Blackjack is basically one of the easiest games in any casino, except of course, slot machines. The basic premise behind blackjack is to beat the dealer without going over 21. Although the simplicity of the game sometimes makes it more difficult, as a blackjack player may automatically assume the dealer has a face card underneath, the reality is by using specific strategy you can beat the dealer and increase your edge!
1. Never assume the Dealer has a '10' underneath
The assumption that the dealer always has a face card is in reality an error on the part of the player and subsequently results in hitting when you should stand. For example, in a standard 52 card deck there are a total of 16 face cards (10, Jack, Queen, King). If there are 5 players at the table, statistically each player can only receive a face card 3 times throughout the deck.
Since there are only 52 cards, (with 5 players and 1 dealer), each deal will expose a total of 12 cards or about 1/4 of the deck. Mathematically this means that 4 face cards will appear on the table. Since some hands will have to hit, let us assume that 3 players hit, thereby making a total of 15 cards out before the dealer reveals his hole card. That will make a statistical total of at least five '10' cards out. If there are a lot of 10 cards out, is it still possible the dealer has a 10 underneath?
2. Watch the cards as they lie
What happens when the whole table gets cards lower than a 10? Mathematically if there are 6 players (5 players and the dealer) and all the cards on the board come out low (2 through 9), assuming the dealer has a 10 underneath is probably a correct assumption.
As you play through the shoe, you want to train yourself to keep an eye on the pattern and way the cards come out. Usually, a large amount of low cards will indicate high cards are coming (and vice versa)
3. Press your bets at the right time
Pressing your bet is when you increase the amount of your bet, in hopes of winning more. Finding the right time to press your bet is advantageous to your bankroll. In the example above where a lot of low cards came out, this may be the best time to press your bet on the next hand. Usually a minimum 50% increase or a maximum of triple is a good idea.
If you always play the same amount and never press your bets, you will likely either go broke or break even. Since mathematically Blackjack is almost a break-even game. It is best to press your bets when you have a profit, a let that profit build for you.
4. Know when to leave
Probably the hardest thing for any blackjack player to do is to leave the table. However, if you are going to be a winning player and beat the dealer, you must leave when the profits are good. Never hope to win more or get back to even when you get on a bad streak.
Find the right time, by using the cards as a gauge of when to leave. For example, if you sit through 3 or more hands where the dealer has made 20's or 21 and you have lost all three hands, it is time to quit!
If you want to play more, just get up and find another table. In many cases moving to a different table with your profit is more advantageous than staying at the same table where you are losing.
Never be afraid to get off the table, always look out for yourself and take home a profit.
1. Never assume the Dealer has a '10' underneath
The assumption that the dealer always has a face card is in reality an error on the part of the player and subsequently results in hitting when you should stand. For example, in a standard 52 card deck there are a total of 16 face cards (10, Jack, Queen, King). If there are 5 players at the table, statistically each player can only receive a face card 3 times throughout the deck.
Since there are only 52 cards, (with 5 players and 1 dealer), each deal will expose a total of 12 cards or about 1/4 of the deck. Mathematically this means that 4 face cards will appear on the table. Since some hands will have to hit, let us assume that 3 players hit, thereby making a total of 15 cards out before the dealer reveals his hole card. That will make a statistical total of at least five '10' cards out. If there are a lot of 10 cards out, is it still possible the dealer has a 10 underneath?
2. Watch the cards as they lie
What happens when the whole table gets cards lower than a 10? Mathematically if there are 6 players (5 players and the dealer) and all the cards on the board come out low (2 through 9), assuming the dealer has a 10 underneath is probably a correct assumption.
As you play through the shoe, you want to train yourself to keep an eye on the pattern and way the cards come out. Usually, a large amount of low cards will indicate high cards are coming (and vice versa)
3. Press your bets at the right time
Pressing your bet is when you increase the amount of your bet, in hopes of winning more. Finding the right time to press your bet is advantageous to your bankroll. In the example above where a lot of low cards came out, this may be the best time to press your bet on the next hand. Usually a minimum 50% increase or a maximum of triple is a good idea.
If you always play the same amount and never press your bets, you will likely either go broke or break even. Since mathematically Blackjack is almost a break-even game. It is best to press your bets when you have a profit, a let that profit build for you.
4. Know when to leave
Probably the hardest thing for any blackjack player to do is to leave the table. However, if you are going to be a winning player and beat the dealer, you must leave when the profits are good. Never hope to win more or get back to even when you get on a bad streak.
Find the right time, by using the cards as a gauge of when to leave. For example, if you sit through 3 or more hands where the dealer has made 20's or 21 and you have lost all three hands, it is time to quit!
If you want to play more, just get up and find another table. In many cases moving to a different table with your profit is more advantageous than staying at the same table where you are losing.
Never be afraid to get off the table, always look out for yourself and take home a profit.
