When I first started playing blackjack, I quickly realized that there was more to the game than luck alone. In this article, I’m going to share with you the best strategies and tips for maximizing your chances of winning, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player.
The best strategies for playing blackjack
In this section, I’ll show you the best blackjack strategies for optimizing your chances of winning. By applying these techniques, you’ll be able to reduce the house edge and make more informed decisions on every hand.
The basic strategy
To play blackjack optimally, it’s crucial to follow a basic strategy that reduces the house edge.
First, you need to understand card values: cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value, tricks are worth 10, and the Ace can be worth 1 or 11, depending on what’s most advantageous to you. The aim is to beat the dealer by having a hand closer to 21 without exceeding that total.
Your decision to draw, stand, double or split depends on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. For example, if the dealer shows a low card (from 2 to 6), you should stay on a total of 12 or more.
With a strong hand like 17 or more, it’s best to stay in. However, if your hand is “soft” (including an Ace), you can draw to improve your hand without risking going over 21.
To double, do so when you have a good chance of beating the dealer with a single additional card, for example with a total of 11. If you have a pair, separate Aces and 8s, but never separate 5s and 10s.
Avoid taking out insurance, as it’s rarely advantageous, and use the abandonment option only when it’s statistically favorable. By following these principles, you can reduce the house advantage to around 0.5%.
The simplified version of the basic strategy
To put it simply, in blackjack you have to make decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. If the dealer shows a low card (2 to 6), stick with a total of 12 or more. Shoot if you have less than 12.
With a strong hand like 17 or more, stay. If you have an 11, double down. Always separate Aces and 8s, but never separate 5s and 10s.
Avoid insurance, as it’s almost never advantageous. By following these simple rules, you can reduce the house advantage and increase your chances of winning.
The blackjack table
The blackjack chart is an essential tool that guides you to make the best decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card. It’s designed using statistical calculations to minimize the house edge.
Imagine you have a two-card hand and you see the dealer’s card. The table will tell you exactly when to draw, stand, double or split.
To use it, start by locating your hand on the left of the board, then find the dealer’s visible card at the top. The intersection of these two pieces of information gives you the optimal action.
For example, if you have a total of 16 and the dealer shows a 7, the board probably advises you to draw, as the chances of losing by staying are higher.
When you have pairs, the chart guides you on when it’s beneficial to separate them, such as always separating Aces and 8s, as this maximizes your chances of forming good hands.
By scrupulously following the chart, you’ll make the wisest decisions in all circumstances, reducing the house edge to around 0.5%. It’s a simple but powerful tool that, with a little practice, can really improve your blackjack results.
Card counting
Card counting in blackjack is an advanced technique that allows you to keep track of the cards played to estimate the probability of the remaining cards.
The principle is based on the fact that some cards favor the player, such as 10s and Aces, while others favor the dealer, such as low cards (2 to 6). By keeping track of the cards you see, you can adjust your bets and decisions according to the remaining cards.
To begin, you assign a value to each card: +1 for low cards (2 to 6), 0 for neutral cards (7 to 9) and -1 for high cards (10, tricks, Aces). Each time a card is played, you update your account.
For example, if cards 2, 5 and 10 are played, your count would be +1 (2), +1 (5) and -1 (10), for a total of +1. A positive count means there are more high cards left in the deck, which is to your advantage. At this point, you should increase your bets and play more aggressively.
Card counting requires concentration and practice, but it ‘s not illegal. By mastering this technique, you can gain an advantage over the casino and improve your chances of winning. However, casinos don’t like this practice and may ask you to leave the table if you’re suspected of card counting.
The Martingale strategy
The martingale strategy in blackjack involves doubling your bet after each loss, with the idea that you’ll eventually win and recoup all your previous losses plus a profit equal to your initial bet.
For example, if you start with a €10 bet and lose, you bet €20 on the next round. If you lose again, you bet €40, and so on. When you finally win, you get back all your losses, plus a €10 payout.
The appeal of this strategy lies in the idea that a series of consecutive losses cannot go on indefinitely. In the end, you’ll win a round and make up for all your previous losses.
It may seem like a foolproof method at first glance, but there are significant risks involved. Casino betting limits may prevent you from continuing to double down after several consecutive losses. What’s more, you need to have a bankroll large enough to withstand a long series of losses.
If you have a prolonged losing streak, the stakes can quickly become very high, which can deplete your bankroll or reach the casino’s betting limits before you win.
Although martingale can work in the short term, it involves considerable risk and offers no guarantee of long-term gains. Use it with caution, and be aware of the limits and risks involved.
The Double Down strategy
The double down strategy in blackjack allows you to double your initial bet in exchange for receiving a single additional card. This option is advantageous when you have a good chance of beating the dealer with an additional card.
You can double down after receiving your first two cards, and you need to know the optimal times to use this strategy.
You should consider doubling when you have a total of 10 or 11, as you have a good chance of drawing a 10-value card, which would give you 20 or 21. For example, if you have a hand of 6 and 4, for a total of 10, doubling is often a good idea, especially if the dealer’s face-up card is weak (2 to 9).
