How to Win at Blackjack: 5 Things You Must Know
These are the fundamental strategies for winning at Blackjack, all based on probability and making wise choices. If you're new to the game, it's essential to learn first the blackjack game rules before trying to apply any strategy — having the foundations in your mind is what makes these strategies successful.
Let the Dealer "Bust"
One of the initial blackjack tips to bear in mind is to allow the game to proceed. The logic is simple: if the dealer's upcard is a 6, 5, or 4 and you don't have an Ace in your starting hand, your best option is to stand and let the dealer draw. The probability of the dealer drawing big cards and busting is very high in this situation. That means you will often win the round without betting too much.
Split Aces and 8s, but Never 10s
When you get two Aces as your starting cards, split them always — it gives you two good hands with high winning probability. And if you get two 8s, split them too. But never split 10s. A 20 hand is strong enough to win against the dealer in most of the times.
Don't Draw at 17
Once you have 17 points, do not dare take another card. Any additional card can make you bust by exceeding 21 points. Taking the safe route here is the best thing to do.
Don't Overuse Insurance
Insurance might sound like a protective option, but it’s usually a trap for players. The idea is to protect yourself against the dealer’s potential blackjack. However, unless you’re a card counter who can calculate exact probabilities, insurance often leads to more losses than wins. Use it sparingly — if at all.
Practice with Free Online Blackjack
No matter which blackjack strategy you want to learn, practice is essential. Make use of free online blackjack games (Demo versions) in which to experiment with strategies without risking real money. This allows a safe environment to learn and refine skills before transferring the transition to US casino real-money play.
Key Blackjack Tip: Learn the Rules by Heart
Without understanding the game inside and out, you can't win. Start off by learning the basics:
- The game's purpose
- The value of every card
- The flow of play
- Player actions v. dealer actions
- The type of bets and winnings
Fortunately, blackjack is one of the easiest card games to learn. Our whole blackjack tutorial will walk you through every step.
The Blackjack Strategy Chart
A major contribution to blackjack strategy is provided by Roger Baldwin, who enumerated all possible cases by considering both the dealer's upcard and the player's starting hand. This resulted in the blackjack strategy chart, which shows the mathematically best move in every instance.
Stick with the chart and you can reduce the dealer's statistical edge below 1%. Your chances of winning are greater than average. You can even print a copy of the chart and put it in front of you when you're playing online.
The Card Counting Strategy
Another mythic technique is card counting, which was founded by Edward O. Thorp in his hit book Beat the Dealer. Thorp, a retired MIT professor, explained how players could track the ratio of high to low cards to predict favorable situations.
This tactic was classically employed in US casinos in Las Vegas and has been followed by millions of players ever since. Though it requires self-discipline and training, anyone who is willing to work at it can master it.
The 4 Largest Black Jack Mistakes
In order to have the best possible chance of winning, do not commit any of these mistakes, which are made both by beginners and seasoned players:
- Standing on a hand of 16 or less when the dealer has a 7 or higher.
- Hitting on a 17 when the dealer has a weak card (2–6).
- Splitting 10-value cards.
- Not splitting Aces or 8s.
Betting Strategies in Blackjack
Besides playing strategies, your betting strategy matters too. Two of the best-known systems are:
The Martingale System
With the Martingale, double your wager after each loss until you win. For instance, begin with $10. Lost it? Wager $20 the next time. Lost it again? Wager $40. A win will eventually recover all losses and leave you with a profit equal to your initial bet. Though dangerous, it's a long-term system many US players employ.
The 1-3-2-6 System
This strategy has a fixed pattern of betting: bet 1, then 3, then 2, then 6. It is based on the Paroli system and is dependent on achieving four consecutive victories.
Illustrated with an initial bet of $5:
- Round one: $5
- Round two: $15
- Round three: $10
- Round four: $30
If you experience the cycle, you will be earning a $60 profit. The system is designed to extend hot streaks and minimize risks on losing streaks.