Since blackjack is the one casino game where skill truly matters, it’s important for players to test different strategies and start incorporating them into their gameplay. But before you test any of the blackjack systems out there, there’s a simple truth you must realise – every valid blackjack strategy is based on logic and maths. Therefore, the best strategy you can adopt right away would be to leave your superstitions behind, forget about your ‘winning rituals’ and trust only the numbers. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best tactics you can adopt to help you win at online blackjack every time you play.
Tip #1: Pick the Right Casino
Players often ignore this all-important step, so I decided to start precisely with it. I cannot emphasise enough how big of a factor picking a good casino site is for your future success at beating the game. And that process is not even that hard – the trick is to pick a reputable, well-known casino that features a lot of blackjack games and generous bonuses that you can use on them. Here are three stellar examples:
- Get Bonus!888 Casino• 7 RNG Games • 36 Live Tables£1500 Premium Offer
- Get Bonus!Ladbrokes Casino• 15 RNG Games• 10 Live Tables£600 Welcome Bonus
- Get Bonus!Betway• 17 RNG Games• 30 Live Tables£1000 Welcome Pack
But how in fact does your choice of casino impact your winning chances? Truth is that not all online casinos are safe and trustworthy. Moreover, even if you have won fair and square, some of them might refuse to pay out your winnings. By choosing a licensed and regulated casino, such as the ones we recommend, you secure yourself a fair chance at winning and, most importantly, guaranteed payouts.
Tip #2: Pick the Right Blackjack Variant
Picking the right game variant is yet another important part of an all-encompassing blackjack strategy. The most important detail about each game is undoubtedly the house edge – the lower it is, the better. Here is a comparison between the house edges of some of the most popular online blackjack games in the UK:
As you can see, the house edge of these games is already quite low (just for reference, most slot games have a house edge of 4%-6%). Still, this is the first thing you should check before trying a new blackjack game. There are, in fact, some online blackjack games that have a house edge over 1% and even over 2%. If your goal is to win and not just to have fun, then you should definitely stay clear of those.
Jul 24, 2015 Winning Blackjack Tips How to Win at Blackjack. This page presents general blackjack tips.Specific blackjack tips, like how to play individual hands, can be found in the basic strategy section of the site, which can be found in the text link menu on the right. Quite simply, basic strategy is the optimal way to play blackjack. It has been devised using statistical probabilities to calculate the best possible move in any particular circumstance according to your cards and the dealer's starting card. In the history of blackjack, there has never been any mathematical study that proves your chances of winning the next hand will improve based on the results (win or lose) of the previous hands. Betting progressions are not the magic bullet that will help you win at blackjack.
Tip #3: Know Your Game Inside Out
Not all blackjack games are made from the same mold. In fact, there are hardly any two blackjack variations that have exactly the same rules. Therefore, applying the same basic strategy for different games simply won’t work. Every little detail about the game matters as it affects the house edge. You can learn about the specific rules of each variant from the help section of the game. Here is what information you should be looking for if you want to find the best blackjack strategy for the game you’ve chosen.
- How much does a blackjack pay?
- How many decks are in the shoe?
- Can you double on any two cards or only with specific total?
- When can you split your hand and up to how many times?
- Are you allowed to double after splitting a hand?
- Are you allowed to hit split aces?
- Do you have the option to surrender and in which cases?
- Does the dealer hit a soft seventeen?
- Is there a 5-, 6- or a 7-card Charlie?
Another particularity you should be aware of when searching for a suitable online blackjack strategy is that there are some blackjack games that bear the same name but have different rules and, consequently, different house edge. This is due to the fact that the games are provided by different software developers. For example, Classic Blackjack by Microgaming has a house edge of merely 0.13% while the game of the same name developed by NetEnt has a house edge of 0.35%. A big difference, indeed.
Tip #4: Use a Basic Blackjack Strategy Card
Hopefully, you’ve followed our tips for playing blackjack and have already chosen a specific game to play, where to play it and you’ve familiarised yourself with all its rules. Now it’s time to find a basic blackjack strategy card specific to your game of choice which will help you make the right decision in any situation.
