How To Win Playing Blackjack

How To Win Playing Blackjack Average ratng: 4,4/5 9802 votes

The best total of all is a two-card 21, or a blackjack. Blackjack pays 3-2-that is, a two-card 21 on a $5 bet will win $7.50 instead of the usual $5 even-money payoff on other winning hands. However, if the dealer also has a two-card 21, the hand pushes, or ties, and you just get your original bet back. Jan 18, 2011  How to win at blackjack (21) with gambling expert Michael 'Wizard of Odds' Shackleford. How to Win Big Playing Las Vegas Slots - Duration: 26:45. What's New Vegas 19,949 views. Blackjack likely originated in 18th-century France, when it was called vingt-et-un which translates to '21.' But it exploded as a popular casino game after Edward O. Thorp outlined his Basic Strategy for winning in blackjack in his 1963 bestselling book, 'Beat the Dealer.' Which, by the way, is the ultimate objective of the game. Mar 20, 2017  How to Win at Blackjack — and Walk Out Of the Casino Alive. Today and found the old notes on how to win Blackjack I took years back.

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In this article you'll find:

  • A basic Blackjack cheat sheet for beginners
  • An overview of the best Blackjack strategies to play online
  • Useful online Blackjack tips to increase your chances of winning

May 22, 2017  Recorded by DU Recorder – Screen recorder for Android Over 1.5million dollars won on 1 hand. Wow amazing play. Nov 13, 2018  In this video, professional Blackjack players Colin Jones and 'Loudon Ofton' break down the objective of blackjack, how to play it, as well as how it is possible to turn the tables on the casino. Blackjack is a fun game and it certainly has changed since Dr. Thorp published 'Beat the Dealer' in 1961 and gave us tips for optimal play at casino blackjack tables. Yet, like all games, the more you know, the better your experience will be.

Mr cashman jailbird slot machine. Let's face it - we've all looked for the best and the most effective strategy to win at blackjack.

More than once.

As a huge fan of Blackjack, I tried countless betting strategies.

I won big, I lost big. Luckily, all of this experience helped me to understand one thing: moderation is the key.

After all I've been through, I want to share my knowledge with you.

My goal is to maximize your winnings and to minimize your losses.

At the end of the day, we are all on the same boat:

We just want to beat the dealer and bring home as much money as possible.

Even though a fool proof blackjack strategy doesn't exist, the info below can help you play smart and win more.

Losing all your savings won't get you anywhere and will only make you hate casinos.

So, let's make the best out of your blackjack casino experience and help each other to you win more.

After all, the most important thing is to have fun. And the more you know, the more fun blackjack gets.

Check Out This Blackjack Cheat Sheet

First things first. Even though the most important thing that keeps you from losing big is money management - and as a poker player I assume you are A PRO at this - you also have to know the basic tactics to deal with cards effectively.

As you know, there are a few decisions you can take depending on your cards and the dealer's open card.

These decisions are:

  • Stand
  • Hit
  • Double
  • Split
  • Surrender

Sometimes, all it takes is basic logic.

Like you don't want to hit (ask for an additional card) if you have a 20, and you don't want to stand if you have only a 3.

However, things are not always that simple.

That's why our experienced team prepared a detailed blackjack chart to show you how to play every hand at blackjack.

Use it to know when it is recommended to hit, to stand, or to do something else.

Yes, you can use this basic blackjack strategy table when you play online blackjack for real money.

How

Whether you play virtual or live dealer games, you can (or better, you should) base your blackjack play on what's indicated on this blackjack cheat-sheet.

Alternatively, you can use this downloadable Blackjack basic strategy chart.

Hard totals
Dealer's card >2345678910A
Player's hand
17-20SSSSSSSSSS
16SSSSSHHSUSUSU
15SSSSSHHHSUH
13-14SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhH
10DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
9HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
5-8HHHHHHHHHH
Soft totals
Dealer's card >2345678910A
A,8-A,9SSSSSSSSSS
A,7SDsDsDsDsSSHHH
A,6HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
A,4-A,5HHDhDhDhHHHHH
A,2-A,3HHHDhDhHHHHH
Pairs
Dealer's card >2345678910A
A,ASPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
10,10SSSSSSSSSS
9,9SPSPSPSPSPSSPSPSS
8,8SPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
7,7SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH
6,6SPSPSPSPSPHHHHH
5,5DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
4,4HHHSPSPHHHHH
2,2-3,3SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH

Key:
S = Stand
H = Hit
Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit)
Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)

Now that you have a basic understanding the different blackjack actions (which you can practice HERE for free), let's move to the best blackjack betting strategies.

A Conservative Blackjack Strategy: Win Little by Little

If you're a beginner, I completely understand your fear of high stakes.

I also wouldn't want to lose a fortune on my very first game.

Or on my second. And third one.

