21 or Bust: Five Tips to Help You Win at Blackjack

When you consider the variety and number of popular casino games that are available, there are one or two that have undisputed popularity that is almost timeless. Obviously, poker is one such game in all its varieties, but another that always attracts players, be they beginners or experts in the game, is blackjack.

The speedy manner in which blackjack is played makes it a great game to play and one that you can really get your teeth into. While there are elements of luck, a great deal of skill is needed to make sure you come out even, or up, against the bank.

While playing online blackjack is a little different in comparison to doing so in a brick-and-mortar establishment. Obviously, the tips for helping you to win are much the same. In fact, many prefer the idea of playing online as it means less pressure, and you are not subject to the same distractions you may face in a physical casino.

So, how can you help push the odds in your favor? There are a number of ways, but it’s best if we start with the basics as a recitation into the minutiae of blackjack strategy could take quite some time, and you just want to get playing and winning as soon as possible.

Double Down on 11

This is a classic tip and one that should never ever be ignored. The aim of the game is to hit 21, preferably via a blackjack hand or as close to it. If you have 11, then you need to back your hand by doubling down on your bet.

That’s because any face card or a ten will give you a near unassailable hand when it comes to beating the dealer. Even if you don’t get the ten card, whatever you get is going to put you in a powerful position.

Never Focus On Other Players

A classic mistake a beginner makes in blackjack is that they believe they are playing the other individuals at the table, but you are not. This isn’t poker; you are only up against the dealer; he, for want of a better term, is your enemy.

Therefore don’t pay attention to the hands your fellow players have, other than how it relates to the dealer. In other words, if a dealer sees that your fellow players have a strong hand, he may be even warier of the overall opposition.

Don’t Take Insurance

In blackjack, you are offered an insurance bet if the dealer gets an ace, the idea being that it will help offset the possibility of the dealer getting blackjack and therefore having an unbeatable hand.

You may be tempted to take the insurance, but you should not. The dealer may well get blackjack, but it’s more likely that he doesn’t, and as such, the insurance isn’t as helpful as you might think.

Know How Many Decks Are In Use

Counting cards is not illegal but let’s not pretend you have the genius mind needed to do so effectively. However, being aware of what’s gone and not gone can be of use. Therefore if the online casino is using two decks and there have already been a number of face cards, you can adjust your thinking accordingly.

Practice

Practice does indeed make perfect. There’s no point in playing any game to win if you don’t have the experience to know how to go about it. So, keep playing, and you’ll naturally get better.

An excellent way to do this is to make use of any welcome bonus offered by an online casino or, indeed, any promotion they offer you, and then use those resources to improve your overall game.