Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world… and it has been for over one hundred years. And the reason for this is because the game offers just the right blend of luck, skill, and strategy. Unlike some casino games (slots, we’re talking about you) that are all about luck, blackjack rewards those who learn the rules, understand the odds, and know the basic blackjack strategy.
So, if you are serious about gambling on blackjack games and want to play the game like a pro, here’s how to go about it…
Understanding the Basics
Before we start getting into the more advanced tactics, you need to know the fundamentals. This is a game played with one or more standard decks of 52 cards, and your goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 as you can without going over. The number cards count at face value, while face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10. Aces can count as either 1 or 11, depending on which one is best for your hand.
Each player places a bet and gets two cards, as does the dealer. Players then choose, based on their hand, whether to “hit” (take another card), “stand” (keep what they have), “double down” (double their bet and take just one final card), or “split” (if they have a pair, they can split it into two hands by placing another bet the same size to the original).
The dealer follows the rules – which usually involve drawing until they reach at least 17.
The Basic Strategy
If you want to play like a pro, you have to learn the basic strategy – which is essentially the best mathematical way to play every possible hand, based on the dealer’s up card and what you have in your hand. If you get it right, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%!
The good news is that you’ll be able to find the basic strategy chart online – and lots of professionals memorise it. It covers every scenario with rules such as:
- No matter what the dealer has, you should always split Aces and 8s.
- Never split 10s or 5s.
- Always stand if you have a hard 17 or higher.
- If the dealer has 7 or over, hit if you have a hard 12–16.
If you use the basic strategy rather than just guesswork, you give yourself the best mathematical chance of winning…
Managing Your Bankroll
Even with the basic strategy, you can’t win them all… you can have losing hands and even losing streaks – and that’s why bankroll management is so important. Any professional player knows they need to set a budget and stick to it. This means you should be able to ride out the tougher times without going broke.
Generally, you should set your budget (whatever you can afford to lose) and divide it into smaller betting amounts (most pros would recommend betting between 1 and 5% of your bankroll on any given hand). This will essentially protect you from any big losses but still give you the chance to capitalise on those winning streaks.
Avoid The Most Common Mistakes
Anyone can fall into bad habits… even the pros. Here are some of the most common mistakes you need to try to avoid:
- Chasing losses: If you start betting more than you planned after a losing streak, you can eat through your bankroll quicker than you intended.
- Not using the basic strategy: This is always going to benefit the house.
- Not reading the table rules: Different blackjack games and tables have different rules. Sometimes dealers have to stand on a soft 17 while other times they’re allowed to hit – which has an effect on your strategy.
- Rely on insurance bets: Although they look like the safe bet, taking insurance is generally a bad idea unless you’re a card counter.
Playing Online Like a Pro
You might want to hone your skills at an online casino… and all the same principles apply. However, there are a few differences to consider:
- Game speed: Online games are quicker, so you need to make decisions quicker.
- No physical tells: You can’t read the dealer, so you have to rely on your knowledge of the game.
- Live dealer blackjack: If you want a mix of the two experiences, try a live dealer table and play against a human dealer in real time.
When you are playing online, make sure you choose a reputable and licensed casino.
Reading the Table
You have to choose the right blackjack table because not all blackjack games are equal. Some have more player-friendly rules, such as paying 3:2 for a blackjack instead of 6:5, some let you double after splitting, and others allow late surrender.
Go for the table that gives you the lowest house edge – and fewer decks are also better for players. If you can find a single or double-deck game, it’s definitely worth considering.
Stay in the Zone
Blackjack is also a mental game… and pro players are disciplined, they avoid distractions, and don’t get emotional. If you drink and play, chat with others or lose focus, you can end up making expensive mistakes. Take every hand seriously.
A Game of Discipline and Focus
If you want to play like a pro, you need to be prepared to learn, be disciplined, and have patience. If you can master the basic strategy, manage your bankroll and avoid all the most common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to playing like a pro.
Whether you’re playing online or at a land-based casino, set yourself a budget, stick to it and never bet what you can’t afford to lose.