That would discourage me from playing blackjack ever again - or even visiting Las Vegas.

That's why I suggest you to use a conservative approach when it comes to betting in blackjack.

The main idea is this:

Raise your bet every time you win.

This strategy is based on the idea that wins and losses come in streaks.

You might lose five times in a row, but then, miraculously, win three consecutive bets.

I know, I know, blackjack is a game of chance, and the outcome is random.

BUT

My long-term experience says that there is a pattern. I just can't explain it logically.

Just look at some random sequences made with the probability theory in mind.

Usually, you can see some sort of streaks, and this can be applied to blackjack too.

So, all you need to do is raise your stakes little by little - but only when you win.

You can use our list of the best casinos to play blackjack online and test this strategy for free. Don't forget to use our strategy charts when learning how to win.

An Aggressive Approach to Blackjack: the Martingale Strategy

Now we're talking.

The Martingale blackjack strategy is my favourite.

This is a blackjack system that helps me win often - but only when I have a lot of money to invest on my games.

If you don't have at least $500 to gamble online - don't use it.

If you do - keep reading and get ready to have fun.

The Martingale strategy is completely different from the conservative blackjack approach.

You have to be brave to use this one.

It basically goes like this:

You double your bet… every time you lose.

Now that sounds like a downer.

How can you ever win if you keep losing - and losing more and more as you keep playing?

Listen.

How To Win At Blackjack In Vegas

Even if you lose lots of money on several consecutive losses, everything changes when you win.

As you've been doubling your bets, the one that brings you victory makes your bankroll grow to the point of covering the amount you lost before that happened.

However, there's one thing to keep in mind. One very important thing.

Once you go over your initial bankroll, STOP.

The Martingale blackjack strategy doesn't work when it comes to long gaming sessions.

There have been cases when I lost all my money, and that happened because I was greedy.

The best approach is to play blackjack often and stop immediately when you get some extra cash.

This way, you will benefit greatly in the long run and won't be left penniless at the end of the day.

You are very likely to win at least one hand per round of blackjack - and that's all you need when applying the Martingale blackjack strategy.

Just keep in mind that you need a big initial bankroll for this one.

You need to have enough money to keep doubling the bet until you finally beat the odds.

If you feel like it, you can practice this strategy on different blackjack variants to see, which one works best for you.

In case your betting limits are low - don't worry. The next blackjack strategy guide is for you.

1-3-2-6 Blackjack Betting System

The 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy doesn't sound like the most exciting thing ever - especially after you've read about the Martingale strategy - but it can still help you a lot.

Most importantly, it doesn't require to have an enormous bankroll, so that's a plus.

So, what do the numbers in the title of the strategy stand for?

Your bets after you win a hand of blackjack.

In other words, you trigger this system after you win - and cut it once you lose.

This way, you won't lose all your money at once.

Once again, this blackjack strategy is based on the idea that winnings come in streaks.

Also, it gives you a systematic approach to your bets. You don't make your bets randomly and that gives you control over the game. Everything goes as planned - step by step.

Let's take a look at an example of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy.

Say, your initial bet is $10. If you won blackjack game four times in a row, your betting pattern would look like this:

$10-$30-$20-$60

Of course, let's not forget that you would immediately cut this sequence if you lost.

You would then return to your original $10 and wait for another win.

You might ask, does 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy really work?

Well, it helps.

It helps you manage your bets, not to overspend, and gives you an advantage when you hit a hot streak.

Even if your winnings might look like rookie numbers at the beginning, you'll have an advantage in the long run.

You can play blackjack for free at this Casino to see if this strategy works for you in reducing the house edge.

How to Win More at Blackjack: A Few Important Tips

Even though we all want to win at blackjack every time we play, it's impossible.

Luckily, you can maximize your winnings and make blackjack odds more favorable with a few simple tips that are as important as an effective blackjack betting strategy.

So, here's what you need to do to be a successful blackjack player:

  • Say NO to insurance. Blackjack insurance is probably the worst thing that could happen to this casino game. It's useless, money-draining, and should be thrown out the window immediately. Don't use it!
  • Keep the house edge in mind. You can't expect to win at blackjack every time you play. That's because it has a house edge which ensures that the casino has an advantage in the long run. The best method to avoid the house edge is to stop playing as soon as you win extra money.
  • Check the rules of blackjack every time you play. It comes as no surprise that such a popular game like blackjack has tons of different variations. Each of them has slightly different rules. Check them out before you make your first bet.
  • Choose 3:2 over 6:5 payout. Some casinos decide to cheat a little and make the payout 6:5 instead of the usual 3:2. Playing at such a casino means that you won't win as much as you should. Avoid casino sites, mobile casinos, and live casinos with bad payouts for blackjack players.

And now it's time to test all these best blackjack strategies in real life.

