EXPERT BLACKJACK TIPS ON HOW TO PLAY & WIN AT BLACKJACK GAMES

Do you think you have what it takes to be a blackjack master? Are you ready to challenge yourself and try your luck at the classic card game? Well, buckle up because we’ve got some expert-level blackjack tips on how to play and win when you sit at your next blackjack table.

It’s time for some serious casino gaming with real-world blackjack strategies. Whether you love playing in Las Vegas or prefer the vibes of popular online casinos, these tried-and-true methods will give anyone a better chance of winning big.

So if you want to add another notch to your belt as a successful blackjack player, read on. We’ll cover everything from the basic strategy, table rules, blackjack odds and house edge to more advanced tips, such as how to split when holding pairs, when to split aces and learning how to play soft hands aggressively.

THE BASIC STRATEGY: BLACKJACK TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

If you’re a beginner looking to try your hand at this timeless favourite, there are a few basic strategies you should keep in mind before you start playing at a blackjack table.

While we’ll go over actual blackjack basic strategy and learn how to read a basic strategy chart, these tips dive deeper into betting strategies and professional hacks so you can win online or at land-based casinos. 

UNDERSTAND THE RULES

Familiarising yourself with the rules is the first step for any punter about to play blackjack for the first time. After all, how can one strategise or split their bets without knowing the actual rules of the game?

UNDERSTAND THE BASIC STRATEGY

A basic blackjack strategy chart displays the optimal move based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard. The goal? To considerably decrease the house edge for players.

For example, in a standard blackjack game, the basic strategy helps to bring down the house edge to around 0.50%. The absence of a basic strategy can result in the house advantage going up to 2.5% or more.

Thus, it is significant that you learn and apply the blackjack basic strategy correctly each time you play the game to earn a lower house edge and improve your chances of winning at blackjack.

If you’re unsure how to use it effectively, practise playing blackjack among fellow players. It’ll allow you to test your understanding of blackjack and improve your decision-making skills without risking real money.

Bear in mind that the basic strategy may vary in a single-deck game, double-deck game and blackjack games with more decks.

UNDERSTAND THE HOUSE EDGE

The house edge refers to the statistical advantage that the casino has over the player in any particular game, including blackjack. This knowledge can help casual players make informed decisions and manage their expectations while playing.

What do you need to know, though? Firstly, it’s important to know that the house edge in blackjack can vary depending on a few factors, like how many decks are being used and the game’s specific rules – different games may have different rules. It’s best to do some research and look for blackjack games with low house edges.

DON’T BUY INTO GAMBLERS’ MYTHS

These myths are a collection of superstitions, beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding the blackjack game that aren’t based on reality or facts but are perpetuated by punters. Falling for these myths can negatively impact your decision-making, causing you to make poor choices that can lead to significant losses in your gameplay.

To avoid this, take time to research and learn about the game. Base your decisions on logic and probability.

Here are a few tips to help beginner blackjack players avoid gambler’s myths:

• Understand the basic rules and strategies of the game.
• Don’t chase losses or believe in ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ machines.
• Remember that the cards have no memory, and the odds do not change from one round to the next.
• Always use proper bankroll management strategies, especially regarding money management.
• Avoid taking tips from other players while playing.

By following these tips, you can avoid falling for gambler’s myths and improve your chances of winning in blackjack.

DON’T PLAY INSURANCE

An insurance bet is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. The insurance bet is a side bet that offers players security when the dealer’s hole card is a 10, as the dealer could potentially have a natural blackjack.

In general, taking insurance is generally considered a bad idea for beginners, as it can significantly decrease your odds of winning. According to some betting websites, the proper times to take this bet are when insurance is called for by basic strategy (for example, when the dealer’s upcard is an ace and your hand totals 16 points). It’s also recommended when you have a good sense of the likelihood that the dealer has blackjack based on the number of decks in play.

SET A GAMBLING BUDGET

Often, people tend to get carried away in the game and forget how much they’ve already spent, which could potentially lead to a financial disaster. To avoid this, decide on a budget you feel comfortable playing with and stick to it.

