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Learn the Rules to Different Blackjack Games

Online casinos offer dozens of blackjack games with only minor differences in the rules or gameplay. These variances are often overlooked but can drain your bankroll.

In American blackjack, for instance, the dealer can peek at their hole card for natural blackjack before players make any further moves. Compared to European blackjack, players would have to make more bets before the dealer revealed if they had blackjack. Learn the blackjack rules of these games and alter your gameplay accordingly if you want to beat the casino.

Have Some Basic Strategies Ready

Basic blackjack strategy is based on decades of research by mathematicians to find the best gameplay for any player’s hand. Rather than making random decisions, basic strategy uses simple rules and charts based on probability and odds to give players a better chance of winning real money from the casino. With basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack drops from 2% to 0.5%. Even applying one rule of basic playing strategy can help players win more.

Step Up Your Game with Free Blackjack Practice

Don’t waste your bankroll on silly mistakes. Free games and blackjack apps are great for trying out new titles or practicing basic strategy. Our Free Blackjack Arcade offers over 60 blackjack games, with no download or sign-up required. Players wanting strategy practice will find charts and betting tips in our free titles to help them take on the dealer. Our blackjack games are identical to those found at online casinos, which is perfect for casual players looking for fun titles.

Never Split a Winning Hand

20 is considered a very good hand in blackjack and will win or tie in 92% of cases. Some players split 10s thinking they will make two more hands of an equal value. In reality, splitting that hand will give you worse odds in blackjack, even if the dealer has a bust card. Play the math and play consistently.

Add Card Counting to Your Gameplay

Blackjack movies feature card counting as a mind-blowingly complicated calculation, but some systems like Hi-Lo are surprisingly simple. It just takes time and practice to master. Card counting can help you assess what cards remain in the shoe and make smarter bets accordingly. For experienced players, card counting can also tell you when to deploy any deviations in your blackjack strategy. Despite casinos’ efforts to combat card counting recently, it’s still an essential skill for players that want to win more money from the blackjack tables.

Use a Blackjack Strategy Card

Strategy charts help you make the best move on any hand in blackjack. Most casinos ban players from placing strategy cards on the table, but this isn’t an issue with online blackjack or live blackjack games. Players can take their time studying strategy cards in online games and avoid making any costly errors.

Avoid Live Blackjack Tables with Continuous Shufflers

Some blackjack dealers will use continuous shuffling machines (CSMs) every few rounds. These devices continually shuffle 3-5 decks at once, making it impossible to count cards. Look for games that use batch/automatic shuffle machines after 50-75% of the shoe is played. Better yet, find blackjack tables where the dealer shuffles the cards themselves. These live blackjack games will give you greater chances of winning some cash.

Stick to Your Betting Limits

Experienced blackjack players know how to stretch their bankroll. Before joining a blackjack table, decide how long you want to play and how much of your bankroll you want to spend. Consider any buy-in and bet limits of the table, and the number of hands per hour the table is playing. This will help you judge which real money blackjack games you can afford to play and set realistic bet limits for yourself.

Ignore the Insurance Bet

Online casinos know new blackjack players love side bets, and bank on them taking insurance whenever it’s offered. Unless you can count cards, this is the worst side bet to make. The odds of a dealer making blackjack are 9:4 yet the payout for insurance bet is only 2:1. Combined with a 7.4% house edge in six-deck blackjack games, insurance bets only pay out disappointment. Copy blackjack pros and avoid this side bet at (almost) all costs.

Find the Best Loyalty Scheme

Online casinos may offer loyalty schemes to get you gambling more, but gamblers can play these clubs to their advantage. Find a casino that offers the best rewards for your gameplay. Use them to build up free credit or casino bonuses you can use on blackjack games. That way, you win something even when you lose. Check out our casino reviews to find the best reward clubs for you.

Get the edge with our blackjack strategies

Raise your game with simple strategies and tips from our expert, Mr Blackjack.

FAQs

How can you always win at blackjack?

A casino's house edge means blackjack games are always tipped in their favor. By using basic strategy and cheat sheets though, players can improve their odds in 21. Setting bet limits and flexing on these depending on their advantage at the table will also help players win at blackjack more often. Our how to win at blackjack every time video over at the Blackjack Academy provides tips and advice to increase your odds.

What is the trick to blackjack?

Applying basic strategy to blackjack games is the easiest trick players can learn. Tips and cheat sheets are available for free on our basic strategy page, which will help them make smarter bets straight away.

Is it better to play blackjack alone?

There are benefits and disadvantages to going solo and playing with other gamblers. Card counting is easier when it’s between you and the dealer, plus games are faster. On the other hand, it’s harder to blend in as a card counter without other players around. Fewer players are better when you’re playing your advantage in a game, but the opposite is true, too.

What are the odds of winning at blackjack?

Taking ties into account, players have a 42.22% probability of winning at blackjack.

Which blackjack has the best odds?

Classic blackjack uses only a single deck, giving players the best odds out of any game of 21. Look for casinos with payout odds of 3:2 to win more money in this blackjack game.

How do I increase my chances of winning at blackjack?

Players should apply basic strategy and charts in their gameplay to improve their odds. This will help them reduce the casino’s house edge and make fewer betting mistakes. On games of 21 like classic blackjack, where the odds are more in the player's favor, basic strategy can boost your chances of winning. Check out Mr Blackjack's video on tips for winning more at blackjack.

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