Seven tips to maximize blackjack success
Have you already learned how to play blackjack and enjoy the game but can’t seem to find sure-fire ways to get ahead of the dealer? Do you want to increase your advantage over the house and even out the odds just a little bit? Well, if you answered yes to either or both of the previous questions then you are in the right place. This article is going to give you seven tips that will you increase your overall blackjack success when you are at the table.
Watch the Draw
One of the most important things to know in blackjack is when you should and when you shouldn’t. There are a number of in-depth charts available online for players to memorize; however, memorization isn’t everyone’s strong suit. If you don’t have time to learn the strategy charts or have the capability of doing so then try to remember this one simple tip: don’t hit if there are a lot of dealt low cards when your total is above 11 but below 17. The reason for this is that you have a relatively high chance of busting if you hit so instead of taking the chance and busting yourself – let the dealer or one of the other players take that card just in case.
Double Down
While many would say, otherwise, doubling down can be a great move for you as a blackjack player but only when used correctly. You should double down anytime you have a 10 or 11 and the dealer’s face up card is at six or below. Usually, this move will come out in your favour and it’s definitely worth the chance taken if you have a high chance of doubling your stake.
Split Sensibly
There is a simple rule that goes hand-in-hand with splitting at the table; however, most people still don’t abide by it and lose money because of it. Don’t ever split your 10’s but always splits your eights and your Aces. Two Aces equal 12 together but are potential blackjacks when separated. Two eights equal 16 together, which as you probably know is one of the worst numbers in blackjack, but can equal much better numbers when split. Further, with two 10’s, you have a total of 20, which aside from 21 is the best possible number to have in the game of blackjack so there is no reason to split them apart and risk it all when you most likely have the winning hand with two 10’s.
Never Purchase Insurance
For experienced gamblers, insurance is a sucker bet. Insurance is not something you should ever purchase when playing blackjack. It is simply a way for the casino to get some money back because so many gamblers fall into the trap of thinking that purchasing insurance is the way to go. Insurance makes you risk more money at a possible chance of making sure you end up with even money but more often than not, you will lose your original wager as well as your insurance bet. The risk isn’t worth it when it is very difficult to determine if the dealer has a blackjack.
Raise your wagers as play progresses
You should always start small and work your way up. As you win, you should raise your wagers. On the same token, you should lower your wagers as you lose. This helps you maintain a positive cash flow and bankroll while ensuring you stay in the game as long as possible.
Give Your Full Attention to the Game
It is very common for gamblers to let their minds wonder when playing blackjack as well as any other casino game. When you lose your concentration, dumb moves come into play that cost money – money that the casino then receives. If you can see that your mind is away from the game, then get up from the table and take a break – go grab a drink, a bite to eat or something to help gather your concentration and get your head back into the game. Your money is what is at stake when you lose your focus so you should do whatever it takes to win the game.
Set Logical Goals
When gambling, you should always set goals for yourself; however, don’t set goals that are completely out of reach. Instead, set rational goals that you will be able to achieve. When you reach that goal, stop playing – at least for a bit. Too many gamblers don’t know when to stop and that’s how they lose all the money they have won. If you set a goal of $1, 000, when you reach it, stop. Quit while you are head as it’s the only way to minimize your losses while maximizing your gains and that is exactly what you want to do when playing in the casino.
Watch the Draw
One of the most important things to know in blackjack is when you should and when you shouldn’t. There are a number of in-depth charts available online for players to memorize; however, memorization isn’t everyone’s strong suit. If you don’t have time to learn the strategy charts or have the capability of doing so then try to remember this one simple tip: don’t hit if there are a lot of dealt low cards when your total is above 11 but below 17. The reason for this is that you have a relatively high chance of busting if you hit so instead of taking the chance and busting yourself – let the dealer or one of the other players take that card just in case.
Double Down
While many would say, otherwise, doubling down can be a great move for you as a blackjack player but only when used correctly. You should double down anytime you have a 10 or 11 and the dealer’s face up card is at six or below. Usually, this move will come out in your favour and it’s definitely worth the chance taken if you have a high chance of doubling your stake.
Split Sensibly
There is a simple rule that goes hand-in-hand with splitting at the table; however, most people still don’t abide by it and lose money because of it. Don’t ever split your 10’s but always splits your eights and your Aces. Two Aces equal 12 together but are potential blackjacks when separated. Two eights equal 16 together, which as you probably know is one of the worst numbers in blackjack, but can equal much better numbers when split. Further, with two 10’s, you have a total of 20, which aside from 21 is the best possible number to have in the game of blackjack so there is no reason to split them apart and risk it all when you most likely have the winning hand with two 10’s.
Never Purchase Insurance
For experienced gamblers, insurance is a sucker bet. Insurance is not something you should ever purchase when playing blackjack. It is simply a way for the casino to get some money back because so many gamblers fall into the trap of thinking that purchasing insurance is the way to go. Insurance makes you risk more money at a possible chance of making sure you end up with even money but more often than not, you will lose your original wager as well as your insurance bet. The risk isn’t worth it when it is very difficult to determine if the dealer has a blackjack.
Raise your wagers as play progresses
You should always start small and work your way up. As you win, you should raise your wagers. On the same token, you should lower your wagers as you lose. This helps you maintain a positive cash flow and bankroll while ensuring you stay in the game as long as possible.
Give Your Full Attention to the Game
It is very common for gamblers to let their minds wonder when playing blackjack as well as any other casino game. When you lose your concentration, dumb moves come into play that cost money – money that the casino then receives. If you can see that your mind is away from the game, then get up from the table and take a break – go grab a drink, a bite to eat or something to help gather your concentration and get your head back into the game. Your money is what is at stake when you lose your focus so you should do whatever it takes to win the game.
Set Logical Goals
When gambling, you should always set goals for yourself; however, don’t set goals that are completely out of reach. Instead, set rational goals that you will be able to achieve. When you reach that goal, stop playing – at least for a bit. Too many gamblers don’t know when to stop and that’s how they lose all the money they have won. If you set a goal of $1, 000, when you reach it, stop. Quit while you are head as it’s the only way to minimize your losses while maximizing your gains and that is exactly what you want to do when playing in the casino.