Also, use these tips and study the blackjack action strategy table. After a short while, you'll find yourself winning more and more.

However, the most important method to win at blackjack game is, once again, moderation.

No blackjack strategy will help you if you waste your winnings playing blackjack all day long.

You must quit as soon as you make even the smallest profit, or otherwise everything will go to waste.

If you play small, your winnings will accumulate, and you'll win big in the long run.

And that's the most important thing of all.

Finding a trustworthy room to play online poker can be a monumental burden. That's all the more true if you're just looking for a place to play poker for free. We've listed five of the best play-money poker sites to enjoy and help hone your skills.

The promotion presented on this page was available at the time of writing. With some Casino promotions changing on daily basis, we suggest you to check on the site if it still available. Also, please do not forget to read the terms and conditions in full before you accept a bonus.
Increase your odds of winning by learning the fundamentals of blackjack, plus some basic blackjack strategy in this article. Duncan Nicholls/OJO Images/Getty Images

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Millions of players have heard the message that of all the casino table games, blackjack is the one that it is possible to beat. A practical system for counting cards in blackjack to gain an edge over the casino was made available to the public in the early 1960s. As it happened, few players ever really learned to beat the dealer. Furthermore, playing conditions have changed since then. Some tables use more than one deck at a time or cut a percentage of the cards out of play so that a card counter never sees them.

Even though most players don't have the skill to win consistently, the belief that blackjack can be beaten was enough to spark a boom in the game. Blackjack is by far the most popular casino table game in the United States, with more players than craps, roulette, and baccarat combined.

A lot of people don't have either the patience, persistence, and concentration necessary for card counting or the bankroll to make it effective. But they can still narrow the house advantage to less than 1 percent in blackjack. The secret is to learn basic strategy for hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting pairs. A little time spent learning to play well can make your money go a lot farther in the casino. In this article, you will learn the fundamentals of blackjack, as well as some strategies to increase your odds of winning. Let's get started by learning how to play the game:

Rules

Blackjack is played with one or more standard 52-card decks, with each denomination assigned a point value. The cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value. Kings, queens, and jacks are each worth 10, and aces may be used as either 1 or 11. The object for the player is to draw cards totaling closer to 21, without going over, than the dealer's cards.

The best total of all is a two-card 21, or a blackjack. Blackjack pays 3-2--that is, a two-card 21 on a $5 bet will win $7.50 instead of the usual $5 even-money payoff on other winning hands. However, if the dealer also has a two-card 21, the hand pushes, or ties, and you just get your original bet back. But if the dealer goes on to draw 21 in three or more cards, your blackjack is still a winner with its 3-2 payoff.

The game is usually played at an arc-shaped table with places for up to seven players on the outside and for the dealer on the inside. At one corner of the table is a rectangular placard that tells the minimum and maximum bets at that table, as well as giving variations in common rules. For example, the sign might say, 'BLACKJACK. $5 to $2,000. Split any pair three times. Double on any two cards.' That means the minimum bet at this table is $5 and the maximum is $2,000. Pairs may be split according to the rules described below, and if more matching cards are dealt, the pairs may be split up to three times for a total of four hands. The player may double the original bet (double down) and receive just one more card on any two-card total.

The standard table layout for blackjack.

How To Win At Blackjack

Most games today use four, six, or eight decks. After being shuffled, the cards are placed in a receptacle called a shoe, from which the dealer can slide out one card at a time. Single- or double-deck games, most common in Nevada, but also popular in Mississippi and some other markets, may be dealt from the dealer's hand.

How To Win Playing Blackjack Online

Play begins when you place a bet by stacking a chip or chips in the betting square on the table directly in front of you. After all bets have been placed, each player and the dealer are given two cards. In a shoe game, all player cards are dealt faceup, and the players are not permitted to touch their cards. In a single- or double-deck game dealt from the hand, cards are dealt facedown and players may pick them up with one hand. Either way, one of the dealer's cards is turned faceup so the players can see it.

How To Win At Blackjack Reddit

Once the cards have been dealt, players decide in turn how to play out their hands. After all players have finished, the dealer plays according to set rules: The dealer must draw more cards to any total of 16 or less and must stand on any total of 17 or more. In some casinos, the dealer will also draw to 'soft' 17 -- a 17 including an ace or aces that could also be counted as a 7. The most common soft 17 is ace-6, but several other totals, such as ace-3-3 or ace-4-2, on up to ace-ace-ace-ace-ace-ace-ace in a multiple deck game, are soft 17s.

Hit: If you hit, you take another card or cards in hopes of getting closer to 21. If the player's total exceeds 21 after hitting, the player is said to 'bust' and loses the bet. In shoe games, the player signals a hit by pointing to his cards or scratching or waving toward himself. In facedown games, the player signals a hit by scratching the table with the cards. Verbal calls to hit are not accepted -- signals are used for the benefit of the security cameras above the table, so a taped record is on hand to settle any potential disputes.

