03 Jan 2024Blackjack is one of the best games to play at a casino, for a number of reasons. For many players, Blackjack represents the perfect combination of chance and skill, in a game that is relatively straightforward to play. It is far less complicated than poker, which is a game that can take years to master. There are also tactics and Blackjack strategies that can actually reduce the house advantage, unlike pure chance games like roulette where the probabilities are fixed.
In this guide on how to win at Blackjack, we will start with some general hints and tips. Then we move on to some specific tactics and actions to take in certain situations. This article is for anyone who would like to improve their casual game at a physical or online casino, and it is intended for the recreational player.
The basic gameplay of Blackjack doesn’t change between games, but there can always be slight variations in the rules. Some of these rules are in place to limit the casino’s risk, and these ones can have a significant impact on potential wins and payouts.
It is important to be aware that not every game of Blackjack has been created equal, and players should look out for games with unfavorable rules. Here are a few examples of Blackjack rules that are better and worse for the player:
There are many more examples of house rules that change the odds towards the player or the casino. When searching for a Blackjack table – be it in-house, via live portal, or a digital game – pay attention to the rules and what they mean.
Blackjack is one casino game where strategizing is not only possible, but essential. We are not talking about the casino betting strategies that are often recommended for games like roulette. Those so-called strategies are nothing more than a betting system, and can do nothing to change the mathematical probabilities built into the game.
Blackjack is different. Basic Blackjack strategy has been developed using mathematics, to help players to make the best moves under certain conditions. Strategy may take a bit of time to learn, but even employing just one or two of the rules can improve players’ chances over playing with no tactics. When used correctly, basic strategy can significantly reduce the house advantage down to just 0.5%. Players using more advanced strategy can even tip the balance of probability in their favor. This makes Blackjack the highest ranked game at the best paying casinos.
We discuss specific Blackjack strategies and tactics further down this page.
These days there is no excuse for coming unprepared to a paying Blackjack table. There are any number of free virtual Blackjack games where players can practice using basic strategy without risking any money. These can often be found at online casinos, where players can access a demonstration version of the game for free. Simply load up the game, and you will find a large amount of free credit, usually in the region of $10,000.
Use this free credit to learn the Blackjack basics, adding strategic play as you improve. By the time you get to a paying table, you should be completely prepared.
If you are playing at a land-based casino, then it is bad form or even forbidden to take a printed sheet of strategy instructions with you. These Blackjack strategy cards are not, of course, actually cheating but simply a reminder of the best moves to make. Playing from home at a live Blackjack table, or a virtual RNG game, there is no problem with having a strategy card to consult at all times. As your game improves, it will become less and less necessary to carry one with you.
Below is a Blackjack chart that shows you how to make the best moves at the table. Feel free to use it.
When played well, Blackjack is a game with a very low house edge. However, payouts are also low, and there are no opportunities in the base game to win large multiples of the amounts wagered. In order to add a bit more excitement to the game, there are side bets that pay out a lot more should they come through.
One of the most attractive things about Blackjack is the small house advantage, but this is wiped away when playing side bets. It may be tempting to make a bet with a larger potential return, but it gives the casino a much larger advantage. Blackjack side bets can be fun on occasion, but they are best avoided most of the time – especially the insurance bet which is not at all good value for the player.
As with any casino game, discipline and moderation are key. Set limits for yourself each time you play – how much of your bankroll are you willing to spend, what is the maximum amount of time you can play, at what point do you stop when you are winning? Be aware of table limits, as well as the rate each game is played at. Be realistic with your bet limits, and of course never start trying to chase losses. If you have a bad session, close it down and take a break. There is always next time.
In the video guide below, our casino expert Kash Kingston explains each tip in more detail:
Now that we have looked at some of the more general advice about playing Blackjack, it is time to get specific. Here we have some examples of basic Blackjack strategy, and how to apply it in particular situations. This is not an exhaustive guide, but it should give any recreational player a good idea of where to start with strategy.
Before we start, a short explainer for some of the expressions used in Blackjack, which you will find in the guide:
Now let’s look at eight strategy rules that have been mathematically proven to give players the optimal results.
