Basic Blackjack Strategies You Should Try

Mastering effective strategies for playing blackjack is essential for achieving the best possible results. By utilizing tactics such as card counting and betting systems, you can significantly improve your chances of winning each hand. Discover the simple yet effective strategies that can help you win real money in blackjack:

1. Follow the blackjack basic strategy

To maximize your chances of winning in blackjack, you need to follow the basic strategy. This set of rules helps you make the best decisions on whether to hit, stand, double down, or split your cards. By memorizing and applying this strategy, you can reduce the house edge to around 0.5% and increase your winning potential. However, keep in mind that the basic strategy doesn’t guarantee a win, but it’s the best way to play any hand in blackjack. Its core principle is based on statistical probabilities, so following it can lead to rewarding outcomes.

1. Always split aces and eights

When you have a pair of aces or eights in blackjack, always split them. This is the number one rule in the basic strategy. Splitting aces gives you two chances to hit 21, and you only need to get a 10 for each split hand. Splitting eights also improves your hand since 16 is a bad hand with high chances of busting and low chances of winning.

1. Use betting systems to manage your bankroll

Aside from the basic strategy, mastering specific betting systems can also help you broaden your winning method. These betting strategies dictate your bet size depending on certain outcomes in the game, which can help you manage your bankroll according to your wins and losses. However, be aware that different systems have various pros and cons you need to consider before using them.

Blackjack betting systems

There are several commonly used betting systems in blackjack. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:

Martingale Betting System

The Martingale system is a negative progression betting strategy that involves doubling your bets after each loss and returning to your initial betting amount after a win. For instance, if you start with a $5 bet and lose the first hand, you will bet $10 on the next hand. The idea behind this system is that you will eventually win and recoup all your previous losses along with one unit of profit. However, it can be costly during losing streaks, and it’s only effective for short periods.

Paroli Betting System

The Paroli system is a positive progression system designed to maximize winning streaks. Players place high bets when they are winning consistently and lower bets when losing to minimize losses. Unlike the Martingale system, this system doesn’t involve chasing losses, and it’s effective in managing your bankroll.

D’Alembert Betting System

The D’Alembert system is another negative progression betting strategy. It involves increasing your bet by one unit after each loss and decreasing it by one unit after each win. This system is less risky than the Martingale system since it increases bets more slowly, but it also has its limitations. You may reach the established betting limits during a prolonged losing streak, making it impossible to recover losses.

Consider making side bets

Side bets are additional wagers that you can place on specific outcomes separate from the main goal of the game, such as predicting which cards the dealer will receive. Although they carry a higher risk, side bets can also offer a massive payout that is greater than your main stake.

There are several types of side bets that you can make in blackjack, and here are the most common ones:

• Insurance Bet: This is the most prevalent side bet that you can make in both land-based and online blackjack casinos. Placing this bet protects you from losing whenever the dealer shows an ace. No matter what cards you have, you have a very slim chance of succeeding in this situation. However, if you do win, the insurance bet only pays out at a ratio of 2:1.
• Perfect Pairs Another: side bet is Perfect Pairs, which involves only the players’ cards. You win this side bet if your initial two cards are a pair, which means they have the same number, color, and suit. If they match the numbers but differ in color and suit, they are called a mixed pair. If they only match in color, they are called colored pairs. If all three match, they are considered a perfect pair.
• 21+3 The 21+3 is a common side bet that you can make at the beginning of the hand. It pays out when specific combinations occur when your two starting cards match up with the dealer’s up card. You win if the three cards form a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush. All winning side bets are paid out at a ratio of 9 to 1.

It is advisable to steer clear of the insurance bet

Although placing side bets has its advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. Most players prefer to avoid it, especially when it comes to the insurance side bet. The fundamental strategy suggests that insurance should never be purchased. If you’re not a seasoned card counter, the insurance bet is likely to result in a loss in the long run.

Try your hand at card counting

Card counting is an advanced blackjack strategy that expert players commonly use to enhance their chances of winning. Learning how to count cards in blackjack isn’t difficult, but mastering it takes time and effort.

• The first step in card counting is assigning a value to each card. To classify a group of cards, use “blanket values,” such as: 2-6 = -1 • 10, J, Q, K, and Ace = +1 • 7, 8, and 9 = 0
• The next step is to keep track of the cards that are dealt and add their values to maintain a “running count.”
• The third step involves determining the True Count per deck using the data you have accumulated thus far. Finally, as the True Count increases, use all the information you’ve gathered to adjust your bets.

Experts have claimed to have won millions by relying on this skill. However, the most significant drawback of card counting is that many casinos are wary of players who use it because it gives them an advantage when used correctly.

Final Words

In conclusion, achieving success in blackjack requires first identifying a trustworthy casino that offers a variety of blackjack game variations with low house advantages and ample rewards. Once you’ve found such a casino, you can then apply basic blackjack strategy and utilize the tips we’ve outlined in this article.

By incorporating these strategies, you can confidently master the game of blackjack and increase your chances of winning. So go ahead, start playing your favorite casino blackjack game, and put your newly acquired skills to the test. Show everyone what you’re made of!