In this article you'll find:
- A basic Blackjack cheat sheet for beginners
- An overview of the best Blackjack strategies to play online
- Useful online Blackjack tips to increase your chances of winning
Double Down: Blackjack Strategy Table, Card, Chart. Color-coded chart to learn the best Double Down strategy. After consulting the Split Pairs table, look next at this table. The Double Down situations occur more often than pairs at blackjack (8% recommended to double). EXAMPLES OF HOW TO USE THE BLACKJACK BASIC STRATEGY. Single-deck game with hard 17, you hold 16, dealer’s upcard is a 10. You should surrender. Double-deck game with soft 17, you hold 15, dealer’s upcard is an ace.
Let's face it - we've all looked for the best and the most effective strategy to win at blackjack.
More than once.
As a huge fan of Blackjack, I tried countless betting strategies.
I won big, I lost big. Luckily, all of this experience helped me to understand one thing: moderation is the key.
After all I've been through, I want to share my knowledge with you.
My goal is to maximize your winnings and to minimize your losses.
At the end of the day, we are all on the same boat:
We just want to beat the dealer and bring home as much money as possible.
Even though a fool proof blackjack strategy doesn't exist, the info below can help you play smart and win more.
Losing all your savings won't get you anywhere and will only make you hate casinos.
So, let's make the best out of your blackjack casino experience and help each other to you win more.
After all, the most important thing is to have fun. And the more you know, the more fun blackjack gets.
Check Out This Blackjack Cheat Sheet
First things first. Even though the most important thing that keeps you from losing big is money management - and as a poker player I assume you are A PRO at this - you also have to know the basic tactics to deal with cards effectively.
As you know, there are a few decisions you can take depending on your cards and the dealer's open card.
These decisions are:
- Stand
- Hit
- Double
- Split
- Surrender
Sometimes, all it takes is basic logic.
Like you don't want to hit (ask for an additional card) if you have a 20, and you don't want to stand if you have only a 3.
However, things are not always that simple.
That's why our experienced team prepared a detailed blackjack chart to show you how to play every hand at blackjack.
Use it to know when it is recommended to hit, to stand, or to do something else.
Yes, you can use this basic blackjack strategy table when you play online blackjack for real money.
Whether you play virtual or live dealer games, you can (or better, you should) base your blackjack play on what's indicated on this blackjack cheat-sheet.
Alternatively, you can use this downloadable Blackjack basic strategy chart.
Hard totals | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
Player's hand | ||||||||||
17-20 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | SU | SU | SU |
15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | SU | H |
13-14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H |
10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H |
9 | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
5-8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
Soft totals | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
A,8-A,9 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
A,7 | S | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | S | S | H | H | H |
A,6 | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
A,4-A,5 | H | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
A,2-A,3 | H | H | H | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
Pairs | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
A,A | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
10,10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
9,9 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | S | SP | SP | S | S |
8,8 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
7,7 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
6,6 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
5,5 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H |
4,4 | H | H | H | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
2,2-3,3 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
Key:
S = Stand
H = Hit
Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit)
Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)
Now that you have a basic understanding the different blackjack actions (which you can practice HERE for free), let's move to the best blackjack betting strategies.
A Conservative Blackjack Strategy: Win Little by Little
If you're a beginner, I completely understand your fear of high stakes.
I also wouldn't want to lose a fortune on my very first game.
Or on my second. And third one.
That would discourage me from playing blackjack ever again - or even visiting Las Vegas.
That's why I suggest you to use a conservative approach when it comes to betting in blackjack.
The main idea is this:
Raise your bet every time you win.
This strategy is based on the idea that wins and losses come in streaks.
You might lose five times in a row, but then, miraculously, win three consecutive bets.
I know, I know, blackjack is a game of chance, and the outcome is random.
BUT
My long-term experience says that there is a pattern. I just can't explain it logically.
Just look at some random sequences made with the probability theory in mind.
Usually, you can see some sort of streaks, and this can be applied to blackjack too.
So, all you need to do is raise your stakes little by little - but only when you win.
You can use our list of the best casinos to play blackjack online and test this strategy for free. Don't forget to use our strategy charts when learning how to win.
An Aggressive Approach to Blackjack: the Martingale Strategy
Now we're talking.
The Martingale blackjack strategy is my favourite.