If you have a pair of Aces or 8s, the math says that you should split no matter what upcard the dealer is showing. Many players avoid splitting 8s if the dealer is showing a more favorable upcard, but hitting on a hard 16 carries more risk than splitting the 8s into two hands, even with the extra wager. Aces should always be split.
If surrender is permitted, it may be better to surrender a pair of 8s if the dealer is showing an Ace.
If you have a pair of Fives, that amounts to a hard Ten. It makes more sense to hit in this case rather than splitting into two hands. Many players like to split Tens, but sticking on Twenty gives better results overall.
Again, no matter the dealer’s upcard, your likelihood of winning increases when you double down on a hard 11 rather than hitting. There are certain table rules that reduce this advantage slightly, especially in games with many decks in play.
Eighteen feels like a strong hand, which is why players want to stick when the dealer’s upcard also looks strong. This is a mistake, as hitting actually mildly improves your chances – although the dealer is still in a better position no matter what you do. Hit and get a card up to 3, and your hand is now improved. Get a card valued at ten, and your hand has not been harmed.
Table rules specify whether the dealer must stand or hit on a soft 17. What the players need to do will change accordingly. When the dealer must hit soft 17, players should double down on the following:
The usual advice is to always split a pair of 9s if the dealer is showing 9 or under. The mathematical exception is when the dealer has a 7, as the chances of the dealer drawing a ten value card are relatively high. In this situation, your pair of nines has done the job and the odds are slightly better than if you had split.
Here is an easy one. Look at the paytable for a Blackjack game. The payout for Blackjack should be 3:2, but these days many are offering the less favorable 6:5. Simply move on and find a different game, as this is a bad payout and increases the house advantage considerably.
Finally, one of the simplest tactics to remember when playing Blackjack. If you have Ten in your initial two-card hand, and the dealer is showing Nine or less, then you as the player are at a mathematical advantage. In this case, it makes sense to double down and exploit your upper hand.
Blackjack bonus offers are a great way to increase your winnings when playing blackjack. With these bonuses, you can get extra cash for every hand that you play or even free spins on popular online casinos. Blackjack bonus offers usually come in the form of deposit matches, no-deposit bonuses and loyalty rewards. To take advantage of these promotions, make sure to read all terms and conditions before signing up with any casino. Also look out for wagering requirements which will determine how much money must be wagered before cashing out any winnings from your bonus funds. With careful research and some luck, using blackjack bonuses could give you an edge at the tables!
Blackjack is an extremely satisfying game to play, and with some basic strategy most players can succeed in bringing the house edge down to as little as 0.5%. Learning these strategy tips can take some time and practice, but there are multiple free demo Blackjack games online, where everyone is welcome to hone their skills before playing real money Blackjack.
The payouts in Blackjack are quite low, so it is a question of steady incremental gains rather than big flashy wins. Players should not be tempted by the side bets with the larger payouts, since this enormously increases the casino’s advantage.
Anyone can play Blackjack and win, but of course remember that winning is never guaranteed. Like with all casino games with real money, stay within your limits and only ever gamble for fun. Blackjack may have one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, but it still should not be viewed as a way to make money, but purely as entertainment.
We did not cover card counting in this article, since it is a somewhat advanced strategy and not always practical. It is not illegal, as some believe, but land casinos obviously don’t like it when patrons count cards. What it really means is that players keep mental track of what has been played, and use this to inform playing decisions. It is less effective in multi-deck games and all but impossible when cards are automatically shuffled every round or so.
For beginners, and those who wish to start using basic strategy, we recommend classic Blackjack. This game utilizes just one deck, so players have the best available odds.
There are many Blackjack tables that have rules that put players at a greater disadvantage. For example, tables that do not permit players to split a pair of aces, games that use six or more decks, and games that pay out 6:5 on Blackjack rather than 3:2.
It may seem like a lot of work to memorize all the basic strategy rules, but after playing for some time it will become second nature. Until then, keep a strategy guide handy whenever you play.
With over twelve years of experience, Beth brings a lot of knowledge in the field of gambling and always deals intensively with casinos reviews. She is responsible for most of the content that is written on MrCasinova.com and she also manages all MrCasinova.com contributors. Beth is native English and graduated with an MBA from Anglia Ruskin University.
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