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21 Tips for winning at Blackjack

  1. Never bet more than your predetermined limit;
  2. In order to gamble successfully you need your wits about you, so avoid drinking as this impairs your ability to concentrate;
  3. Set yourself a limit. For example, say to yourself “I am playing only $200 and I will stop when I have won $700”;
  4. If you are losing don’t try to catch up by drawing extra money. Limits are there for this reason;
  5. Splitting: never split the fours, fives and face cards (to help you remember, this means anything that begins with an “F”). Always split aces and eights. Split your cards if the dealer is showing a 6, or less;
  6. Learn to manage both winning and losing streaks. When you are winning increase your betting. Use your intuition. If you are losing and have reached your limit, walk away and try another day;
  7. All new players ask about insurance – whether to take it or not. Don’t! Only take insurance if you are a card counter who knows what has been played. For novices, don’t insure as this increases the odds in favour of the dealer;
  8. You should hit if you have low numbered cards up to nine. If you have a total of 12 to 16 and the dealer is showing seven or higher then that is a good time to hit. There are charts available to show you when to hit. It would be a good idea to learn them;
  9. Stand from 17 or higher. Even stand from 12 to 16 if the dealer is showing a card below seven;
  10. Doubling down: to double down means to double your bet. Do this when the dealer is showing a 2 to a 6. Make sure you know the casino rules as some casinos will not allow you to double down on 10 or 11. It is worth while doubling down if your hand is ahead of the dealer’s hand;
  11. Soft hand: a soft hand is a hand that has an ace in it which you value as 11;
  12. Hard hand: a hard hand in blackjack is a hand in which the ace is counted as a 1 instead of an 11;
  13. Surrendering your cards: in certain circumstances you can surrender your cards by forfeiting them as well as half of your wager. Then you can play two new cards;
  14. Read: the more knowledge you have of blackjack, the better your performance at the tables will be;
  15. Running count: this is the positive to negative ratio of the cards that have been played;
  16. True count is the running count ratio divided by the number of decks left;
  17. House rules vary from casino to casino so make sure that you know them;
  18. As a novice practice for free at online casinos or at low table limits until you are familiar with the game;
  19. Learn how to concentrate with constant distractions around you;
  20. Tip your dealer and be courteous, and
  21. Stick to your limits and always refer to the first rule of the game – don’t bet more than your limit.