Blackjack is one of the most beloved casino games. Passing the test of time and prevailing in the online world, the game has proved incredibly popular with modern-day gambling fans.
From the classic table-based version to the 21 duel blackjack found on popular casino websites, blackjack is open to all kinds of skill levels.
If you want to work your way towards the top, however, there are plenty of key tips you’ll need to know in order to gain the advantage and have the best chance of winning.
Always play 3:2
Traditionally, blackjack has always been played with 3:2 odds. That means if you bet £10, you’ll receive £15 in winnings. There are many casinos that play it with 6:5 odds, meaning a £10 bet would see you win £12.
With the 6:5 game, the house’s advantage is around 2% more than it is when it’s a 3:2 game. To increase your chances of winning more money and having a baseline advantage from the off, it’s a no brainer to stick to 3:2 games.
Vegas casinos stick by these odds and often we’ve seen individuals earn big money from these kinds of games.
Split 8s and aces
Splitting is a deeper, more tactical method of approaching a game of blackjack, as your initial hand of two of the same card can be split into two separate hands for, in theory, a greater chance at winning.
While splitting isn’t recommended for most numbers, experts have advised players to always split a pair of 8s or a pair of aces. While aces are an obvious choice because their value can be decided upon, 8s allow a greater chance of meeting the ‘hard 16’ of the dealer’s hand.
Never play insurance
No matter what the dealer’s initial upcard might be, playing the insurance bet is a fool’s game. Insurance is when a player can opt to halve their odds when they believe the dealer will receive a hand of exactly 21.
Many players like to play the insurance when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, but it’s advised to stick with your current odds as the 2:1 odds of the insurance bet is less than the odds the dealer will actually hold a 21.
Grow into the game
Blackjack, at heart, is a simple table game that anyone can get into. That being said, like most table games in a casino it’s always worth taking your time and considering your options.
Diving in headfirst with a large bet is not advised, as experts say it’s worth surveying your opponents and seeing how they bet in the first few rounds. Placing low bets in order to get a feel for the table and, more importantly, see how your luck is playing out is key to becoming successful in the long run.
In time, sticking to these rules might just see you end up like Ben Affleck, becoming so good you get banned from playing.
