The notorious game of Blackjack is one of the most popular table games housed in live dealer casinos across the world. The essence of this game is to be dealt with a hand of cards that total to a value higher than that of the dealer, but must not exceed 21. In this blog you will learn 9 ways to win in Blackjack.
How to Win in Blackjack
At the start of the game, each of the players, including the dealer himself, must acquire a pair of cards that could either be face up or down, depending on house rules. On the part of the dealer, one of his cards must face up, the other one face down (hole card). Pip cards two through ten have values corresponding to its number, while face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are quite valuable: each face card is worth 10. Ace cards on the other hand, could either be worth one or eleven.
Now that the basics of the game have been established, there are other facts one must be mindful about to win in blackjack and before competing with other players. This could in a way, gain newbies some advantage in finding the best tables and play dealt hands in the best way possible.
Fact #1: No Table is The Same
This is the most important thing to remember if you want to win in Blackjack. Keep this important fact when playing Blackjack. Although Blackjack features the same base game, every Blackjack table has varying rules. This changes the fate of the players. Always remember to never immediately engage in tables that pay three to two for a conventional 21.
Fact #2: The Perfect Play
There is an existing way to best play every hand dealt at the Blackjack table, and most players are unfamiliar with this. This is outlined on a particular Blackjack strategy chart. For those unfamiliar with this material, it could be easily accessed through the Internet. It basically teaches players when to exactly hit or stand, double down, split pairs or surrender. Basic strategy however is simply not enough given that strategy alone cannot overcome house edge. Commit the charts to memory, and doing this takes intentional practice. Additionally, comprehension of more rules and deviations is required apart from all the memory work. Understanding the basic strategy first makes it easier to shift to the more complicated stuff.
It is important to know which table to play if you want to win in Blackjack, and it is highly advised to choose the one with the lowest edge. Equipped with basic knowledge of the game and a strategy chart, odds might move in the player’s favor.
Fact #3: Insurance Problems
An insurance bet is one of the most popular side bets in the game of Blackjack. It is usually offered when the dealer has the probability of having a natural 21, especially when his face up card is an Ace. At first glance, this kind of side bet seems a reasonable way to protect one’s funds. It is actually a strategy to make the casino’s edge higher and does not insure anything. Players set up insurance and if the dealer’s hand hits a Blackjack, they get to keep the money. However, if the dealer’s cards are lost, the player loses the side bet and is still required to play out his hand. It would be wise not to accept any side bets from Blackjack tables.
Fact #4: Other Side Bets
To attract a wider audience, both online and live casinos improved their game play by adding side bets. The following are some common side bets offered in Blackjack:
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21 + 3
in this type of side bet, the player wagers whether his/her first hand and the dealer’s face-up card sums up to form a flush(three cards of the same suit), straight (three cards with consecutive values), or straight flush.
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Royal Match
a side bet that relies on the first hand dealt to players, offered in single-deck or multi-deck blackjack tables. If the player with suited cards makes this bet in a multi-deck game, the pay-off is 5 to 2 (Easy Match). In a Royal Match, a suited face card, particularly a King and Queen, the pay-off is 25 to 1.
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Over/Under 13
this side bet is commonly made when a player possesses a hand of cards that has a sum over or under 13.
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Super Sevens
The pay off is 3 to 1 if the player’s first card is a seven. If the first two cards are both sevens, the pay-off will depend whether they are suited (100 to1) or unsuited (50 to1). If the player draws another 7, he gets 500 to 1 for unsuited hands and 5,000 to 1 for suited cards.
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Lucky Ladies
Unlike over/under 13, this type of side bet is made when players have cards that sum up to 20, usually with two Queens. The players receive a pay-off of 1,000 to 1 if he/she has two Queens of hearts while the dealer has a Blackjack. If only the player has the Queens, it pays 200 to 1.
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Pair Square
the player earns this bet when his hand of cards are of the same rank. Unmatched pairs, meaning cards of the same number but of different suits, gains one 10 to 1, whereas a matched pair pays 15 to 1.
These side bets boost excitement at the table, but one should avoid making the mistake of turning them into the main focus of the game.
Fact #5: Offset the Edge
Majority of casinos usually have the house edge in playing real money Blackjack, or any casino games for that matter. As a means to break even, players are encouraged to sign up for the players club. This entitles them to various benefits and complimentary gifts, food and even trips. In cases of online Blackjack, utilize the earned bonuses to neutralize the house edge. Once a player signs up for the game, he is required to make a deposit. Subsequently, bonuses are offered and it is wise to make use of it to increase his/her bankroll.
Fact #6: Free Practice is Available
In the game of Blackjack, free practice to hone strategies is available, be it on a land-based live or online casino. This can only go on as long as one knows how to do it. As technology continues to develop, there are already countless casino websites that offer the most up-to-date and real-time gambling experience. Applications are also available for downloading free blackjack games onto one’s mobile device.
Fact #7: Counting Cards
As mentioned, knowing the basic strategies of Blackjack gives the player a good run in the game, but that does not mean it will turn the tables around. This is where card counting becomes crucial. It is a technique that allows players to know if they are at an advantage. The essence of card counting is keeping track of the ratio between high and low cards. In other words, it informs the counter how many low-value cards (two through six) and high-value cards (tens, aces and face cards) remain in the shoe.
Fact #8: Watch the Dealer
Players must grow the habit of observing the dealer’s hands. This is to ensure that no mistakes are made. In some cases, there are actually dealers who are not properly trained, therefore the higher the chances of incorrect distribution and handling of cards.
Fact #9: Watch the Shuffle
Shuffle tracking is an advanced technique used in conjunction with card counting. Its a technique where the player keeps track of certain cards in a series of shuffles. Some dealers however, are quite skilled in shuffling, rendering this strategy ineffective and futile. In most cases, shuffle tracking suggests that high-value cards are quite advantageous for the player. It is advantageous if he/she is aware that high cards are to be dealt out of the deck.
Knowing these nine facts can equip a blackjack player with the fundamental knowledge and strategies, improving his/her gameplay. Skilled blackjack players utilize some of these techniques. This earns them more than they lose as they employ card counting, shuffle tracking and locating hole cards.
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