Useful Blackjack Tips and Suggestions

If you’re looking for the most bang for your gambling buck, blackjack is the game for you. A little basic strategy will reduce the house advantage to almost nothing, which means you’ll be able to gamble longer and be more likely to leave a winner.

1. Learn Basic Blackjack Strategy

The most important thing you can do is learn a little basic strategy. You don’t have to be an expert but if you at least learn when to hit and when to split, you’ll be able to minimize the house advantage with ease.

Strategy cards are a great place to start but you don’t want them to turn into a crutch. Learn how to play the game without looking at a card and get it so you know the correct play in every situation by instinct. This will make the game more enjoyable for you because you’ll be able to participate in the table talk and enjoy your time.

2. Learn the Proper Blackjack Etiquette

Blackjack players live by a certain conduct of unwritten rules. There are certain things you shouldn’t do at a blackjack table, just like there are certain things you shouldn’t do in church. Check out our proper blackjack etiquette article for more tips.

3. Speaking of Tips, Don’t Forget to Tip the Dealer

Blackjack dealers work hard for their money and they don’t get paid much by the casino. Your tips provide the livelihood of blackjack dealers. Keep in mind that blackjack dealers don’t affect whether you win or lose. Even if you have a bad day, you should still tip the dealer.

4. Use Bankroll Management

Blackjack is a swingy game that can turn the tide on you at any time. No matter how skilled you are, a proper bankroll is absolutely vital. Never place a bet that represents more than 5% of your bankroll and never bet with money you can’t afford to lose.

5. Play Online First to Learn the Game

Online blackjack is a great way to learn the game without annoying the rest of the players at the table. When you play online, you can take as long as you want because the table is all yours. This is also a great way to practice your blackjack strategy at your own pace.

6. Don’t Take Insurance

Insurance is a sucker bet in blackjack so don’t ever take it. It might look like a good bet when the dealer’s up-card is scary but the house advantage on insurance is incredibly high.

7. Never Split 10s But Always Split 8s

If you get two 10s, you have an awesome score of 20. Don’t mess it up by splitting it into two separate hands. Two 8s will give you 16, which is a horrible hand in blackjack. Split those 8s and hope for something better.

8. Set a Time Limit and Stick to it

Set a maximum time limit on your blackjack play and stick with it. When it’s time to go, pack up your chips and call it a night no matter how you’re doing. This tip will keep you out of a lot of trouble because many gamblers have stayed too long trying to dig themselves out of holes and ended up in even worse situations.