Top 10 Tips for Winning at Blackjack

Playing blackjack effectively – which means beating the dealer as often as possible – requires a bit of math, lots of practice and memorizing some key strategies. The following tips are offered to help beginning players develop their blackjack skills.

1. Practice, practice, practice. Most online casinos offer a free practice blackjack game, or “fun money” mode that allows you to practice as long as you want. Keep playing online until you’re sure you’ve stopped making mistakes in your basic strategy. Learn the rules until you don’t have to think about them.

2. Always decide ahead of time how much you’re willing lose playing blackjack. Don’t risk what you can’t afford.

3. Memorize the basic strategy of blackjack thoroughly, or carry with you a plastic laminated strategy card that you consult at the table. Don’t be shy about telling the dealer you’re a novice and that you’re using a basic strategy card. A good dealer will be glad to help you learn the game, because it means you’ll come back and play again.

4. Play at a table where blackjack pays 3:2 and the maximum bet is no more than 5 percent of your bankroll. Don’t ever play at a table where blackjack pays 6:5; you’re just giving your money to the house.

5. Remember: The objective of casino blackjack is to beat the dealer. In order to do this, you must think strategically about how to play your hand against what the dealer has.

6. Don’t play the side bets known as Insurance, Even Money, Perfect Pairs, or Pair Plus. These bets only increase the revenue for the casino.

7. Always split Aces and 8s. Splitting increases your chances of getting a total that will beat the dealer. On the other hand, never split any pairs of 10-count cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings), because a total of 20 often will beat the dealer’s hand.

8. Always double down when you have 11. The probabilities are high that you’ll draw a 10-count card on a hit. Remember, there are more 10-count cards in the deck or a multideck shoe than anything else.

9. Always assume that the dealer’s down card is a 10. When you calculate according to this rule, you’ll have a better chance of knowing when to hit or stand.

10. No matter whether you win or lose, always save out chips to “toke” (tip) the dealer and the servers. This gracious gesture will mark you as a serious player who respects the game, and is likely to get you excellent service next time you play. (And if you believe in Lady Luck, she just might smile on you for being so generous).