Blackjack is one of the most popular classic casino games. There is a reason for that – played right, it is incredibly fun and makes you win quickly. Here are some more blackjack tips, especially if you are new at the table, to make sure that you don’t give in to some of the most common mistakes and turn away from the game disappointed.
- When to hit
The decision to Hit should be determined according to the face-up card of the dealer, and your hand. Hit when your hand has a total of 8 or 12 through 16, and the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Avoid doubling and Hit instead in the following situations- you have a total of 11, and your dealer has an Ace, you have a 10 and the dealer has a face up card of 10, or when you have a total of 9 and the dealer’s face up card reads 7, 8 or 9.
- When to Stand
When you Stand depends on the dealer’s face-up card and your hand. No matter what, stand when your hand gives you a 17 or up, or when it is 13 or above while the dealers is equal to or less than 6. In case you have a split-able pair of 10s or Face Cards, Stand instead of splitting them.
- When to split
This brings us to the next point- splitting. Split only 2s and 3s when the dealer’s is 4-7, or 6s and 7s when the dealers is 6 or below. Never split 5s, and always split 8s, and Aces if that is allowed.
- When to double
Doubling is a strategy used when the player’s hand is equal to 9, 10 or 11, so that the player has a better chance of hitting 19-20 with a 10 or a Face card. It is safe to double with a total of 10 when the dealer doesn’t have a 10 or Ace. You can even double an 11 in that case. 9 should be doubled only when 3,4,5 or 6 can be seen with the dealer.
- Use a strategy chart
There is a lot of material available online advising you how to maximize your winning potential. However, it is best to stick to few basic strategy charts. All you need to know is when to stand, split and double, and you can get that right only with enough practice. Preparing a well thought out strategy chart would help you anticipate every possible situation that may arise out of a game. Using them reduces house edge by as much as 50%.
- Position yourself accordingly
Follow these simple golden rules- avoid the first base seat, and do give a careful thought about the seat you choose. The first one is common sense- positioning yourself away from the dealer, you have more time to think about your next move. You will get better at the second after a few trips to the casino.
- Start small
While you may think that it is very heroic to put in a lot of money right at the beginning, you have to be the stupidest person on earth to do that. Understand that casinos are there to do business, meaning they mostly have a better understanding of things that you do. Try to keep a cool head. Carefully observe the dealer and the nuances of the game. It is always the best thing, to begin with, the minimum bet.
- Play online
Playing blackjack online comes with a vast number of perks- there are no extra costs like travel expenses, you don’t have to tip the dealer, you would have the additional comfort of playing from your bed, and most importantly, you would have a host of bonuses at your disposal. For example, most come with their welcome bonuses.
- Manage your money
When it comes to gambling, being less greedy and less reckless never cease to matter. Remember that most of the casino horrors are avoidable with better bankroll management. Fortunes have gone down the drains because of unlimited spending and borrowing. If there are consecutive huge losses, refrain from playing. And, always make it a point to keep track of your winnings.
- Don’t be frivolous
Listen to your momma’s advice and don’t talk to strangers. This includes not listening to their advice however much they claim themselves to be experts. Remember that blackjack is just between you and the dealer, and that’s it.
Concluding Remarks
True, there is nothing better than firsthand experience. Like every other game, the more you play, the better you get. But keeping the points given here in mind would take care of any untoward incidents. So giddy up and enjoy!