One way to establish a gambling budget is to determine how much money is disposable per week or month. From that, you can limit how much you can afford to lose in a session, preferably no more than 10% of your total bankroll.

Another helpful tip is to leave all credit and debit cards at home and only bring physical money (when at a land-based casino, of course). This limits the amount of money you have to gamble with. When you’re done, you’re done.

When betting online, most casinos allow you to set limits or self-exclude for a limited period of time.

CHOOSE A TABLE THAT WOULD MATCH YOUR BANKROLL

Once you’ve set your budget, it is important that you select a table that matches that budget. Different tables have varying minimum and maximum bet limits; some are better suited to larger bankrolls than others. 

START WITH A TABLE YOU’RE FAMILIAR WITH

If you’re still starting out, it may be best to begin your blackjack journey at a table you’re more familiar with instead of diving headlong into elaborate variants. Some versions of blackjack are more complex than others, as they’d feature additional bonus bets and rules. So, start off slow and then work your way up!

START SMALL

It’s not wise to bet more than 1% of your bankroll per hand. If you have €100, you should only wager €1 per hand. Starting small also allows beginners to learn the game’s rules, develop a blackjack strategy, and increase their confidence without risking too much.

How can you do this? Choose a table with low minimum bets (generally €5 or less). This way, you can play more hands without exceeding your budget.

NEVER SPLIT 10-VALUE CARDS

If you’re not that much of a skilled player yet, it’s important to understand that splitting 10-value cards (10s, jacks, queens, and kings) is generally a bad blackjack strategy. Why?

Because when you split these cards, you’re essentially breaking up a strong hand and replacing it with two weaker hands. The chances of you getting a better hand with each new card dealt are much lower than sticking with your initial 10-value card hand.

Splitting 10-value cards reduces your overall win rate by about 5.5%. So, unless you have a specific and well-thought-out strategy for splitting 10s, it’s generally best to avoid it.

SPLIT WHEN HOLDING A PAIR

When should you split? Whenever you hold a pair. Splitting a pair means dividing your two-card hand into two separate hands, each receiving a new card. This increases the chances of getting a better hand and winning against the dealer.

For example, if you have two aces, splitting the pair gives you two hands with a new card added to each. This means you have a better chance of getting a 21 or at least two high-value hands to beat the dealer.

To split a pair, you must place another bet of equal value to your original bet, and then the dealer will separate the cards into two hands. It’s important to note that some pairs, such as 10s or face cards, should not be split (as mentioned above).

ALWAYS SPLIT ACES AND EIGHTS

Splitting aces and eights would give you a better chance at forming a good hand than if you had to leave them as a pair. A pair of aces can take the value of two or a soft 12, while a pair of eights add up to 16. Neither of these values are particularly favourable, so it’s good to separate them.

UNDERSTAND BLACKJACK STREAKS

Blackjack streaks refer to runs of consecutive winning or losing hands. Recognising streaks can help you adjust your bets accordingly and prevent you from losing your money in a single round.

To pick up on blackjack streaks, observe the game and analyse the hands dealt. You can adjust your bets accordingly if you see a pattern in your winning or losing hands.

If you’re on a hot streak, increase your bet size to maximise the winning run. Conversely, if you’re losing, it’s best to decrease your bet to minimise your losses.

Another important tip is to avoid superstitions and emotional decisions. For example, if you believe a losing streak is about to end, resist the temptation to make big bets to recoup your losses. This strategy is a common fallacy and can lead to significant losses as you play.

PLAY SOFT HANDS AGGRESSIVELY

Soft hands are hands that include an ace, which counts as either one or 11, giving you more flexibility with the hand. This means that even if you hit and get a card that would cause you to bust, the ace can be counted as one instead of 11.

However, playing soft hands aggressively means taking risks and making bets that may pay off in the long run.

One tip for playing soft hands aggressively is to double down when the dealer is showing a weak card, such as a four, five or six. Doubling down means doubling your initial bet and getting one more card. This is a risky move, but it can pay off significantly with a soft hand.

Another tip is hitting when the dealer shows a strong card, such as a 10 or an ace. This may seem counterintuitive, but with a soft hand, you have more flexibility to hit and potentially improve your hand without busting.

