Want to play like a pro? Here’s how

Yes, blackjack, just like other casino games, should be about fun. Playing is a form of entertainment and, if you’re playing at a land-based casino, it’s also about socializing. However, there are some players who look for ways to up their game. Having read stories about big winners, they want to have a shot at emulating that success. So, what does it take to go from being a casual player to learning how to play pro-level Blackjack?

We’re going to take a look at what you need to know, and what you need to do, to achieve just that.

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Play pro-level blackjack

Play pro-level Blackjack – Pros know what to do with any hand

A casual player will have a hunch or a good feeling that guides their actions. When facing the choices of hitting, standing, splitting and doubling down, these players will just go with what feels right and, unsurprisingly, this leads to more losses than wins. What if there was a way to know exactly what you should do no matter what you’re holding? Well, that’s where basic strategy comes in.

If you take the time to learn basic strategy, you’ll always know what to do next. Rather than relying on guesswork, you’ll be making moves and decisions that are based on mathematics and probability. Basic strategy is so effective that it can bring the house edge right down to between 0.2 and 0.5% depending on the Blackjack rules that you’re playing to. 

Stick to a flat bet (unless you’re card counting)

When you start to search the internet about all things gambling, you’ll soon come across betting strategies that claim to increase your winnings. Perhaps the most common of these is the Martingale system. Beginner blackjack players are drawn to this system but the reality is that it just doesn’t work. 

Such strategies are based on the premise that players are, at some point, due a win. That’s just not true and so by following progressive betting systems, such as Martingale, all that you do is burn through your bankroll faster than ever. 

Play pro-level Blackjack – Avoid the insurance bet

We all take out insurance in some parts of our lives and that’s because it tends to be a good idea. Blackjack, however, is the exception. Taking insurance is a bad bet, simple as that, and something that you need to steer clear of. Yes, it looks attractive at first glance, but the maths behind it quickly shows that isn’t the case.

There are times when card counters may want to take the insurance bet but this is only when the count is positive. In such a scenario, the likelihood is that the dealer is going to have a 10 as their down card. However, when card counters follow this, and place the insurance bet, it tends to alert the house what you’re up to and, very quickly, the game is up. 

Only play where the payout is 3:2

It was once the case that a natural blackjack would pay 3:2 no matter what casino you were playing at. However, what’s becoming more and more common are casinos and tables where the payout is now 6:5. Why is this a problem? Well, when you play at a 6:5 table you’re accepting another 1.39% being added to the house edge.

If you’re playing at a 3:2 table and you wager $10 and get blackjack, you win $15. If the same happens at a 6:5 table the win is reduced to $12. Do you need any other reasons to stay away and only play at tables that payout 3:2?

Play pro-level Blackjack – Embrace the option to surrender

When some players are dealt poor cards and know that their chances of winning are slim, they still choose to play on. Why? Well, they feel that they’d rather play on and lose than just give up as by playing there is at least a slight chance of winning. However, this thought process is wrong.

When your chances are clearly zilch, what makes more sense: sacrifice your entire wager or surrender and limit your losses to 50%? Of course, the latter makes more financial sense and it also means that you can keep playing for longer.

Master doubling down 

With doubling down, you’re given the opportunity to place a second bet that’s equal to your fist. You are then given an extra card by the dealer. The options that you then face when you have doubled are covered by basic blackjack strategy and each of these present you with the opportunity to increase your winnings.

Get to grips with splitting

Splitting is another option that you’re given in blackjack but it’s one that you should only take in certain circumstances. The following circumstances are ones where you should always split:

  • On average, you will win more money (bold strategy)
  • On average, you will lose less money (defensive play)
  • You have the opportunity to turn a losing hand into a winning one (offensive play)

Get the advantage by using card counting

Now, if you’ve ever watched films about blackjack and card counting, there’s a good chance that you’ve been left with the belief that you need to be a genius to master this. The impression given is that you need to memorize each and every card and this will lead to you winning every hand. Like many things that come out of Hollywood, the impression of card counting isn’t strictly true.

The reality is that there are basic card counting methods that, with commitment, any player can learn. By taking the time to do this you give yourself the best chance of beating the house.

Manage your bankroll

If you want to make the most of your blackjack game then you need to know how to manage your bankroll. Ideally, you’ll be starting with plenty of money and only placing small bets. The issue that many players face is that they bet too big and fail to maintain their bankroll. The best way to manage your money is to learn how to calculate the Risk of Ruin (ROR). Card counters ensure that their bankroll keeps their ROR at 5% or less. 

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