find the best table rules available to you. Ideally, you want the dealer to stand on “Soft 17.” If you’re playing a 6-deck or 8-deck game, play where you can surrender.
Low-Stake Tables Don’t Mean Less Loss Over Time
Playing at lower stakes does not mean you will lose less over time. If you’re playing $20 per hand at a 6:5 payout table, you might be facing a substantial 2% house edge resulting in an expected loss of 40¢ per hand. If you’re playing a high-limit 6-deck game at Aria Casino in Las Vegas, your edge is only .26%, translating to an expected loss of 26¢ per $100 wagered. Note that a $20 bet will lose more than a $100 bet over time.
Avoid Taking Insurance
Never take insurance! Regardless of your bet amount or your hand, insurance is a bad bet! Only 4 out of 13 possible cards give the dealer a blackjack under an ace. That’s a 30.8% chance of a blackjack. If you’re only getting paid 2:1 on an insurance bet, it’s a losing proposition.
Dealers with 5 or 6 are More Likely to Bust
A dealer showing a 5 or 6 is more likely to make a hand than bust. Don’t be tempted to double down your 7 or less just because the dealer is showing a 5 or 6. You might get a small card and want to take another hit. Remember, the dealer will make a hand in this situation more often than not.
Never Stand on Your “Soft 17”
Never, ever stand on your “Soft 17”. This hand won’t stop the dealer by hitting and can only push against a dealer’s 17 if you stand. It’s always a hit or double.
Sit at a Full Table for Comps
If you’re playing for comps, sit at a full table. It will significantly slow down the game and allow you to play longer without putting much at risk.
Avoid Overusing the Surrender Option
Avoid overusing the surrender option. Only surrender 16 against 9, 10, or an Ace of the dealer, and 15 against a dealer’s 10. This assumes you’re playing a multi-deck game and not counting decks. If you’re counting cards, then you should know all the correct surrender plays to leverage this potentially great option for players.
Don’t Double 4,4
Never double down on 4,4. For some strange reason, players who would never double 3,5 or 2,6 suddenly want to double 4,4. Don’t do it!
The only exception to this rule is in a single-deck game where you can’t double after splitting. Then you would double 4,4 against a dealer’s 5 or 6. Remember, most of you won’t be playing such a game.
Current Win/Loss Table Doesn’t Matter
Whether the table is currently winning or losing has no relevance to whether it will continue to win or lose.
Don’t Go All-In
Never go all-in. Always leave enough money to double or split your hand. There’s nothing more painful in blackjack than getting two Aces, not having enough money to split, then hitting for two face cards and busting. Ouch!
Understand the House Edge
For those unfamiliar, the house edge represents the percentage of all wagers that the casino expects to win in the long run. The base blackjack house edge is not high — it’s below 1%. However, that number depends on several factors.
For example, the blackjack house edge may rise to 2% if you lack experience or skill. Conversely, it can drop to 0.5% if you use basic blackjack strategy correctly. The house edge can also vary depending on rule variations and the number of decks in play. You should consider all these factors when choosing a blackjack version to play.
Practice First if New to the Table
Though it may seem obvious, it’s worth noting that experience plays a crucial role in your ability to win big in blackjack. So, make sure you spend enough time practicing before you step up to real money tables.
Take advantage of the fact that many online casinos with blackjack games offer free play. You can strengthen your knowledge of blackjack gameplay and rules, explore different variations, use basic strategy, try different bets, and more — all completely free. This kind of practice will help you learn the ropes and prepare you to face real blackjack players later on.
Avoid Side Bets
One of the favorite aspects of blackjack is the numerous side bets offered by traditional casinos. While they may be fun to try and can be lucrative if you’re smart in your play, they are not the most advantageous. For beginners, it means side bets all have somewhat high house edges and can lower your winning odds compared to regular play.
Although there are ways to slightly reduce the house edge, it won’t be easy. You need to memorize and learn to use specific side bet counting systems and then understand how to combine them with basic blackjack strategy. Most new players find this task enjoyable, so avoiding side bets might be your best option.