Best Strategies To Win At Blackjack
Below, you can see an example of a strategy card that’s especially created for Playtech’s Blackjack Pro. The image clearly shows how you should play against any given dealer upcard according to the hand you’re holding. The complete strategy chart for each different blackjack variation should consist of three parts – one for hard hands, one for soft hands and one for pairs.
The easiest way to find an optimal blackjack strategy chart for the game you want to try is to generate it yourself using one of the many blackjack basic strategy calculators you can find online. Using these strategy cards is very suitable for beginners since they are extremely easy to read and at the same time they are math-based. Still, there are some things that these cards don’t cover. They don’t tell you what to do with the side bets, how much to bet and whether card counting could help you. Those are exactly the topics that we’re going to cover next.
The Perfect Blackjack Strategy for Side Bets
As we have already established in the previous paragraphs, strategy cards can be very useful when playing most blackjack games, especially for the beginners. Yet, as you may have noticed, they don’t cover any side bets whatsoever. After all, the perfect blackjack strategy is the one that takes into account all aspects of the game and this includes whether or not to place bonus bets and if yes – how much to bet.
The truth is that blackjack is a casino game with an extremely low house edge. On top of that, skilled players are able to reduce this minimal advantage even further by adopting various blackjack strategies. This is why, in the hopes to increase the house edge and, consequently, the revenues, the casinos started adding extra decks to the different blackjack variations and came up with different side bets. And while these side bets definitely add fun and variety to te game, they make players lose money, slowly but surely.
So, it’s easy to see that the best strategy for blackjack side bets is actually not to place any! Just stick to the strategy cards until you’ve gained enough experience to start testing more advanced tactics.
What About Card Counting?
When most new players hear the words ‘blackjack strategies’, they immediately think of card counting. While this strategy may still be possible in some brick-and-mortar casinos (although, in general, it’s against the house rules or at least it’s frowned upon), it is virtually unfeasible in online casinos where the deck is shuffled after each hand. The only exception to this rule is live dealer blackjack. So, if you want to try some card counting techniques while playing online, your only option is to play live blackjack games.
But what actually is card counting and can it really help you beat the casino? Card counting is a blackjack technique that helps you follow the number of high and low cards in the shoe thus giving you some insight as to what type of card might come next – a bit of knowledge that can, indeed, tip the scales in your direction. The easiest card counting system in blackjack is called Hi-Lo and works like this: for each low card (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) you see you add one point and for each high card (10, J, Q, K, A) you deduct one. The higher the count, the bigger the chances to get 10-valued cards, which are generally considered ‘good’ for the player (and bad for the dealer).
Which Is the Best Blackjack Betting System?
As we have already established, using a blackjack strategy card can help you make the right decision in any given situation, but it doesn’t answer the important question players always ask themselves ‘How much should I bet?’ As you probably already know, there are many betting systems out there, many of which claim to be a sure way to beat any online blackjack game. A huge part of those systems are progressive betting systems which are based on the idea that if you’ve lost a number of times, you’re bound to win soon. This, of course, is not true and is often referred to as gambler’s fallacy – a mistaken notion that has claimed many victims through the ages.
The plain and simple truth is that no betting system on its own can help you beat the house, but some can help you improve your odds even more when combined with other blackjack strategies. For example, when using card counting and basic strategy, you can allow yourself to increase the bet amount when the count is high, as then the strategy cards are considered to be ‘more correct’ and your chances at winning are higher. But, as we already said, this can only work if you’re playing live dealer games. The best betting strategy for RNG games, on the other hand, is to simply bet the same amount over and over again while wagering some convenient casino bonus – a topic that we’re going to discuss a little bit further down the page.
Tip #5: Test in Demo Mode
Now that you have a complete overview of an all-encompassing online blackjack strategy, you probably feel ready to finally start playing. But before you go and bet real money, it’s highly recommended that you first test your skills with play money. Going back to our example with Blackjack Pro by Playtech, we’ve prepared a demo version of the game below that you can try for free. Don’t forget to use the strategy card that we presented to you to secure yourself the best odds.
