How to Win at Blackjack

Expert Tips For Winning

As with most online casino games, players are constantly fighting to lower the house edge, and we’ve prepared a list of ultimate blackjack strategies to help you along the way.

1. Master Basic Strategies and Terms

If you are new to the game, the best thing you can do is to start with the classic standard game version. By applying a basic strategy and learning the rules, you can make optimal decisions based on the cards you have in your hand and the dealer’s upcard. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 10 ( King, Queen or Jack) and you have an Ace and an eight (total of either 9 or 18), your best bet would be to hit again to have the best chances of getting a total hand value of 19.

2. Choose Tables with Favorable Rules

Beginners should always look for a classic table setup, where landing a Blackjack pays 3-2 instead of 6-5, as this higher payout ratio increases potential winnings. Secondly, they should choose games where tables have fewer decks of cards, as this helps reduce the house edge by making it easier to predict card outcomes.

3. Choose Tables with the Double-Down Option

Beginners might feel unsure about using options like ‘Double Down’ and ‘Split’ because they can seem risky. However, the Double Down option can be very helpful when used correctly, i.e. when your total hand value is strong, especially if the dealer’s visible card (upcard) is 10 or less. In these situations, you can get a strong hand with just one more card.

4. Use a Strategy Card

Beginners should always use a strategy card for this casino game (or our cheat sheet) as it will help them make the best decisions based on their and the dealer’s hands and minimise their losses.

5. Split Aces and Eights

Splitting aces and eights is an ultimate blackjack strategy you should always use, regardless of the dealer’s upcard. Splitting Aces gives you two hands, each starting with a powerful Ace that can be worth 1 or 11, increasing your chances of getting a strong hand like 21. Splitting eights helps you avoid the weak 16, giving you two chances to improve your hand, ideally turning one or both into a stronger total like 18.

6. Stand to Avoid Busting

Keep an eye on the dealer’s upcard since these upcards can result in very high bust rates for the dealer. It’s best to stand if they have a weak upcard of between 4 and 6 and you have a hard 12 or more, as it will help you avoid busting yourself.

7. Choose Tables with Suitable Stakes

Choose a table with a minimum bet of no more than 5% of your bankroll. Following this rule will minimise the risk of losing all your money too quickly and increase your chances of winning. Remember that the different Blackjack tables have different minimum and maximum bets. You should also be mindful of different game’s variations, which may come with different rules and house edge percentages.

8. Double Down With Any Ace Against The Dealer’s Six

Another strategy when learning how to win at blackjack is to double down with any ace against the dealer’s six because the dealer’s upcard of six is considered a very weak card, so the player has a good chance of winning this hand by doubling down. Even if the dealer has a 10 card facedown, their best total hand value is 16. In this case, they are likely to hit, which can lead to a bust.

9. Set Your Limits and Stick to Them

Setting limits before playing the game is important on many fronts. It allows you to manage your time and finances and gamble responsibly. It also ensures that you don’t overexert yourself and have the right mindset to make the best possible decisions. If you are on a losing streak, don’t go chasing after your money.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart And Terminology

We designed a cheat sheet to teach you how to win at blackjack quicker and smarter.

Terminology in Blackjack

Here’s a recap of the terminology and possible moves available in this game:

• Hit: Request another card. You can keep asking for additional cards until you decide to stand or else go bust.
• Stand: You are content with the cards in your hand and thus will take no extra cards. The dealer can now play their hand.
• Double Down: You take an extra and final card by paying double the amount of your bet and stand.
• Split: If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two hands. The bet is the same as the original bet, so essentially doubling your bet.
• Surrender: You give up half of your wager and resign. This generally applies if you think you will lose the round, so you cut your losses by surrendering.
• Insurance: If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, you can take out Insurance. The Insurance bet costs half the value of your original bet. You are essentially betting on the dealer getting a blackjack.

Top Blackjack Strategies

Here are some ultimate blackjack strategies to try:

The Dealer’s Hand

Understanding the dealer’s hand is crucial. The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more. Use this knowledge to inform your decisions.

Cautious Approach

Bet conservatively and increase bets gradually after wins to minimize risk and manage your bankroll effectively.

Martingale System

Double your bet after each loss to recover losses with a single win. This strategy is risky and can lead to significant losses.

Surrender

Use the surrender option to forfeit half your bet and avoid larger losses when you have a weak hand against a strong dealer upcard.

When to Surrender

Using the Surrender option helps reduce the house edge by 0.07%. Since blackjack is a game of percentages and edges, the only way you can win consistently would be to use any means at your disposal to reduce the house’s advantage. For this reason, you need to know when to use surrender wisely.

There is a strategy for using surrender, which is easy to apply. We have compiled the table below on how and when you should use this option:

Note: Other factors might come into play you should be cautious about. At most online casino sites, there are some special rules when it comes to surrendering: 1) A player can only surrender any two-card total and 2) You cannot surrender after you have acted on a hand

Can Counting Cards Help You Win?

Counting cards in this game can help you raise your bet when you know the odds are stacked in your favour, making you more likely to win big. However, it is important to note that card counting is not a guaranteed way to win. It is simply a skill set in addition to your normal gameplay that gives you a better idea of what’s in the deck. You should note that most casinos have measures in place to detect card counters and will come down heavily on suspected card counters.

Mistakes To Avoid

You’ll make mistakes while learning how to win at blackjack. Here are some of the most common ones:

Not Knowing the Rules of the Variant

Each Blackjack variant comes with its own set of rules and side bets. Before you sit down to play a specific game’s variant, review the rules and see if it’s more profitable for you in the long run. Check:

• When you can double after a split.
• Will the dealer surrender at 17
• Do you even have the surrender option?

Playing Without a Strategy

If you second-guess your next move and decision, you unintentionally push the house edge and lower your chances of winning. Don’t play by guessing or basing your decisions on your gut instincts, as the game can be unforgiving. Read our article and choose an ultimate blackjack strategy to win.

Not Knowing When to Quit

You need to have a budget in place before you sit down to play the game. You should also decide on the win and loss limits. If you hit either of the targets, feel free to get up and walk away.

Many Blackjack players keep on playing even when they start to lose, hoping to recoup their losses or make significantly larger wins. There is this common misconception that the more you bet, the more likely you are to increase your chances of winning. Don’t fall for this error.

Making Bad Assumptions

Everyone should know that a house edge rarely alters throughout a game. If you are using a betting progression system, you are placing yourself in a position where you must keep raising bets, which is not a good decision, nor is it a move on your part. Don’t place yourself in such a vulnerable position as, in the long run, you are unable to beat the house edge. E

Avoid Side Betting

Side bets, including insurance and 21+3 bets, tend to cost a little extra, but some players still like to take the risk and place them due to their relative newness and shininess. Although the prospect is attractive, especially for newbies, the house edge on these bets is much higher. You might win a few of these side bets, but the chances are much lower. You could unnecessarily burn through your bankroll when opting for such bets.

Blaming Bad Luck

When you find yourself in a situation where you have several bad hands, control your emotions and do not harass the casino dealer or other players. Try to concentrate and stay focused on the game. If you are experiencing a bad streak, feel free to get up and walk away from the gambling session.