This is a blackjack system that helps me win often - but only when I have a lot of money to invest on my games.
If you don't have at least $500 to gamble online - don't use it.
If you do - keep reading and get ready to have fun.
The Martingale strategy is completely different from the conservative blackjack approach.
You have to be brave to use this one.
It basically goes like this:
You double your bet… every time you lose.
Now that sounds like a downer.
How can you ever win if you keep losing - and losing more and more as you keep playing?
Listen.
Even if you lose lots of money on several consecutive losses, everything changes when you win.
As you've been doubling your bets, the one that brings you victory makes your bankroll grow to the point of covering the amount you lost before that happened.
However, there's one thing to keep in mind. One very important thing.
Once you go over your initial bankroll, STOP.
The Martingale blackjack strategy doesn't work when it comes to long gaming sessions.
There have been cases when I lost all my money, and that happened because I was greedy.
The best approach is to play blackjack often and stop immediately when you get some extra cash.
This way, you will benefit greatly in the long run and won't be left penniless at the end of the day.
You are very likely to win at least one hand per round of blackjack - and that's all you need when applying the Martingale blackjack strategy.
Just keep in mind that you need a big initial bankroll for this one.
You need to have enough money to keep doubling the bet until you finally beat the odds.
If you feel like it, you can practice this strategy on different blackjack variants to see, which one works best for you.
In case your betting limits are low - don't worry. The next blackjack strategy guide is for you.
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Betting System
The 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy doesn't sound like the most exciting thing ever - especially after you've read about the Martingale strategy - but it can still help you a lot.
Most importantly, it doesn't require to have an enormous bankroll, so that's a plus.
So, what do the numbers in the title of the strategy stand for?
Your bets after you win a hand of blackjack.
In other words, you trigger this system after you win - and cut it once you lose.
This way, you won't lose all your money at once.
Once again, this blackjack strategy is based on the idea that winnings come in streaks.
Also, it gives you a systematic approach to your bets. You don't make your bets randomly and that gives you control over the game. Everything goes as planned - step by step.
Let's take a look at an example of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy.
Say, your initial bet is $10. If you won blackjack game four times in a row, your betting pattern would look like this:
$10-$30-$20-$60
Of course, let's not forget that you would immediately cut this sequence if you lost.
Double Down In Blackjack Rules
You would then return to your original $10 and wait for another win.
You might ask, does 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy really work?
Well, it helps.
It helps you manage your bets, not to overspend, and gives you an advantage when you hit a hot streak.
Even if your winnings might look like rookie numbers at the beginning, you'll have an advantage in the long run.
You can play blackjack for free at this Casino to see if this strategy works for you in reducing the house edge.
How to Win More at Blackjack: A Few Important Tips
Even though we all want to win at blackjack every time we play, it's impossible.
Luckily, you can maximize your winnings and make blackjack odds more favorable with a few simple tips that are as important as an effective blackjack betting strategy.
So, here's what you need to do to be a successful blackjack player:
- Say NO to insurance. Blackjack insurance is probably the worst thing that could happen to this casino game. It's useless, money-draining, and should be thrown out the window immediately. Don't use it!
- Keep the house edge in mind. You can't expect to win at blackjack every time you play. That's because it has a house edge which ensures that the casino has an advantage in the long run. The best method to avoid the house edge is to stop playing as soon as you win extra money.
- Check the rules of blackjack every time you play. It comes as no surprise that such a popular game like blackjack has tons of different variations. Each of them has slightly different rules. Check them out before you make your first bet.
- Choose 3:2 over 6:5 payout. Some casinos decide to cheat a little and make the payout 6:5 instead of the usual 3:2. Playing at such a casino means that you won't win as much as you should. Avoid casino sites, mobile casinos, and live casinos with bad payouts for blackjack players.
Blackjack Strategy Double Bet After Loss
And now it's time to test all these best blackjack strategies in real life.
Also, use these tips and study the blackjack action strategy table. After a short while, you'll find yourself winning more and more.
Blackjack Rules When To Double Down
However, the most important method to win at blackjack game is, once again, moderation.
No blackjack strategy will help you if you waste your winnings playing blackjack all day long.
You must quit as soon as you make even the smallest profit, or otherwise everything will go to waste.
If you play small, your winnings will accumulate, and you'll win big in the long run.
Blackjack Strategy Sheet
And that's the most important thing of all.
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