Something else that you can do while playing in demo mode is to practice your card-counting skills, even though in all RNG games the shoe is virtually shuffled after each hand. After all, there are no demo versions of live blackjack, so your only option is to practice on their computerised versions.
Tip #6: Sync Your Bonus and Blackjack Strategies
Some of the biggest advantages of playing on the Internet vs playing at land-based casinos are undoubtedly the generous bonus opportunities that online casinos offer. Even if the casino has a slight advantage in any given game, playing with extra money that isn’t actually yours and being allowed to keep the winnings surely gives the players some edge. When it comes to blackjack, combining the already low house edge of the game with a solid math-based strategy and a suitable bonus is the most certain way to beat the casino. Of course, every bonus comes with its terms and conditions that are sometimes favourable but other times – not so much.
First of all, there’s always a wagering requirement that you have to fulfil before you can withdraw the winnings generated from the bonus. This requirement in most cases is set at 20 to 40 times the bonus plus the deposit amount. Furthermore, it’s important to take into account the fact that blackjack games don’t contribute at 100% toward the wagering requirement due to the fact that they have a pretty low house edge and give the players great winning odds. Usually, the wagering contribution for the game is set anywhere between 5% and 10%, the higher it is, of course, the better. Other important details you should take into account are the validity period of the bonus and the minimum deposit required to claim it.
All that said, let us present to you an easy-to-claim bonus that is perfect for beginners and offered by a casino that has a great array of blackjack games with both classic and innovative variants – Ladbrokes. At the moment, they offer a 100% bonus up to £500 to all new players that make minimum deposit of £20 at the casino – a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me. If you agree with me and are ready to start playing for real money, then click the link below and you’ll be safely redirected to the official website of the operator:
Sure enough, this is not the only available bonus offer that is suitable for playing blackjack online, in fact, most UK casino sites give you the opportunity to wager bonus money on all their blackjack games. So, if you want to find more great opportunities to play blackjack with bonus money, then make sure you also check out our dedicated bonus page.
Final Thoughts and Advice for Long-Term Success
In conclusion, the best blackjack strategy you can adopt is the one that fully corresponds to the game variation you’ve chosen to play. Be careful to only use a game plan that has been created for the particular type of blackjack you’re playing. Otherwise, you won’t be able to achieve the results you expect.
Beginners, find yourselves a strategy card for the variation you play and stick with it. Combine it with a good bonus and you can expect a moderate return in the long run. Your number one priority should be to practice and learn. The more experienced players can, on the other hand, test their card counting skills against some unsuspecting dealer at a live casino of their choice – remember, you can see them, but they cannot see you! Furthermore, to make sure that you get the whole picture as to how to beat this game, you can also take a look at some game strategies analysed.
Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! After all, it’s a game and its main purpose is to entertain you. Not getting too stressed about winning is a good tactic as it will help you keep a cool head and make better decisions while playing.
Blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules calculated and developed by researchers and statisticians to decrease casino advantage to a minimum and teach players how to win at blackjack. Blackjack researchers created a simulation program based upon all possible blackjack hands to develop what we now know as blackjack basic strategy. Blackjack strategy is a system of charts that players can use to obtain the best decisions based upon the game situation. The charts include basic player solutions as when to Hit or Stand. As well as recommending further options such as Splitting and Doubling Down which will increase the players odds. However, the strategy cannot eliminate casino advantage, but decreases it down to 1%.
Blackjack Basic Strategy
Get to know how to increase your odds using blackjack basic strategy and learn all about blackjack strategy chart.
watch the videoBlackjack Strategy Rules: The Dealer
The strategy is based upon the fact that the dealer has to stand on 17 and above and does not have the chance to Split or Double Down.
