By Cindy Grant.

At the core of most gambling games is a requirement to have a solid grasp of math. The most successful players in any arena have that; and, as Forbes highlights in their profile of the cream of the blackjack crop, the best within the field of twenty-one are the likes of Don Johnson, who used his grasp of mathematical probability to set up tables to the best possible outcome – and then to win the games. Blackjack is a cerebral game if you want to win; understanding the neuroscience behind winners is a good way to understand that.

Understanding probability

Blackjack is a game of probability. It’s about weighing up what you’ve seen come out of the deck – or decks – and balancing that against what’s in your hand. What’s more, the casino is always working against you; a report by ABC News alleges that casinos have, gradually, been moving the odds in their favor, to reduce payouts. Blackjack is a thrill, too; it weighs heavily on the excitement and reward receptors of the brain, encouraging you to take risks. Getting back to basics is crucial. Putting the fundamentals at the front of the mind – such as a correct basic strategy and things like standing on a hard 17, and always drawing on a soft 17, puts a lot of legwork in with programming the brain towards winning big.¹⁾EDITOR NOTE: A link in this paragraph suggests that it is sometimes OK to stand with your soft 17.  This is NOT correct. There is NO situation where it is OK to stand with a soft 17.  You either should hit the hand or double down if basic strategy suggests.

What makes us tick

It may be of some interest to read that electro-physical signals within the brain can have a direct impact on how decisions are made at the blackjack table, and how perceived positives and negatives can create a cascade of bad decisions. One study, published by Oxford Academic Cerebral Cortex, found that as reward expectations change, the signals in the brain that relate to decision making change, too. This sounds simple and, in some ways, is. When a negative reward is anticipated, risks are more likely to be taken; even within the same round. Knowing that the brain will ‘trick’ a player like this is a key skill for players to get ahead, and can be represented in staying calm. Don’t let a bad quality hand get the rest of the game down.

Listening to the advice

The best blackjack players either have decades of experience or have a visionary mathematical mind. Both can provide excellent advice, and both are valuable. However, for many players, there’s at least some element of ego; the idea that they are good at blackjack, and can benefit without advice. This is another intriguing element of the game that has been studied. According to one journal, published by ScienceDirect, players receiving negative feedback often feel they have been criticized for their personality. It sounds simple, but having an open mind to coaching can go a long way.

Use the statistical basics; understand how to take a setback; and take advice (outside of the table) on board. Simple principles, but backed up by hard science. The brain is the driver behind every blackjack game, and knowing how to stay ahead of it will see the wins roll in.

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