Tips for the first-time blackjack player

In this article we take a look at some blackjack beginner tips. While we have plenty of readers who have great experience when it comes to playing blackjack, there are also those for who blackjack is all new. What we’re going to take a look at today is aimed at the latter group. We understand that wandering into a casino to play your first game can be more than just a little stressful. We want to help you to overcome any anxieties or worries so that you can get the most out of the game. 

One of the big concerns for new players is the thought that they’re playing for real money. There’s no getting away from the fact that you could easily lose this money. Take reassurance though that even the best players lose and what’s more important is your enjoyment of the game.

Let’s get on and start to explore how you can overcome those worries and enjoy the game.

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Blackjack beginner tips

Blackjack beginner tips – Top tips for new players

There are many people who wander into a casino with little thought. They’ve seen the films and they just want to dive right in and have a good time. They look for the opportunity to gamble, enjoy a drink and pocket some money. unfortunately, it’s not always quite that simple.

It takes time for people to learn how to be smart gamblers. It’s when this comes that players start to enjoy blackjack that much more. For now, we’re going to stick to some of the simpler steps that a new blackjack player can follow, but be sure to read our other articles when you’re ready for something in a little more detail. Let’s take a look:

Blackjack beginner tips – Pay attention to the rules of the game

When you’re looking for a blackjack table to play at, you’ll find that the blackjack rules will be clearly displayed. These rules will tell you more about the likes of payouts as well as minimum and maximum wagers. Generally, you’ll find these rules located on the corner of the table and it’s vital that you take a look before you begin to play.

Other rules to take note of relate to the actions that the dealer must take with certain hands. There will also be details about when you can split and double down.  

Blackjack beginner tips – Cash and rewards cards go on the table

When you take your seat at a blackjack table, it’s important to realize that a dealer is not allowed to take anything from you. That means that if you try to hand them anything, you’re just going to end up causing a situation that’s a little embarrassing.

If you want to buy chips, you just need to place cash on the table. The dealer will take the cash and replace it with chips. Likewise, when it comes to your rewards card, you just need to put this down. The dealer will take it and ensure that it gets swiped so that you get your points. 

Blackjack beginner tips – Learn hand signals

When it comes to playing blackjack, there’s no need to speak to the dealer when it comes to making your next move. In fact, the dealer will ignore you if you verbally tell them that you want to hit or stand. Of course, they’re not being ignorant: there’s a good reason for it.

When people tell a dealer what they want to do, it leaves things wide open. It’s easy to disagree about what was said or asked for. From a security and fairness, point of view, using hand signals does away with any doubt. It means that if there are any disputes, all it takes is a look at CCTV footage to establish what was agreed. 

Take a basic strategy chart with you

When you play blackjack with perfect basic blackjack strategy, you get to bring the house edge down as low as possible. This means that you increase your chances of winning and you also get to play for as long as possible. No one wants their night brought to a premature end because they’ve burnt through their bankroll.

The best thing to do is to commit strategy to memory, but that can take a little time. In the meantime, there are no issues with taking a basic strategy chart in with you. This means that you have something to refer to as you play and the majority of casinos have no problem with this.

Just play your game

Something that can be really off-putting when you first play blackjack in a casino is the number of other players around you. There are worries about people watching, and judging, your every move and the fear of making a bad decision can cause a little concern.

The thing here is that you just need to tune out. Whatever you do doesn’t impact other players. Likewise, whatever they do won’t impact you. That’s because when you’re playing blackjack, you’re only trying to beat the dealer. 

If someone does ever question your decisions, which is very rare, just show them your basic strategy chart and they’ll soon fall silent!

Be careful when it comes to advice

When you find a great casino to play at, you’ll find that blackjack is quite a social casino game. There will be a good mix of people and everyone has a great time. The downside of this is that there will always be someone wanting to dish out advice.

Of course, you don’t want to be rude and dismiss someone out of hand, but you do need to be careful about who you listen to. With the best will in the world, there are people who are simply misguided and will lead you astray.

Ignore insurance

When you first take a seat you may well be tempted to take the insurance side bet. The biggest piece of advice here is simple – don’t do it! Yes, it might sound appealing but if you go ahead and do it, you give the house a huge boost with its edge going to 6%. Almost everyone will ignore this bet and you should do the same. 

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