Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world and there are many different strategies that people use to try and improve their chances of winning. While some of these strategies are controversial, others are based on solid math and years of experience. The following tips are designed to help players of all skill levels maximize their chances of winning at the game of blackjack.
Stick to the Basics
The first step in playing blackjack is learning the rules. At its simplest level, you are trying to beat the dealer. If your first two cards add up to 21 (an ace and a card valued at ten), this is a “blackjack” and you win. If you don’t beat the dealer, you lose to him.
Once you understand the basics of the game, it’s time to start practicing. There are a number of blackjack strategy tables available online that will show you the right decisions to make for each hand. The basic strategy table was originally developed in the 1950s by US Army engineers using simple adding machines, and it has since been refined with the use of computers to simulate millions of hands and determine the optimal strategy.
Before you begin playing blackjack, it’s important to have a good understanding of bankroll management. This means setting a budget for each session and only wagering the amount you can afford to lose. This will prevent you from making rash decisions and potentially going broke during your blackjack sessions.
It’s also a good idea to keep your personal items, like bags and drinks, off the blackjack table to maintain a clean playing area. In addition, never pick up the cards or move them around once they have been dealt. This is considered bad Feng Shui and will not be appreciated by the dealers.
The next thing to do is practice keeping a running count of the cards in the deck. To do this, simply turn over the cards one by one and add up the values. It’s recommended that you practice this method until you can do it quickly and quietly without causing any distractions to the other players. The more you practice, the better your running count will become and the more you’ll be able to predict which cards are likely to appear.
In order to increase your chances of winning, you should always hit a hand when it is possible to do so without busting. This means that you should hit when you have a value of 12-16, and only stand when the dealer is showing a 10, 9, or an ace. Also, you should never split aces or eights and only double down when the dealer is showing a 7 or lower.
You should also avoid taking insurance, as this is a sucker bet that will cost you money over the long run. There are some tables that will allow you to surrender, but this option should only be used when the dealer has a 10 or an ace.
