By Sarah Ovesen.
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games across the globe, and now with countless online casino options, it is more accessible than ever. Like poker, blackjack is a casino game that benefits from a player’s skill, as opposed to just leaving your odds in the hands of fate. With this in mind, here are some tips to improve your chances of winning big in blackjack.
Number One: Learn Basic Strategy
It might seem obvious, but the best way to maximize your chances of a big payout in blackjack is to familiarize yourself with the basic strategies of the game. These strategies apply to both blackjack games within brick-and-mortar casinos and their online counterparts. Blackjack in online casinos need not be a step down from the traditional game, in fact, many of these sites provide countless opportunities for big wins, bigger cashouts – best casino payouts often happen online. Here are some of the basic blackjack strategies that can be applied to all blackjack games.
- Split Aces and 8s:
If you are dealt a pair of aces or a pair of 8s it’s a good idea to separate them into two different hands. Splitting aces gives you two separate hands that have an overall value of eleven. Not only that but separating the 8s gets rid of a weaker hand of sixteen.
- Double Down on a Hard 11
It’s always a good idea to double down on a hard eleven, especially if the dealer’s upcard ranges from 2-10. This will give you an additional card which may strengthen your hand even more. This strategy is an effective way to earn more money in blackjack when you have the advantage.
- Don’t split a pair of 5s or 10s
If you have a pair of fives, that equals a hard ten. You don’t want to split these into two weaker hands. Similarly, keeping two tens to make a hard 20 gives you a much greater chance of winning big than splitting the tens.
- Double Down or Hit on Ace-6
If you have a hand that consists of an ace and any card ranging from 2 to six, it’s a good idea to hit or double down. This makes use of the versatility of the ace to be either a 1 or an 11 which gives you multiple ways to improve when you are next dealt a card. Check your basic strategy chart for advice.
Number Two: Hone Your Skills with Free Games
Once the basics have been mastered, it’s time to move on to more complex blackjack strategies. However, like most things, mastering these strategies takes time and practice. To reduce your chances of losing while you learn, it’s a good idea to hone your skills in no-stakes online blackjack games. This means that you can become an expert in blackjack with no risk and then take your newfound skills to games with bigger stakes and bigger cashouts.
Number Three: Manage Your Payroll Effectively
As with all forms of gambling, managing your payroll is one of the most effective ways to avoid damaging losses which in turn make your wins much bigger and more beneficial. Make sure that you never spend more than you are comfortable with and set limits on what you will wager before playing a game. For general advice on how much to set aside for blackjack, look at budgeting techniques such as the 50/30/20 rule.
Number Four: Use a Strategy Card
In blackjack, many people forget that they can use a strategy card during their game which they can refer to as they play. These colored cards are accepted in traditional casinos, with many even providing them to their guests. Having a strategy card on hand is a great way to remember specific strategies that may apply to your game. This then reduces your chance of making a mistake and keeps your chance of winning big a tangible reality.
Number Five: Don’t Take the Insurance Bet
Although it may be tempting to take a dealer’s offer of an insurance bet, just to make sure you win something, you will often make much more money if you continue with your hand. Remember an insurance bet is a losing proposition, so even if the dealer’s upcard is an ace it’s better in the long run to avoid taking the insurance bet and instead make decisions based on both your own hand and the dealer’s.
Number Six: Ignore the other Players
This is much easier in an online casino than it is at a traditional casino table due to the fact that you cannot see those you are playing with. In blackjack it is easy to get caught up in the decisions and cards of other players, however, it is important to remember that in this game the only person on your team is yourself. Don’t let the other players at the table determine your actions, stick to your strategies and look out for yourself.
Number Seven: Don’t Take Risks
Chances are you’re not coming to a casino, or opening an online version, to play one game of blackjack and leave. However, you mustn’t let your previous wins or loses influence your decisions within a game. You should never assume that you are ‘due a win’ or let your frustration from previous losses lead you to take risks you wouldn’t usually. Approach every game as if it is your first, with a clear mind and your strategies close at hand.
Number Eight: Make Use of Promotions
Many online casinos offer welcome bonuses to new players, or various other incentives to entice you to play. Keeping up to date with the different promotions offered by these sites and capitalizing on them when they land is a great way to access blackjack with lower wagers from your own pocket, but still with the opportunity to win big in their games.
Number Nine: Focus
This is easier said than done, especially if you are playing in a traditional casino setting. However, blackjack is a game of skill that requires quick thinking. Thinking that is made much harder, say, if you are under the influence of alcohol or distracted at the table. Some casinos offer free alcoholic drinks at their blackjack tables, but, if you want a better chance to win big, it’s best to stick to the soft stuff and retain your focus.
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