Blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most popular casino table games in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. It’s relatively easy to learn the rules and master the game, in addition to which it’s an excellent combination of skill and luck-based gameplay.
Even though playing the game at an online casino and in-person are similar, there are a couple of differences that impact how you will play each version of the game. If you want to learn how to win at blackjack online, it’s important to keep the following handy blackjack tips in mind.
1. Learn the Rules
Getting to grips with the basics is at the heart of all casino games; blackjack is no exception. Your top priority should be to learn the rules before you play. Luckily, blackjack rules are pretty simple: reach 21 or get as close to 21 without going bust (exceeding 21.) If you have a higher number than the dealer, you win. If the dealer has a higher number than you without going bust, you lose.
The great thing about online casinos is that they often have free games for you to try out before you start wagering real money, which means that you can practice your skills before putting them to the test.
2. Avoid Insurance Bets
If the dealer’s first card is an ace, they’ll often offer you side bets, also known as insurance bets, which insure you against the dealer’s blackjack. In other words, you’re basically betting on getting your original wager back if an insurance bet wins.
It may seem counterintuitive, but these insurance bets are not worth it. Stick to the simple, standard blackjack bets and you’re more likely to win. However tempting they may seem, it’s wise to avoid them at all costs.
3. Start With Smaller Bets
No matter how much money you have in the bank, if you’re just beginning to play blackjack, you should always start with a smaller budget and bets. If your budget or bet is too big to start with, things can quickly go south. Once you lose a lot of money, you’ll start chasing your losses to try and get your money back. Ultimately, you’ll just end up losing more.
Self-control when betting is essential and it’s much easier to practice if you haven’t put a large chunk of money on the line.
4. Don’t Split Tens if You Can Avoid It
Knowing when to split in blackjack is an essential skill. Contrary to popular belief, you should try to avoid splitting tens. Most people believe that splitting tens will increase their chances of winning. Truth is, this completely depends on the cards the dealer has and is by no means a given outcome.
You’re risking a bust when you split your tens and stand to lose both bets. However, if you stand with 20, you may not get a run at the double, but you stand a very good chance of winning the main bet.
5. Learn Counting Cards Basics
One of the most common myths about blackjack is that counting cards is illegal. It’s perfectly legal but is certainly frowned upon in live casinos. However, it really shouldn’t be an issue when playing online blackjack live dealer games with a fixed number of playing decks.
Learning the basics of counting cards will better equip you when it comes to making betting decisions at the blackjack table and even the most simple card counting strategy can help improve your odds.
6. Choose the Right Tables
There are several different variations of blackjack games, such as Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Blackjack Switch and even more. It’s important to find and stick with the variation you enjoy the most.
However, if you’re playing Classic Blackjack, you should learn how to differentiate between a good and bad table. The number of playing decks and the official payout ratio will be the biggest determining factors. The good tables for beginners generally have the smallest possible number of decks and have a payout ratio of 3:2. If you can find a combination of these in a table, you should stick with it.
7. Avoid Distractions
One of the simplest tips that you can implement to increase your chances of winning at blackjack (or any other casino game for that matter,) is to simply reduce the distractions around you when you play.
If you can, find a quiet space to play or play at a time such as early in the morning or late at night when there are likely to be fewer distractions around you.
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