When you have a soft hand, such as an Ace and a 6 (total of 7 or 17), doubling against a dealer’s weak card can be a good strategy, as you have extra flexibility thanks to the Ace.
However, you should be careful and avoid doubling if the dealer shows a strong card (10 or Ace), because the chances of the dealer having a strong hand are high.
When used correctly, the double down strategy can significantly increase your earnings by maximizing your profits in favorable situations. By practicing and knowing the right moments to double down, you can take significant advantage of this option.
The 1326 strategy
The 1326 blackjack strategy is a betting management method designed to maximize your winnings in winning streaks while minimizing your losses.
The principle is simple: you increase your stake after each win according to a specific sequence. You start with a one-unit stake, then move on to 3 units, then 2 units, then 6 units before returning to one unit.
- To begin with, set a unit.
- If you win, your next bet will be three units.
- If you win again, bet two units.
- If you win this round, bet six units.
- After a victory with six units, you start the sequence again with one unit.
- If you lose at any point, you go back to the original stake of one unit.
The beauty of this strategy is that it allows you to capitalize on winning streaks without risking large sums on losses. For example, if you win three times in a row and lose on the fourth round with six units, you’ve already accumulated substantial gains with the previous bets.
However, it’s important to note that this strategy doesn’t change the odds of the game or guarantee long-term winnings. It simply helps you manage your bets in a disciplined way and take advantage of good streaks.
By following this method, you can maximize your profits while controlling your losses, which is essential for a prudent and strategic approach to blackjack.
Weak Dealer
The Weak Dealer in blackjack is based on exploiting the dealer’s weaknesses when he shows a weak card, i.e. a card from 2 to 6. When the dealer has a weak card, he’s more likely to go over 21, as he’s forced to draw until he reaches at least 17.
This creates an opportunity for you to play more aggressively and increase your chances of winning.
When you see a weak card in the dealer, you should stick with weaker hands than usual, such as a total of 12 to 16, because the risk of overtaking the dealer is high.
For example, if you have a 12 and the dealer shows a 5, it’s best to stay. Also, with stronger hands, such as 17 or more, staying is always the best option.
With a soft hand, where the Ace can count as 1 or 11, like an As-6 (total of 7 or 17), you can draw or double to maximize your winnings, because even if you draw a high card, you won’t risk going over 21.
Doubling is also a good option if you have totals of 9, 10 or 11, as you stand a good chance of getting a strong hand.
By exploiting the dealer’s weaknesses when he shows a weak card, you increase your chances of beating the dealer by making more aggressive and strategic decisions. This can significantly improve your blackjack results.
Strong Dealer
The Strong Dealer strategy in blackjack focuses on situations where the dealer shows a strong card, i.e. a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
When the dealer has a strong card, he has a good chance of getting a hand of 17 or more, which puts you at a disadvantage. Your objective is to play more carefully to avoid losing too much money.
If the dealer shows a strong card, you should draw with totals from 12 to 16, as these hands are too weak to beat a strong dealer. For example, if you have a 14 and the dealer shows a 10, drawing is usually the best option.
When you have a soft hand with an Ace, such as As-6 (total of 7 or 17), you should also draw to try to improve your hand without risking going over 21.
Doubling is often not recommended when the dealer shows a strong card, unless you have a very favorable hand such as a total of 11, as this gives you a good chance of getting a 21 or a very strong hand.
If you have pairs like 8-8 or As-As, split them even against a strong dealer, as this maximizes your chances of forming competitive hands.
By playing carefully and taking the dealer’s strong card into account, you can minimize your losses and increase your chances of surviving until more favorable opportunities present themselves. The key is toavoid taking unnecessary risks when the dealer is in a strong position.
Blackjack mistakes to avoid: my advice
To play blackjack well, it’s crucial to avoid certain common mistakes.
- Never take out insurance, as it increases your home’s value.
- Avoid splitting pairs of 5s and 10s. 5s should be played as 10s, offering better chances of winning, and 10s already form a strong hand.
- Don’t pull unnecessarily with stiff hands like 12 to 16 if the dealer shows a weak card, as he’s likely to go over 21.
- Don’t stay on weak hands when the dealer has a strong card, it increases your chances of losing.
- Don’t double without thinking, only when the odds are really in your favor, like with a 10 or 11 against a weak dealer card.
- Don’t deviate from the basic strategy. Emotions may prompt you to play differently, but staying disciplined is important to minimize the house edge and maximize your long-term winnings.
Try blackjack for free before you play for money!
Trying blackjack for free offers several important advantages. First, it allows you to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game without risking your money.
You can practice and master basic strategy, learn when to draw, stay, double or split, and observe how these decisions influence the game. It also helps you test and refine bet management strategies, such as martingale or card counting, in a pressure-free environment.
Playing for free also gives you the opportunity to understand the dynamics of online or casino gaming, and to feel more at ease with the interface and pace of play.
By practicing without financial stakes, you gain the confidence you need to play for real money. This enables you to become a more skilled and strategic player, increasing your chances of success when you decide to switch to real stakes.
All in all, it’s an ideal way to prepare and improve your skills in a fun way.
