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Winning
Tips for Blackjack
By Henry Tamburin
Blackjack is a beatable game. Yet day-in and day-out, casinos in all gaming
jurisdictions win about 15% of all the money that players wager in blackjack.
That's about $200,000 annual revenue per blackjack table.
It doesn't look like players are doing too well against a "beatable"
game. The reason is because most players have little knowledge about the game
and even less about money management. They play blackjack because they know
it's a "beatable" casino game, but they never take the time to learn
the strategies that can give them the edge.
Here are some tips to get you on the road to winning at blackjack.
1. Do not risk busting when the dealer shows a small card.
If you have a hard 12 through 16 hand and the dealer shows a small card (2 through
6), your best percentage play is to stand. The reason you make this play is
because the dealer has a high probability of busting when he shows a small card.
Since you would automatically lose if you drew and busted (even if the dealer
subsequently busted his hand), you should stand pat and let the dealer draw.
The only exception to this rule is when you are dealt a 12 and the dealer's
upcard is a 2 or 3. In this case you are slightly better off hitting the 12
versus standing.
2. Never take insurance.
Many players, dealers and pit bosses will encourage players to take "even
money" when they have a blackjack hand and the dealer shows an ace. By
taking even money you are automatically paid off at 1 to 1. The problem is that
you will on average win more than a 1 to 1 payoff if you decline taking even
money. You will in fact win about 3.9% more money over the long haul by saying
"no thanks" to even money when it's offered to you.
3. Never stand on soft 12 through 17.
A hand that contains an ace counted as 11 is a soft hand. If you are dealt an
ace plus a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should never stand. Unfortunately this is a
common mistake made by a lot of novice players. They are dealt an ace, 6 for
17 and because it's a high total, they mistakenly stand. Never stand with soft
13 through 17!
4. Never split 5s or 10s.
When you are dealt a pair of 5s you have a 10. It is better to treat the hand
as a 10 rather than break it up into two hands of five. Likewise if you are
dealt a pair of 10's, you most likely have a winning hand so never split 10s.
5. If you have a stiff hand and the dealer shows a strong card, you should
hit.
A stiff hand is a hard 12 through 16 (no ace present, or if it is, it counts
one). When you are dealt a stiff hand, and the dealer's upcard is a 7 through
ace, then you should hit even though you could bust. If you always chicken out
and stand, you will be losing more money over the long run than by hitting.
6. Do not follow the dealer's strategy of hitting 16 or less and standing
on 17 or more.
Why not? It wins for the house. The difference is that when you go over 21,
you automatically lose even if the dealer goes over 21 on the same hand. That's
the built- in edge the casinos have over blackjack players. Following the dealer's
strategy is a losing strategy.
7. Avoid blackjack side bets.
You see them on most tables. Over/under, royal match, Super Sevens, etc. I haven't
yet come across a side bet at blackjack that does have a large casino edge.
Stick to the basic game and avoid the side bets.
8. Doubling for less.
This is a dumb play a lot of basic strategy players make. Even though the casinos
allow you to double for less money than your original bet, you shouldn't do
it. If you do, you will be giving up a part of your potential profit, which
is the reason in the first place you doubled down.
9. Never risk your entire bankroll in one sitting.
You should ALWAYS divide up your bankroll into the number of playing sessions.
Do not lose than one mini-bank at a sitting. If the worst happens take a breather
and try again with a second mini-bank. While you are it set reasonable win goals.
Winning 25% of our mini-bank isn't a bad deal. When you reach it keep playing.
But when the tide turns be ready to take your profits and run from the table.
10. Increase your betting level only when there are an excess of high cards.
Your chances of winning increase when there are more 10s and aces left in the
remaining cards than small cards. Therefore get in the habit of watching all
the cards as they are faced. If you don't see a lot of 10's, picture cards,
and especially aces in the early rounds, there is a high probability more of
them will show in the subsequent hands. Now is when you should bet more.
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Henry Tamburin is one of America's premier casino gambling writers and the author
of his latest book Henry Tamburin On Casino Gambling - The Best of The Best
plus 6 other best-selling books. For a free catalog call 1-888-353-3234
or visit his web site for casino players at http://www.smartgaming.com.
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