Stand: If you stand, you elect to draw no more cards in hopes that the current total will beat the dealer. Signal a stand by holding a flattened palm over your cards in a faceup game or by sliding your cards under your bet in a facedown game.

Double down: You may elect to double your original bet and receive only one more card regardless of its denomination. Some casinos restrict doubling down to hands in which your first two cards total 10 or 11. Others allow you to double on any two cards. Double down by taking a chip or chips equal to the amount of your original bet and placing them next to your bet. In a facedown game, at this point you also need to turn your original two cards faceup.

Split: If your first two cards are of the same denomination, you may elect to make a second bet equal to your first and split the pair, using each card as the first card in a separate hand. For example, if you are dealt two 8s, you may slide a second bet equal to the first to your betting box. The dealer will separate the 8s, then put a second card on the first 8. You play that hand out in normal fashion until you either stand or bust; then the dealer puts a second card on the second 8, and you play that hand out.

Insurance: If the dealer's faceup card is an ace, you may take 'insurance,' which essentially is a bet that the dealer has a 10-value card down to complete a blackjack. Insurance, which may be taken for half the original bet, pays 2-1 if the dealer has blackjack. The net effect is that if you win the insurance bet and lose the hand, you come out even. For example, the player has 18 with a $10 bet down. The dealer has an ace up. The player takes a $5 insurance bet. If the dealer has blackjack, the player loses the $10 bet on the hand but wins $10 with the 2-1 payoff on the $5 insurance bet.

Many dealers will advise players to take insurance if the player has a blackjack. This can be done by simply calling out, 'Even money' -- because if the dealer does have blackjack, the player gets a payoff equal to the player's bet instead of the 3-2 normally paid on blackjack.

These are the steps involved: Player bets $10 and draws a blackjack. Dealer has an ace up. Player makes a $5 insurance bet. Dealer has blackjack. The player's blackjack ties the dealer's, so no money changes hands on the original bet. But the $5 insurance bet wins $10 on the 2-1 payoff -- the same as if the original $10 bet had won an even-money payoff.

As it happens, dealers who suggest this play are giving bad advice. Insurance would be an even bet if the dealer showing an ace completed a blackjack one-third (33.3 percent) of the time. But only 30.8 percent of cards have 10-values. Taking insurance is a bad percentage play, no matter what the player total, unless the player is a card counter who knows that an unusually large concentration of 10-value cards remains to be played.

Variations

Not all blackjack games are created equal. Some variations in the rules are good for the player, and some are bad. The shifts in the house edge may look small, but they make large differences in a game in which the total house edge is less than 1 percent against a basic strategy player. Here are some common variations and their effect on the house advantage:

Double downs after splitting pairs permitted: A very good rule for the player, it cuts the house advantage by 0.13 percent. In areas where several casinos are within reasonable distance, the player should choose games in which doubling after splits is allowed.

Resplitting of aces permitted: At most casinos, the player who splits aces receives only one more card on each ace. But if the player receives another ace, some casinos allow the resulting pair to be resplit. This option cuts the house edge by 0.03 percent. It is rare to find a game that goes even further by allowing the player to draw more than one card to a split ace, an option that cuts the house edge by 0.14 percent.

Early surrender: When the dealer's faceup card is an ace, the dealer checks to see if the down-card is a 10 to complete a blackjack before proceeding with play. If the house allows the player to surrender half the original bet instead of playing the hand before the dealer checks for blackjack, that is early surrender. A great rule for the player, and one that is rarely found, early surrender cuts the house edge by 0.624 percent. Surrender can easily be misused by beginners who haven't mastered basic strategy.

Late surrender: Found more often than early surrender, but still not commonplace, late surrender allows the player to give up half the bet rather than playing the hand after the dealer checks for blackjack. This decreases the house edge by 0.07 percent in a multiple-deck game, 0.02 percent in a single-deck game.

Double-downs limited to hard 11 and hard 10: Some casinos do not allow the player to double on totals of less than 10 or on soft hands. The net is a 0.28-percent increase in the house edge.

Dealer hits soft 17: If, instead of standing on all 17s, the dealer hits hands including an ace or aces that can be totaled as either 7 or 17, the house edge is increased by 0.2 percent.

Blackjack pays 6-5: Common on single-deck games on the Las Vegas Strip, this game is a bankroll breaker for players. For example, a two-card 21 pays only $6 for a $5 bet instead of the usual $7.50, which adds 1.4 percent edge to the house--more than the usual house edge against the basic strategy of seasoned players in nearly all games with the normal 3-2 return.

Now that you know how to play, let's explore some of the finer points of the game. In the next section, you will learn the etiquette and strategy of blackjack.