If you’re losing at blackjack, these are probably the reasons why
Let’s be honest: losing sucks! Okay, so there is no magic formula that means that you’re going to win every hand of blackjack, but winning is certainly a much better experience. Now, we don’t want to take away from the fact that blackjack, and other casino games, are all about fun. They definitely are, it’s just that loss after loss after loss can be a little soul-destroying. Read more about the most common Blackjack mistakes.
So, what is it that sees some players winning more than others? Why do some people seem to lose pretty much every hand and why do they seem to burn through their bankroll at an alarming rate? Well, there’s a good chance that these players are probably doing at least one of these things:
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1) Ignoring the rules – Blackjack mistakes 1/8
When you wander into any casino the responsibility sits firmly with you when it comes to checking out the rules of the table. Simply waltzing in and plonking yourself down at the first blackjack table you come across are hardly the actions of someone that is looking for success. That’s because these tables will all have different blackjack rules. Some of them are great and some of them not so.
Now, no employee in a casino is going to take you by the hand and guide you to a table where the rules are weighted more in your favour. Instead, you’re going to have to take the time to study the rules and find the best table to play at.
2) Ignoring basic strategy – Blackjack mistakes #2/8
The big attraction for many, when it comes to playing blackjack, is the low house edge. However, that edge is only at its lowest when you know what you’re doing and that means using basic blackjack strategy. You see, while blackjack requires a touch of luck, like all casino games, using basic strategy takes the guesswork out of the game.
Wouldn’t it be great to sit at a table and see your cards and know just what to do next? Wouldn’t it be amazing to look at the dealer’s up card and know precisely what you’re going to do next? The thing is, this is exactly what basic strategy allows you to do, so why wouldn’t you take the time to master it?
3) Thinking that a betting progression works – Blackjack mistakes #3/8
It’s not just blackjack, but a whole host of casino games where betting progressions have become a bit of a thing. This is when players adjust their bets, either upwards or downwards, based on what has just happened with the previous hand. Why? Well, they think that there is some sort of mathematical probability that if they just lost the last hand that they will win the next, so they increase their bet. The likely results of this ‘strategy’ are a bankroll that is gone in record time.
The truth is there is nothing to suggest how the last hand will affect the next. People are adjusting their bets based on nothing really. What you should be doing is protecting your bankroll so that you can enjoy yourself longer at the table.
4) Believing that you’re due a win – Mistakes #4/8
This kind of follows the same misguided thought process of the point above. You see, there are players out there who believe that blackjack is a 50-50 game. If they lose a few hands in a row they think that the odds are suddenly in their favour and that they’re due a win. They react to this notion by increasing their bet.
So, with a bigger wager, the inevitable happens and the player loses another hand. All that this leads to is a player retiring early for the evening and missing out on the night of fun and entertainment that they’d had planned.
5) Accepting the use of a continuous shuffling machine (CSM) – Mistakes #5/8
A CSM is an automated dealing device. It dispenses cards to both players and dealers and their use is becoming increasingly common. Casinos love them as they speed up the pace of play and they also make card counting almost impossible.
Now, we’re big fans of card counting. There’s no doubting that this is a strategy that works and can increase your winning potential. However, if you’re taking a seat at a table where a CSM is being used, your card counting skills pretty much mean nothing. Get fussy about where you play. Select a table where a dealer actually deals and do all that you can to give yourself the edge.
6) Accepting 6:5 for a blackjack – Mistakes #6/8
Okay, so this is something that we’ve touched on before. That’s because a 6:5 payout for a blackjack is becoming more and more common. You’ll even find tables offering 7:6 and those that go as far as offering even money. Do not even bother taking a seat at these tables.
Let’s say that you’re playing a single-deck game. The house edge is 1.39%. Now, let’s take a look at what a blackjack pays and change it to even money. The house edge has now rocketed to 2.3% or more. Can you see why these games aren’t really worth your time?
7) Taking the insurance bet – Mistakes #7/8
Let’s be honest here. Side bets in blackjack have their place. The reality is that they add something a little different to the game and can keep layers entertained. However, generally speaking, the chances of winning are lousy and players just end up losing more money.
One of the worst side bets is the insurance bet. Somehow casinos have convinced players that this is a great deal and serves to protect them. Well, the truth is that the insurance bet just isn’t worth your time.
8) Drunk or tired – Mistakes #8/8
When playing blackjack you need your wits about you. If you want to count cards or play perfect basic strategy, you need a clear head. If you’re feeling tired, or f you’ve had a little too much to drink, you’re simply giving your money to the house. The best thing here is to walk away and play another day.
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