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.

Inside Tips on how to win at Blackjack

We all know that the game of Blackjack is in favour of the dealer. But there are a few tips that may help you outwit the probability involved in this game. Unlike other games in the casino people do win money more often at Blackjack. One just has to learn a few strategies to keep you ahead in the game and prevent you from continually going bust.

You should never split your 10s. As a Blackjack player this has never been a wise thing to do. The cards to split are your Aces and your 8s. This move usually pays out to you regardless of what your dealer is showing.

Do not take insurance. Personally I don’t believe in taking insurance. As a Blackjack player this is my own personal golden rule. I happen to know it is the golden rule of many other players the world over and beginners should always keep it in mind. Taking insurance is something you should only do if you are counting cards.

With a hard hand between 13 and 16 one should stand if the dealer’s upturned card is 6 or less than 6. If the dealer’s card is 7 or more my advice is to go for the hit.

If it so happens that the dealer is showing 4, 5 or 6, you can stand with a hard 12. On the other hand if the dealer is showing 2, 3 or any card 7 or higher, you should hit with a hard 12.

It is advisable to continue to hit till you have at least 17 if the dealer’s turned up card is a 10. If you have a soft 17 then you should definitely hit if the dealer’s card is a 10.

Some Blackjack tables have rules that may work in your favor and you are advised to seek them out. For example the dealer having to stand on a soft 17 works in your favor. As does the option of being able to double down on any two cards.

You must remember that it is very difficult to win with less than 17 unless the dealer goes bust. If the dealer shows any picture card, 10, 9 or 8, it is unlikely that he/she will go bust. In this case my advice is to take a hit if your hand is below 17. If the dealer shows a 4, 5 or a 6 the chances are higher than 40% for the dealer to go bust. In this case one should stand with any hand above 11. I have made much of my money by doubling down in Blackjack. This means doubling your bet and only being able to draw one additional card from the dealer.

Doubling down is an advantage to you as a player. Different tables have different rules for doubling down. But remembering a few things may help you use it to your advantage. For example it is advisable to double down with 10 against a 9 or lower if you have a hand of 11. If the rules at your Blackjack table allow it you should double with 9 or on soft hands from 13 to 17 when your dealer shows 4, 5 or 6.

Splitting your cards is another way of doubling your chances of winning. When you split two cards of the same value that have been dealt to you, then you are playing two hands instead of one. But one should never split 10s or 5s. I recommend splitting 8s or 7s against a dealer with cards of equal or lower value. Splitting 2s and 3s against 4, 5 and 6 will work in your favour. Aces should always be split - though you should never split picture cards, 10s or 5s.

Good luck is something I can’t give you a tip on. You either have it or you don’t. So take a deep breath hope it is riding on your side and hit the Blackjack tables.