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.

Winning traits for Blackjack

What separates winners from the rest in Blackjack? Winners develop traits that help them stay ahead of the pack. These are not strategies that are impossible to develop. Winners stick to the basics and improvise on the learning that they acquire from every game. Blackjack winners always seem to know what to do when. This might appear uncanny to us. The fact is – they know how the game has to be played. It is not just the elementary knowledge that you have gained about Blackjack that will help you to go the distance. It is all about knowing the game inside out. That is what great players do. They start with the fundamentals of playing hands, whether hard or soft. They know when to split pairs and when to double down against the dealer. Learning doesn’t stop here. In fact, this is the platform where you can develop advanced strategies like simple card counts, dealer tells, and shuffle tracking.

Great players know that the key to winning is not dreams but the ability to get to terms with reality. Of course, hunches do play their role. However, relying on a hunch entirely will never help you win a Blackjack game. Winners do not believe in luck. They believe in situational analysis and adapting their game plan to suit the situation. This is where you start developing winning traits.

Expertise at any game, Blackjack included, is hard. To be consistent, you need to be able to repeat all the correct strategic moves and plays. This starts with dedication and discipline. When you do not exhibit professionalism in recording your moves and results, there is no way you can achieve consistency. It is always true that ‘you cannot manage what you haven’t measured.’

Stubbornness is a characteristic trait of winners of Blackjack. At times, you may find that your correct moves may draw disapproving looks from others. Battling peer pressure is critical to success. You must have the tenacity to stand up to any kind of heat from players or casino management.

There is no substitute for experience. The more you play, the better you get. When you keep playing, you develop winning strategies and mature as a player. The chances of winning increase as you get more experienced. It is undeniable that experienced players make fewer mistakes. With experience comes the ability to analyze new situations and strategies and thereby, build a game plan to win.

Expertise in Blackjack is not easy. You need to constantly improve your game and develop the traits that great players have, to be able to win consistently and earn handsomely.