Most common blackjack strategy decisions are based on the fact that the dealer is very likely to go bust (35%) in the cases that his up card is 3, 4, 5 or 6. Therefore, the strategy advises you to stand even in case your total is 13 - 16 (you both have the same chance of going bust, but unlike you, the dealer cannot stand and must hit). In addition to this if your total is the same (13-16) but the dealer's up card is 7, 8, 9, 10 or A, you are strongly advised to Hit as it is very likely that the dealer's hole card is a 10 and this time his hand will beat yours.
Rules That Affect Blackjack Basic Strategy
Betting Strategies To Win At Blackjack
Blackjack basic strategy is created for the classic blackjack rules, but there are some casinos that make small changes in their basic rules. These changes sometimes make a big difference and should influence your gaming strategy. Let's take a look at the parameters that are to be taken into account.
- Does the dealer stand or hit on a soft 17 (A & 6)? (stand is good, hit is bad)
- How many times can you split one hand? (the more the better)
- Can you double down after splitting pairs? (if allowed - it is great)
- Is the surrendering allowed? If yes, is it early or late surrender? (early surrender is the best)
- On what cards and which total can you double down? (the best is when you can double on any two cards and any total)
- How many decks are used in the game? (the less decks - the better)
These rules greatly affect the game and basic strategy. You can see this by typing in different rules into our Strategy Chart Generator, House Edge Calculator and even Blackjack Game Advisor. As a result you will see how each of the game parameters affects the strategy.
Winning at blackjack depends partly upon your skills and partly on luck. A successful blackjack strategy is one that decreases the house advantage to minimum and allows you in some cases to gain a small edge over the casino. However, a real advantage over the casinos can only be obtained with the help of card counting.
Blackjack Basic Strategy For Beginners:
Let's take a look at the most common points of Basic strategy, the ones that concern General rules, Rules for Soft Hands, Doubling Down and Splitting rules.
7 General GOLDEN Rules of Basic Blackjack Strategy
- Stand on 12 if the dealer's up card is 6 or lower
- Stand when you have 17 if the dealer has a 7 or higher
- Hit with soft 17 or less and stand on soft 18 or more
- Always Split a pair of Aces and 8's
- Split if you have a pair of 7's against a dealer's 7 or less
- Never take Insurance or Even money
- Double down on 10/11 if your card total is higher than the dealer's up card
Below you will find the most common rules for playing soft and hard hands. In order to read more about each rule and find out the reasons for these solutions, checkout the pages for blackjack strategy for hard hands and blackjack strategy for soft hands and of course, blackjack strategy for splitting pairs.
| Blackjack Strategy for Soft Hands | |
| 13-14 | Double against dealer's 5-6, o/w hit. |
|---|---|
| 15-16 | Double against dealer's 4-6, o/w hit |
| 17 | Double is dealer has a 3-6, o/w hit |
| 18 | Double against 3-6; Stand against 2, 7, 8 Hit against 9, 10 or an Ace |
| Blackjack Strategy for Splitting Pairs | |
| 2-3,7 | Split against dealer's 2-7; o/wise Hit |
|---|---|
| 4 | Split only against dealer's 5 or 6 |
| 5,10 | Never Split 5's or 10's |
| 6 | Split against dealer's 2-6, o/wise hit |
| A & 8 | Split every time |
| 9 | Split against 2-6, 8-9; Stand if dealer shows 7, 10 or an Ace |
| Blackjack Strategy for Hard Hands | |
| 8 | Hit on any hand of 8 or lower |
|---|---|
| 9 | Double if dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit |
| 10 | Double if dealer has 2-9, otherwise hit |
| 11 | Double if dealer's up card is 2-10, o/w hit. |
| 12 | Stand if dealer shows 4-6, o/w hit |
| 13-16 | Stand if the dealer has a 2-6, o/w hit |
| 17-21 | Stand always. |
more than others.
Blackjack basic strategy is not a 100% proven winning method, it is a tactic that offers mathematically correct solutions for all possible player hands against all possible dealer up cards. Basic strategy is the first step for any player who wishes to be professional in blackjack or simply to increase his edge. There are easier ways to consult Basic Strategies and they are the blackjack chart and blackjack game advisor.