Advice for blackjack newbies
Blackjack is an amazing casino game that’s hugely popular. While getting to grips with how the game works is easy, there are certain things that you can do to improve your chances of winning. You’ve probably heard of the likes of card counting but you may find it hard to really crack this. The good news is that there are other things that you can do. Let´s take a look at some blackjack newbie advice.
As you read on, we’re going to cover all that a new blackjack player needs to know. These tips will increase your chances of winning and will also protect you from expensive mistakes.
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Blackjack newbie advice – Make sure you’re only playing at a 3:2 blackjack table
Many players who are new to blackjack won’t give a great deal of thought to the table that they play at. When you walk into a casino, there will be numerous games of blackjack to choose from and the temptation is just to start playing at the first that you come across. However, doing this is likely to cost you money.
It was once the case that almost all blackjack tables would payout at a rate of 3:2 for a natural blackjack. This has now changed and more and more tables are only offering 6:5. This change means that the house edge increases and your chances of winning slide. When choosing a table to play at, be sure that you check the payout before you start to wager.
Blackjack newbie advice – Understand soft hands
When playing blackjack, an ace is quite special. That’s because you get to choose how much it’s worth. You can use it as either a 1 or an 11. If you hold more than two cards this won’t always be the case as an 11 could see you going bust. However, when you have a hand where you can choose what an ace is worth, it’s known as a soft hand.
Soft hands matter because what you do with them has an impact on the outcome of the game. Generally, you’ll find that soft hands bring more advantages when you hit rather than stand.
Blackjack newbie advice – The rules for the dealer on soft 17
Each table will have blackjack rules that the dealer must follow. One of these states what a dealer has to do when they hold soft 17: they are told whether they have to stand or hit. You’ll find this rule at the table and you really want to be seeking ones where the dealer is forced to stand. That’s because it brings the house edge down.
In truth, the impact isn’t a massive one. If you can only find a table where the dealer hits on soft 17, this isn’t a reason to walk away. It’s just that standing offers you a light benefit.
Advice – Understanding doubling down
When you double down you’re making a second bet. This bet is equal in value to the first one that you placed. As soon as you make the bet, you’re dealt one more card and then your hand is over. When this is done correctly, being able to double down can lower the house edge that much more and put things in your favor.
You need to, again, study the rules at your chosen casino and chosen able. These will tell you when you’re able to double down and some circumstances are more profitable than others.
Advice – Learn all about splitting
Some casinos will offer a favorable rule where you’re allowed to split your cards when you’ve been dealt a pair. Some casinos will go a step further and will first allow you to split and then let you double down as well.
When you split, you need to make a second wager equal to your first. You’re then playing two hands at once. To make the most of splitting you should always split if you have a pair of eights or a pair of aces. You should avoid splitting if you have two tens. Instead, you should stand on the 20.
Advice – Master basic strategy
You may well be a blackjack newbie but it’s never too early to start learning all about basic blackjack strategy. This tells you exactly what you should do no matter what hand you’re holding. That means that you’re never left guessing as to whether you should hit, stand, split or double down.
The great thing about basic strategy is that you can get your hands on charts that show you how it works. Even better, the majority of casinos have no issue if you take one of these charts in with you. That means that there’s really no reason not t be using this and maximizing your chances to win.
Advice – Have a strict budget
Blackjack is just like any other casino game in that responsible gambling is a must. It can be easy to start playing and get carried away only to regret it the next day. You need to be disciplined with your bankroll and you should never gamble anything that you can’t afford to lose.
If you explore our other articles, you’ll find that we give tips about how to boost your bankroll. It’s all about patience and playing the long game. Just don’t ever go chasing losses and don’t ever think that you’re due a win.
Advice – Steer clear of side bets
Side bets can be seen as exciting in that they add something a little different to blackjack. It doesn’t matter if you lose the main game, there’s still a chance to win on a side bet. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re worthwhile.
If you’re looking for added fun then by all means wager on as many side bets as you want to. however, if, as a newbie, you’re looking to increase your winning ways, side bets aren’t the answer. They come with a horrendous house edge and you may as well just hand your cash over to the casino.
Advice – Never play drunk
Drinking can easily become part of the blackjack experience. However, you need to stay in control. When you take on board too much alcohol your decision-making skills are impaired and you’re setting yourself up to lose.
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