KNOW WHEN TO SURRENDER

By surrendering, players can minimise their losses and maximise their chances of winning. Surrendering allows players to forfeit the game and only lose half of their original bet.

A beginner blackjack player can surrender in two different ways: early surrender or late surrender.

Early surrender happens before the dealer checks for a blackjack hand, but most games only feature a Late Surrender rule. Late Surrender is more common, which can be done after the dealer checks for a natural 21.

The best times to surrender when you play blackjack is when an ace or a 10 is visible with the dealer while having a hand total of hard 16 to hard 17 or a soft 15 to soft 17. These situations have a low probability of winning, and it is better to risk losing only half of the bet.

CONSIDER COUNTING CARDS

Card counting involves keeping a mental record of the cards already dealt with forecasting the probability of specific cards appearing in the next hand. This practice can be beneficial while playing blackjack, allowing players to make more informed decisions as they count cards. Consequently, players can decide whether to hit, double down, or stand to defeat the dealer.

There are several card counting systems you could use. To get started with counting cards, try to focus on a simple system that involves assigning values to the cards. One popular system is the Hi-Lo method, in which you must assign a value of a negative one to high cards (10, J, Q, K, A) and a positive one to low cards (two-six).

Cards in the middle (seven, eight, and nine) are assigned a value of zero. By keeping a running count of these values, you can see how many high and low cards are left in the deck and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Bear in mind that card counting is banned by many land casino venues and is practically impossible to do at online casino sites. This rule goes for all casino games.

PRACTICE PLAYING BLACKJACK FOR FREE

Playing free blackjack online helps you learn the rules, correct play and basic gameplay, lets you get comfortable with the game and builds confidence in your decision-making skills. In addition, it allows you to test out different strategies without the fear of losing money while also familiarising yourself with any additional rules you haven’t encountered before.

And luckily for you, plenty of casinos, including HotSlots, offer the ability to play demo versions of popular online casino games. For example, you can search for different types of blackjack games on HotSlots and click the ‘DEMO‘ button to play for free.

Once you’ve found a free blackjack game, take advantage of the opportunity to experiment with different strategies. We’ve got many games to choose from!

USE PROPER ETIQUETTE

Etiquette comes into play whether you’re wagering online or at a land casino. If you want the best experience possible, you must always have good etiquette no matter what.

PLAY BLACKJACK LIKE A PRO: ADVANCED BLACKJACK TIPS AND TRICKS

Have you implemented all of the blackjack tips above? Are you ready to take your blackjack game to the next level? If so, you’ll need to hone your skills and learn some advanced tips and tricks. Here are a few ways to go, from betting on simple games to sharpening your betting strategy and maximising your earnings.

MEMORISE STRATEGY CHARTS

It’s not enough to simply learn the rules of blackjack or understand strategy charts. You need to memorise those charts.

They’ll help you make the best decisions possible at every turn, turning the odds more in your favour by reducing the house edge. Without this knowledge, you’ll rely on luck alone, ultimately leading to more losses than wins.

There are a few easy tips for those who want to commit these charts to memory. First, break the charts into small sections and focus on memorizing one section at a time. Use flashcards or online tools to practice regularly, and also try to apply what you’ve learned in real games.

Repetition and practice are key when memorising these charts, so don’t be discouraged if it takes time to master them.

LEARN BLACKJACK VARIATIONS

Studying and understanding different rule sets and strategies can give you an edge over other players and increase your chances of winning. It’s also important to note that some casinos may have different game variations, so being familiar with them can prevent confusion and costly mistakes.

As an advanced player, you can start by researching online or reading books on the subject to learn variations of blackjack. You can also attend blackjack workshops or seek out experienced players for advice. Some popular variations include:

• Double Exposure
• Spanish 21
• Blackjack Switch

Practicing and experimenting with different strategies within each variation is essential to see what works best for you.

MIX POSITIVE & NEGATIVE PROGRESSION BETTING SYSTEMS

Positive progressive strategies encourage players to increase their bet size after each win, resulting in a lucrative win. However, positive progression can also lead to big losses if the player hits a losing streak.

