Beginner blackjack mistakes to avoid
If you’re like other newbie blackjack players, there’s a good chance that you’ve been attracted to the game because you’ve been told that it’s simple. Well, there is a degree of truth to what you’ve been told and yes, you can certainly start to play blackjack relatively quickly when you get to grips with just a few rules. However, if you want to take the game a little more seriously, and if you want to increase the number of times that you’re winning, you need to avoid certain beginner blackjack mistakes. Managing to avoid these means that there’s a little more that you’ll need to learn.
Many beginners have watched a hand or two being played, or have even seen how the game is portrayed in the movies. This leads to them jumping in feet first and quickly seeing their funds being drained. That’s because pretty much every newbie makes the same mistakes. We’re here to talk you through these so that you can be sure that you avoid them.
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Beginner blackjack mistakes #1 – Ignoring the small print at your chosen table
When you enter a casino it’s highly unlikely that you’re only going to be greeted with one blackjack table. There’s a very good chance that you’ll notice that there are numerous tables to choose from but you need to be in the know so you can decide which one to play at.
The thing is, each blackjack table will have its own rules. It’s okay knowing the basics, but if you’re not aware of what blackjack rules your chosen table is using there’s a high probability that you’re going to come off badly. You need to be checking what the payout for a blackjack is. You also need to know the rules around doubling down, surrendering and so much more.
Beginner blackjack mistakes #2 – Failing to communicate
If you want to get on the wrong side of the dealer and cause untold annoyance to other players sitting around the table, all that you need to do is ignore the etiquette when it comes to communication. Yes, you may well have seen films where players simply shout “hit me” but the reality is that it doesn’t work like this at a real-life casino.
Land-based casinos rely on the use of hand signals. This means that there can be no misunderstandings when it comes to what choice a player made. As a new blackjack player, you need to learn the hand signals that indicate the move that you want to make. Without this, a dealer isn’t going to want to keep you at their table for long.
Beginner blackjack mistakes #3 – Not understanding the aces
While understanding the value of cards in blackjack is easy, many new players find themselves making mistakes when it comes to aces. That’s because these cards have two values. They can either be used as a one or as an 11. Let’s say that you’ve been dealt an ace and a six. Depending upon how you use your aces, this hand could be worth either seven or 17.
Understanding this matters when it comes to basic blackjack strategy. You will find that hard and soft hands are referred to. Whether a hand is one or the other depends upon the presence of an ace. If you can’t recognise this, and how aces can work, you will be unable to master the strategy.
#3 – Focusing on ‘What if?’
Something that you really need to accept with blackjack, just as with other casino games, is that when it’s over, it’s over. If you’ve won then that’s great. Enjoy the warm buzz and then get on with the next game. If you’ve lost, so be it. You need to forget it, move and get on with playing again.
What many new players find themselves doing is mulling over certain points in a game. They think that maybe if another player had done x then y would have been the result. They play these scenarios over and over and what do they gain from it? Absolutely nothing! You can never influence the actions of another player so just move on.
#4 – Taking unnecessary risks
When you find yourself in a casino there is an atmosphere that you simply won’t find anywhere else. There is a real buzz and it’s easy to get drawn in and a little carried away. This leads to some new players blatantly showing off. They want to add to the spectacle and this means they start gambling more than they can really afford and making decisions that verge on stupid.
The thing is, blackjack is a game that can be won with a touch of discipline. Taking reckless actions and burning through your bankroll will just see you losing in the long run. If all you ever do is lose, the fun side of blackjack will soon wear off.
#5 – Working as a team
Those who are starting out on their blackjack journeys often have the thought that they can get together with other players and all work as a team. They think that blackjack can become a team sport and that by working together they can beat the dealer. This is the wrong approach to take.
When playing blackjack the other players at the table really don’t matter. The game is all about you and the dealer. It’s the dealer that you need to beat and you don’t want to get drawn into what’s going on with the other players. Just focus on your own game.
#6 – Taking it all a bit too seriously
Yes, winning matters when playing at a casino, but you need to understand that you can’t win every time. Rather than getting tied up with thoughts of winning big, the best thing that you can do is take a step back and remember what the game’s really about: fun.
Just like all casino games, blackjack is about fun and entertainment. If this is missing when you play then there’s a good chance that it’s not the game for you. Just sit back and relax. That way you can enjoy the game as well as the whole casino experience.
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