Just like video poker players, most blackjack enthusiasts don't bother memorizing all the correct plays. Plus, we humans are not computerized robots, and that means we make mistakes. So, can an amateur play winning blackjack? Yes! Here's how:
Memorize these six most important basic strategy rules for playing winning blackjack. (For quick and easy reference, keep a printout handy when you're playing online):
- Stand if you hold hard 12 to 16 and the dealer shows 2 to 6
- Hit if you hold hard 12 to 16 and the dealer shows a 7 or higher
- Stand on 17 to 21, but hit soft 17
- Always split pairs of Aces and 8's
- Never split 10's, jacks, queens, kings, 5's or 4's
- Double down on 10 or 11 if dealer shows an 8 or lower
Guard against making mistakes. Errors can be costly. If you want to play winning blackjack, keep your emotions in check and don't play hunches. Stick to the above rules. Don't buy insurance, casinos never offer anything that isn't to their advantage.
Start by betting the table minimum. Increase the size of your bet after every win and go back to your minimum bet when you lose a hand. Overall, you'll have more losing than winning rounds, that's why winning blackjack players follow a sensible betting progression.
Here's what we suggest: Make four consecutive bets at a betting level you're comfortable with, (usually the table minimum). Now, if you don't win at least two of the four hands dealt, simply try again a little later.
A winning blackjack strategy is to wait until you're ahead by two units, then use this progression: 2, 3, 5, 7, 10. If your betting unit is $5, the progression would be: $5, $5, $10, $15, $25, $35, $50. Even when you're playing winning blackjack every run of good luck will come to an end. When it does, go back to your original level. Anytime you lose four hands in a row, take a break for a while, no matter whether you're up or down for the session. |