by Matt Bourie

Blackjack is generally an easy card game to learn and play. It doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to understand the basic rules of the game. However, if you want to become a true blackjack master, you will have to learn the entire game by heart and identify the essential elements.

blackjack dealer busts

There are a few tips and tricks you can use to become more successful in blackjack. Keep reading, and we’ll take you through everything you should learn about the game. After this you’ll be ready to play and will actually know what you’re doing.

Learn the Game Throughout

The most basic rules of blackjack are very simple and easy to learn. But if you want to become better at the game, you will have to understand which rules are good and which ones are bad for you.

All of the rules can be both positive and negative for the dealer. Once you learn how every rule works, you will be able to turn the tides to your favor and win more hands in the long run. Here are a few rules you should consider to increase your chances of winning at blackjack.

1.     Avoid Low Payouts

Traditional blackjack games pay you 3-to-2 when you are dealt a blackjack. However, some casinos nowadays only pay 6-to-5, or even money, and those games should be avoided as they increase the house edge substantially! Only play at games where you are paid 3-to-2 for blackjacks.

2.     Surrender

This rule allows you to surrender your cards and get half of your bet in return. Whenever you get a really bad hand, you should fold it when you have a 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10 or ace upcard.  Surrendering is better than trying to win with a bad hand because you will lose less money in the long run.

3.     The Number Of Decks

While most blackjack games use six decks, however you can find games that use anywhere from one all the way to eight decks. The more decks the casino uses, the higher the house advantage on the game. So stick to games with the lowest number of decks.

4. Practice Before You Hit the Table

Understanding how the game works isn’t enough to ensure you a win. As they say, practice makes perfect, so make sure that you invest some time into playing blackjack with your friends and family before you enter the big leagues.

Try to practice different rules and strategies to see how things turn out in the end. After some time, you should be able to memorize the best hands, and improve your future strategies. Many online casinos, such as Winaday Casino, offer free blackjack games, so take your time and play as many hands as you can before you start playing for real money. Also, some of these have online casino bonuses where you can not only play for free, but also have the chance to win free money without needing to make a deposit of any kind!

Practice is key to success, so don’t ignore it, even if you feel that you know how the game works. Without practice, you will never be able to up your game and develop strategies that will give you an edge over the other players. The good news is that it doesn’t take long to get a better idea of how the game works.

5. Learn the Basic Strategy

When compared to other casino games, the house has only a slight advantage in blackjack. The strategies used mostly revolve around keeping the house edge as low as possible. The practice is better known as the basic strategy.

It’s based on mathematics. There are only so many cards and combinations you can play, so it shouldn’t be too hard to develop a winning strategy. With enough practice, you will be able to calculate your chances of winning every time. If you think that luck is on your side, see the hand until the end. Otherwise, simply surrender and wait for a better hand.

You can download FREE blackjack basic strategy charts on our website at https://www.americancasinoguidebook.com/blackjack/free-blackjack-strategy-charts.html 

6. Look for the Best Table Rules

There are many different versions of blackjack you can try. They all look the same, but there are slight differences in the rules that can lead to completely different outcomes. As we mentioned earlier, some games use multiple card decks, which can make the basic strategy change slightly from the strategy used for single or double-deck games.

Some games even have side bets and progressive jackpots. That’s why you should always check the rules before you enter a blackjack game. The payout limits also play a major role, so make sure that you check all of the details to be able to adjust your strategy correctly.

7. Know Your Limits

Knowing how to manage your money is also very important if you want to become better at blackjack. Every hand comes with a certain risk, so knowing your limits will go a long way when playing blackjack.

Start by adjusting the size of your bets according to the bankroll you have. Never make a bet you can’t pay for, and you might be able to win back most of the money you lose on bad bets. After all you won’t be able to win every hand, so setting up the right strategy is critical.

Adjust your bets as your bankroll grows and you could be able to make some money in the end. Remember to always stay cool and don’t let your emotions affect your moves. Stick to the original basic strategy and use money management.

blackjack double down

8. Know When to Quit

You should always focus on protecting your winnings rather than chasing even bigger wins. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Setting a win goal is usually a good idea and once you’ve reached it, feel free to walk away while you are ahead.

Define a clear limit before you start playing and stick to the plan!

Conclusion

These simple rules will help you become a better blackjack player and could help you to win more money. However, you should practice as much as you can before playing for real money, and you should keep doing this to ensure your skills are always sharp.

All of the skills you practice will stay with you longer, so the more time you invest into learning the game, the better chances you’ll have of winning. Good luck!

Matt Bourie is the editor of the American Casino Guide book. He has been writing about casinos for more than 12 years and he also co-hosts the American Casino Guide YouTube channel which has had more than 37 million views. A new video is released each month that discusses a new casino gambling topic and you subscribe for FREE at at https://www.youtube.com/americancasinoguide