Negative progression systems, on the other hand, encourage players to increase their bets after each loss in hopes of winning back their losses. Yet, this, too, can lead to a significant loss streak and put a significant dent in your bankroll the same way a positive system can. By combining elements of both strategies, players can make smarter bets while minimising risk.

Intermediate and advanced players can mix their betting strategy by alternating between positive and negative progression systems. For example, you can start with a negative progression system to regain your losses and then switch to a positive progression system to ride the winning streak.

USE THE MARTINGALE BLACKJACK BETTING SYSTEM

Speaking of betting systems, have you heard of the Martingale betting system? The idea behind the Martingale system is to double your bet after each loss and then revert to your original bet after a win. This approach helps to recover losses quickly and capitalise on streaks.

Remember, only bet what you can afford to lose, and don’t chase your losses. Additionally, it’s crucial to choose the right table and limit and to understand the rules and payout structures before you even start playing.

TRY THE OSCAR’S GRIND BLACKJACK BETTING SYSTEM

This system is ideal for intermediate or advanced players ready to kick things up a notch. This system involves increasing your bet after a winning hand and keeping it the same after a losing hand.

To try Oscar’s Grind, set up a base betting unit. This could be €10, for example. After each winning hand, increase your bet by one unit. If you lose a hand, keep your bet the same. The idea is to keep gradually increasing your bet until you reach a predetermined profit goal, then start over at your base unit.

Remember that no betting system is foolproof, and all involve some risk.

CONSIDER THE FIBONACCI METHOD

The Fibonacci Method is a popular strategy among blackjack players as it helps recover from losses quickly while increasing winnings. To use this method, players must start with a minimum bet amount and increase it by the next number in the Fibonacci sequence after every loss. If the player wins, they go back to two numbers in the sequence.

For example, if you start with a €5 bet and lose, you would increase your next bet to €8, then €13, €21, and so on. If you win after the €13 bet, you will return two numbers to the €5 bet.

TEST OUT THE PAROLI SYSTEM

Also known as the Reverse Martingale, the Paroli system involves doubling your wager after every win and revert to your initial stake after a loss. The beauty about this system is that your profits drastically increase, but it would only take one loss to put you right back to where you started.

DO NOT STICK TO ONE STRATEGY

While there are many strategies you can use, remember that none of them are foolproof. Don’t stick to one strategy in the hopes of earning a win — switch it up and move on!

AVOID ALL SIDE BONUS BETS

These types of bets may seem attractive and enticing due to their high payouts, but they often have a much higher house edge than the main game. This means that over time, players who consistently place side bets will often lose more money than they would if they focused on the main game.

Instead of focusing on side bets, focus on honing your basic strategy skills. This includes memorising the basic strategy chart and knowing when to hit, stand, double down, and surrender based on the dealer’s upcard and your hand.

Look for tables with favourable rules, such as those that offer a 3:2 payout for blackjack rather than a 6:5 payout, and avoid tables with unfavourable rules, like those that only allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17.

UNDERSTAND THE RULE OF 45

The Rule of 45 suggests that players should never hit a hand that totals 12 or more when the dealer’s upcard is a four, five or six. This is because the likelihood of the dealer busting when they have these upcards is higher.

SPLIT 10S WITH A FIVE OR SIX

When the dealer has a five or six, the odds of them busting are high. Therefore, splitting your 10s can double your chances of winning. Why? These cards increase the dealer’s chances of busting. However, avoid splitting 10s if you have a small bankroll or a high minimum bet.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOW-CARD LAYOUTS

Low cards favour the dealer, while high cards favour the player. Advanced blackjack players can make smarter decisions on when to hit, stand, double down, or split by keeping track of low and high cards.

One tip is to use a card counting system that assigns values to each card; just bear in mind that counting cards is banned at most casino venues. Another tip is to pay attention to the dealer’s upcard. Standing and letting the dealer bust may be advantageous if it is a low card (two to six) and you have a strong hand. On the other hand, if the dealer’s upcard is high (10 to ace) and you have a weak hand, it may be best to hit and hope for a better card.