Blackjack has a long history as one of the most popular casino games ever. The games are quick, there’s almost no equipment required, and the rules are simple.
Deceptively simple.
In fact, there are quite a few rules when it comes to learning how to play blackjack like a pro. Here are 10 tips that’ll help increase your winnings!
How to Play Blackjack Like a Pro
Blackjack is simple right? Try to get to 21 without going over.
That’s the one-line explanation for the game, but here are some expert tips for those who want to play blackjack like a pro and have even MORE fun, whether you’re online, in Vegas, or at one of our casino parties.
1. Seat position
In blackjack, your position can determine how much control you have over the game. If you want to take control of the last card in online casino blackjack, then you should sit at the last box. The benefits of this for the more experienced online casino gambler are that it eliminates the possibility of a less experienced player drawing a wrong card, allowing you to follow basic strategy if you so choose.
The card that is drawn last determines what the dealer gets, depending on which type of blackjack game the casino is using, this makes it possible for the player to control blackjack. If you do not want to control the game of blackjack, then you must sit at the last box in order to make the most informed decisions. The next best place to sit in blackjack is either the first box or one in the middle.
2. Drawing Cards
If the dealer gets lucky and draws a high card, then the player has nothing to lose. If the dealer draws a low card, you need to be more careful with the cards that you draw on.
For example, if you have low cards above 11, the best course of action is to keep what you have and let the dealer draw the 10s. This can really work but you need to keep in mind that there are more 10s in a pack of cards than any other card. All face cards count as 10s, which help you make real money like a blackjack pro.
Knowing when to hit (draw a card) and when to stand is key. As a rule of thumb, if the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, you can feel good standing and trying to allow the dealer to go over 21, or bust.
3. Splits
One of the rules of online casino gambling: you should always split aces when playing blackjack.
Always split when the dealer has a low card; never when the dealer has a picture card or a 10. My suggestion would be to never split 2s, but this is up to you. Again, the concept of basic strategy can help you here, which is simply a grid-system of when to Hit, Stand, Double Down, or Split. Keeping in mind that always splitting Aces is a way to make real money, feel free to use that strategy in Las Vegas.
4. Double Down
In online casino gambling, players are permitted to double on anything, but we would suggest that you only do so on 9, 10, or 11.
You should only double when the dealer has a low card, as the chances of you winning when the dealer has a high card are very low. There are some circumstances where you may want to double down on a soft hand, such as an Ace with a 5, 6, or 7, especially if the dealer is showing a 6. Why is that? When the dealer has a 6, knowing that there are more 10s in the deck than any other number, there is a higher likelihood of the live dealer busting, resulting in a victory for you. Of course, doubling the victory is a way to “beat the house” and fight against the house edge existent in all games of chance.
5. Insurance
If you are offered insurance when the dealer has an ace, decline it. Insurance is pointless in this instance; you will only get back what you have already bet.
Insurance is a strange concept. It just holds up games for no reason. You’ve heard the phrase “the house always wins,” which is why things like insurance and the “house edge” exist. You can play blackjack and beat the house by using these consistent, effective strategies.
6. Cash buildup
When you start to have a run of good luck in blackjack, you should start to increase your stakes slightly. This has the effect of increasing the betting bank.
If you lose a hand, drop back down to your original stake and build it back up gradually. You will only need a few splits and doubles before you start to see a good run. In fact, coming up with a number you are looking to gain would be helpful in scaling your bets up from lower stakes to high. You’ll feel like a blackjack pro in no time at all.
7. Concentration
This is important for all forms of online or casino gambling. You need to keep on top of what you are doing. Stay focused and resist distraction (private games can help). Playing in a Las Vegas casino or with any live dealer is much different than online casinos. Many players prefer a live dealer to online for the experience, though seasoned gamblers enjoy the speed of play online.
8. Targets
The real blackjack pros might make a lot of money in the casino, but they still set budgets for themselves.
It is important to set realistic targets. You should never play online blackjack or online casinos with an unlimited amount of cash. Make sure you decide how much you want to win and how much you are prepared to lose, this will help you stay in control, and reduce the control of the casino.
9. Boredom
If you start to become bored or frustrated, leave the table and try another game.
This is where the casinos make money, they count on players getting bored or angry with the game and losing their concentration. When you aren’t concentrating, you’re making mistakes. And when you make mistakes in blackjack, you lose money.
10. Enjoyment
This has to be the most important tip. Make sure you enjoy your blackjack experience!
Remember, it’s a game and games don’t need to be expensive. Don’t focus on winning money and just enjoy the experience.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Knowing how to play blackjack like a pro is about more than knowing the rules and being able to count to 21.
And the one thing that can help you become an expert in blackjack is practice. There’s just one problem with practicing gambling: it’s expensive! If you’re looking to practice your blackjack, craps, or roulette skills without going broke, consider a casino house party with Aces Wild Entertainment.
For an affordable flat rate, you can have all the fun of a casino—including dealers, tables, and live entertainment—with NO risk! Play for fun, for as long as you want, and with all your closest family and friends. We’ll guarantee that you’ll never have a better time!
