Blackjack psychology

Winning at blackjack is not just about getting the right cards and luck. You have to play your cards right and make the right calls. It is easier said than done but to make the right call players have to be disciplined. Knowing strategies are no good or going to be useful if the player has not been disciplined enough to try them out and master them.

Blackjack is one of those games which will give back in the long run as much to the players as has been lost. For this to happen players will need to know when to employ the strategies they picked up. Use of the right strategy could see a game tilt in the player’s favour from where it had a house advantage. Sometimes because of the luck after that is also involved players end up winning fairly early into the game and this makes them think that they are doing everything right and nothing can do wrong. This is one of the biggest mistakes a player can make. A good player must always analyze the hand received and the cards that have been played. Counting cards is a good approach but with multi-deck cards this is not going to be easy either. Players will have to be focussed and alert to get it right.

One of the other significant things to remember about blackjack is that you could be getting the right cards and making the right judgements but winning might elude you. Sometimes the losing streak can be long. Players should have a good handle on their bankroll and keep track of their bets in the interest of playing a long game. Losing should not dishearten a player as this would cause the player to be less focussed on the forthcoming games which will impact the decisions. Without enough bankroll and a strong mind to handle the losses players will find blackjack to be very tough.

It is the tendency of most players to increase their bet after they have lost a hand. This is usually because they think they can win back what has been lost and more. Once the players start to win they reduce the bet since they do not want to lose the money earned. Both these approaches are wrong and one of the biggest fallacies that are there with most players. When you are on a losing streak take a break if you can, reduce your bet and take stock of the bankroll. When you are on a roll and winning at one hand after another take a calculated risk and raise bets accordingly.

There are a lot of players who fear getting busted and fail to make the correct or logical decision. They sometimes will not hit when doing so will win them the game. A good blackjack player should not have a laid back approach to the game, and not go easy on it. Playing aggressively but sensibly usually does the trick in blackjack.

A good way to develop your skills in Blackjack is to practice at some of the free online blackjack games.

Free blackjack games are one of the most popular options in online casinos and they rope in amateur blackjack players in large numbers. These games are highly publicized and allow the players to learn as they go at no cost to themselves. It is a combination of chance and the ability to make quick sound decisions. This game unlike the others gives the players the opportunity to reduce the odds to their favor. This can be done by keenly monitoring the number of cards that have been put to use. It is an element of the game that if you master you might increase you leverage at the game when playing for real.

Blackjack Etiquette

There are a set of un-written rules that constitute the Blackjack etiquette. These have to do with the way in which one carries oneself at the Blackjack tables. Listed below are some appropriate behaviors at the Blackjack tables.

- In case you want to observe the game as a spectator, you should remember to watch the game from a distance and not disturb the other players.
- If you are unsure about the rules, play at a table that is for the beginners and learn the rules and then gravitate towards a table that is for established players.
- Make sure that you tip the dealer once in a while. And when you are tipping the dealer, leave the tip at the edge of the table close to the dealer so that the dealer can pick up the tip when you leave. Do not make it obvious to everyone that you are tipping the dealer. Also, make and additional bet and leave it near the dealer so as to be discreet.
- In case you want to join a table where a game is already on, do not disturb the game in between but, instead let the other players know that you would like to join the game with their permission.
- Make it a point to avoid drinking at the table. If you cannot resist having a peg or two, ensure that you do not spill the drinks at the table. Also, avoid getting drunk and keep the drink in your throat instead of in your head.
- Remember that it is ok to bet before the deal is done. Do not bet after the deal is done. This is frowned upon in all casinos.
- Do not touch your cards in a Blackjack face-up game. It is not allowed to touch the cards in this version of the game. In the Blackjack face-down game, it is allowed to touch the cards with one hand and not with both hands.
- Do not try to disturb other people’s concentration and instead focus on your game. If you would like to play the psychological game, keep it less obvious and low-key. It is forbidden to explicitly make noises and otherwise disturb the players’ concentration.
- Many of the casinos have tables spread out for the players to take a walk or a break from time to time. Thus, ensure that your breaks are spaced out in every sense of the word.
- If you spot an error from the dealer’s side, make sure that you do not make it obvious to the other players or to the dealer but let the dealer know in an un-obtrusive manner. Remember that to err is human and the dealer can be prone to make mistakes.
- Use your hand signals wisely and judiciously. This is the means to communicate with the dealer and thus you should be prepared to make the signals with clarity.
- Do not hold up the game for any reason. If you want to take a break, do so after the game is over and tell the dealer that you do not want the cards to be dealt and thus take a break.

Remember that good etiquette though may not make you win is nonetheless an important part of the game. It is for your sake and everybody’s sake that you should follow the same and ensure that the game goes on smoothly and without incident. Though you may not find these rules written down anywhere, it requires some kind of style and substance for you to carry off the game.