How to cope with big losses in blackjack & avoid tilting
Lesson description
Mr Blackjack teaches you the fundamentals to cope with losing in 21, and how to avoid chasing losses that hurt your bankroll.
When playing blackjack you have to go into it knowing that you will not win every night.
Some nights you will make huge losses. If you're going to be a professional blackjack player, you need to have a strong mental game at these moments.
Instead of chasing your losses, you need to walk away knowing that winning at blackjack is a long game — you'll recoup the money at a later stage.
Blackjack has a house advantage of approx. 1%. This game has the best odds over time (especially when playing basic strategy) out of any table game at the casino.
But that's still a 1% advantage the casino has over you, and it's important to keep that in mind. Even professional athletes know that even if they try their best, there is no way they can win every game of the season. There will be wins and there will be losses. It’s part of the game.
The best tactic a player can do to cope with big losses is practice, practice, practice. Hone your skills. Memorize the strategy card. Go back to the drawing board and make sure there are no weaknesses in your game, and then get back out there.
Variance plays a factor in every outcome, and that variance will come in the form of expected wins that become losses and expected losses that become wins.
If you play consistently with the proper fundamentals over time, you will become a winning player. Remember, blackjack is a marathon, not a sprint.
What this lesson covers
- How big losses affect your gameplay
- - How to build a strong mental game
- Smart & responsible betting habits
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel NeverSplit10's . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
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FAQs
- Why do I keep losing in blackjack?
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There are multiple reasons you could be losing in blackjack. First, you should ensure you follow healthy gambling habits, which our responsible gambling guide covers. Check whether you are playing games with blackjack rules that give the casinos an overwhelming advantage. Try applying skills like basic strategy or card counting to your game to improve your odds.
- How can I recover a loss in blackjack?
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If you make a loss in blackjack, do not make riskier, bigger bets. Focus on applying skills like basic strategy to your game, and if you still find yourself losing, leave the table. As Mr Blackjack says, the game is a marathon, not a sprint.
- How can I stop big losses from depleting my bankroll?
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First off, you should never play with money you can’t afford to lose. If you're losing consistently, use free blackjack games to practice your skills before playing for real money.
- What is the smartest way to avoid big losses?
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If the thought of big losses makes you feel anxious, then you should set boundaries for your gameplay. Play low-stakes games, gamble with a smaller bankroll and avoid making big bets. Choose games with the best blackjack odds for players so you aren’t giving more money to the casino.
- What should I do after making a big loss in blackjack?
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If a losing wager has decimated your bankroll for the night, accept the result and leave the table. Taking a break will help you maintain emotional control and avoid putting you in a scenario where you might chase your losses.
- How can I win at blackjack every time & avoid big losses?
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It’s impossible to win at blackjack every time. Casinos structure blackjack rules to give themselves the advantage. The best approach players can take is to learn skills that improve their odds, like card counting, only bet what they can afford to lose, and set responsible gaming habits.
- Is the shoe due me a win in blackjack after a big loss?
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No, the shoe does not owe you a winning streak after a big loss in blackjack. This type of behavior leads to tilting, and we recommend you leave the blackjack table and take a break.