Serious Recreation with Blackjack

It always pays to be clear about what you want out of Blackjack. Some people play the game as a profession. They must put in many hours a day over years, to understand all the variations of Blackjack and to memorize strategies for all kinds of situations they may encounter at the tables. Folks on vacation, at the other end of the spectrum, or those who seek some diversion in the midst of long periods of inactivity, would like to take their chances with a few sessions of Blackjack, and wish that they will make unexpected windfalls. Everyone is aware at some level that casinos have the odds stacked in their favor, which means that Blackjack outings can lead to losses rather easily. This prompts questions on how anyone can enjoy the pleasures of Blackjack with controlled risks. Here are three top tips that can help amateur players enjoy Blackjack without dramatically unpleasant experiences:

• Stick with your money targets: since Blackjack is a game which combines skills with chance, you could win or you could lose. Everyone approaches a table with a mental figure of how much he or she can afford to lose. Debit cards and ATM upset such plans! Draw the sum of money you wish to put at stake, and enter a casino with absolutely no other form of money! Simply leave if you lose a sum equal to your pre-set limit. Your stake should allow you around 50 hands. So if the minimum bet is $5, you should carry $250 with you. Stay away from tables at which the minimum amount per hand is too high to give you a reasonable chance of winning through a minimum number of tries. No one can walk away from a loss that accumulates from just a few hands, especially if they include a win or two! Account for ties with the dealer as well!

• Learn to limit winning runs: statistics are integral to Blackjack. Make an effort to learn the basics of probability and strengthen your memory and ability to estimate the number of cards left in a deck. These steps will stand you in good stead when you play Blackjack. Leave the game if you are fortunate to win cash equal to the target you have set before starting. Never forget that your chances of continuing to win decrease every time you beat the dealer. Not knowing when to stop is a common pitfall for the amateur and occasional Blackjack enthusiast.

• Practice and prepare: you are more likely to lose during a casual session if you do not prepare well. Blackjack strategies change with the number of decks allowed as per the house rules. Mental practice helps you work out odds in your mind each time you compete with a dealer. You should study as many hands and blackjack game situations as you can, and rest adequately before you enter a casino. Remember that having fun at Blackjack can be hard work!

It follows that Blackjack is a pastime that requires a serious approach if you would like to have a good chance of winning. There is no harm in trying your luck with a pure leisure aim in mind, provided that you limit times at the tables to the amount that you are cheerfully willing to lose.