Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It is played at all types of casinos and can be enjoyed by people of any age and from any background. In order to play blackjack well, however, you need to understand some of the fundamental rules of the game. Here are some tips for playing the game correctly:
Always count cards
Card counting is one of the most common blackjack strategies used by professional players. It allows them to keep track of the amount of face cards remaining in the deck, and to identify when the deck has more small or large cards than usual. Using this technique, they can adjust their betting accordingly, thereby increasing their chances of winning.
Counting cards can be a difficult task, but with some practice you will become good at it. Counting cards is done by turning the cards over in your hand and adding up their values. Initially, try to do this quickly and quietly. You can even practice by counting cards on a single deck of cards.
Keep a True Count
A true count is a more accurate count than a running count, and it is one of the most important blackjack strategies for beginners. This count helps you to know when you should adjust your bets and how much the dealer is gaining from a particular hand. The true count is also a great way to keep track of what cards the dealer has been showing so that you can make an informed decision when choosing your next move.
Be conservative with your bets
The most basic strategy in blackjack is to always keep your bets on the minimum, and increase them little by little as you win. This approach is very safe, and it will allow you to end a session with a healthy bankroll.
Avoid side bets
While many online casinos offer blackjack games with a variety of side bet options, they are often designed to maximize the house edge and are therefore not fair towards players. In addition, these side bets are usually very expensive, so it is better to play with a limited budget than risk your money on them.
Use the Basic Bet Charts
You can learn to apply a simple set of blackjack rules that will maximise your chances of winning and minimise the amount of money you lose. These rules are mathematically correct and will ensure that you can optimise your play based on the information you have at your disposal.
Practicing the game is the best way to improve your skills, and to learn the best strategy for each situation. If you are new to the game, it may be worth observing other players and studying their behaviour before starting to play yourself.
Wonging / Back Counting
A strategy that has been around since the beginning of blackjack, Wonging / Back Counting is named after Stanford Wong and involves watching the cards being dealt and only playing when there is a player favourable count. This is a very effective method, but it can be very time consuming and can be difficult to maintain.