Top 5 Blackjack Tips Casinos Don’t Want You To Know
Blackjack is one of the most common games featured in any casino setting and if you are accessing an online casino, you will find many variations of this game. While each variation has slightly different rules, your playing strategy will pretty much remain the same. To be a successful blackjack player, you must learn basic blackjack strategy and also be aware of specific game rules for each variation you are playing.
Blackjack can lead to some great payouts when you play the game correctly and it is one of the top rated games among experienced gamblers. Here, we offer you some great blackjack tips that can help improve your game and provide you with additional chances to beat the house and walk away a winner.
1. Always Learn and Use Basic Blackjack Strategy
Basic blackjack strategy is the key to being a winner, no matter what type of blackjack game you have chosen. As a beginner, you should access strategy charts and cards and take the time to memorize these. When you are playing online, you are free to refer to these strategy tools at any time, but if you take your game to a land casino, you will be asked to leave a table if you are seen referring to any charts or cards.
Using basic blackjack strategy will help to reduce the house edge and will give you a better chance of creating a winning hand by making the right decisions. You will want to know when to hit, stand, split, or double at all times and by learning this strategy, you will be able t cut the house edge down to around 0.5%.
Here are a few of the basics you should always employ when playing any version of blackjack:
- Stand on 12-16 when the dealer shows a 2 through 6
- Hit with a 12-16 hand when the dealer shows 7-Ace
- Split Aces and 8s
- Double 11 when the dealer has 2-10
- Hit or double Aces through 6
2. Avoid the Insurance Bet
Casinos provide you with the option to take Insurance and they actually hope that you do. However, any experienced player will know that this is a waste of money and it is always best to avoid this option. The only time an Insurance bet will be beneficial is if you are able to count cards and if you are playing online, that will not be possible unless you are engaging in live dealer play.
The insurance bet has a 6% advantage over the player, so even if you are able to get a blackjack, you will only win your initial stake back. Should the dealer have a blackjack when you take t eh insurance bet, you will have a push, so it is not a profitable choice at all. As a rule, avoid the insurance bet at all times. This is something many casinos hope you never learn!
3. Do Not Use Progressive Betting Systems
Many player guides will tell you that betting systems can be beneficial, and casinos want you to use these systems as they reap the benefits of your larger bets. However, if you want to play and be successful, it is important to wisely manage your bankroll and progressive betting systems are not the way to go about this. When you increase bets after losing hands, you will quickly deplete your bankroll and will not be able to play as many hands. With blackjack, it is best to have a set bet amount and stick to that with every hand that is played. If you are using basic blackjack strategy, you will have good chances at winning and will make a profit.
Unless you are an experienced card counter, progressive betting systems will do nothing but take your money quickly. When playing blackjack, you want a steady pace and solid bets, so only increase your wagers when you are absolutely positive you will win a hand. For casual and beginner players, it is best to not even consider progressive betting systems at this time.
4. Pay Attention to the Number of Decks
When you are choosing a blackjack game, you will want to select a table that uses the fewest decks. When playing at land-based casinos, you will not have many options and most tables use multiple decks, but when you play online, you will have many more options. Online blackjack games can use anywhere from 1 to 8 decks and your best games are those with the lowest number of decks in use.
If you are able to find single-deck blackjack, this will always be your best option, especially when counting cards. However, you will never find live dealer single deck games. By choosing a game with fewer decks, you can reduce the house edge a bit and have more chances to win. Always take time to compare different blackjack games and see how many decks are in use and then opt for those with fewer decks in play to optimize your potential to win.
5. Watch Out for 6-5 Games
Casinos are in the business of making money, so they will always have an advantage. This is evident when you are comparing blackjack games and you find tables that offer a 6-5 payout for a blackjack. These games always have a higher house edge. When looking for t eh best blackjack games and the best chances to win, always make sure the blackjack pays 3-2. Playing a 6-5 blackjack game is a beginner mistake and it is one that many casinos do not want you to know about, but having this information will help preserve the bankroll and provide you with better overall payouts.
Choosing the right blackjack game is one of the important keys to success, so be sure to always check the pay table before taking a seat and pacing a wager. Be sure to only play at tables that offer a 3-2 payout for a blackjack and you will have better returns and a positive experience playing this classic card game.