Blackjack Tips - Handy Rules, Strategies & How to Win

From single deck to casino tables: Mastering 21 and blackjack side bets

Kia ora and welcome to BETO's ultimate blackjack guide. This comprehensive resource covers everything from basic rules to advanced strategies for this classic casino game. We'll dive deep into blackjack tactics and show you how to tip the odds in your favour at both brick-and-mortar and online casinos.

G'day, I'm Kim Birch, the author of this guide. While I'm known for being one of the first Danes to make a living from poker, I've actually been playing blackjack just as long.

I picked up both games when I was young. Whether I'm at the local casino playing cards or having a punt on roulette, I always rely on solid game knowledge. I've spent heaps of time researching and developing an in-depth understanding of game theory. I never place a bet without thoroughly knowing the maths behind the game.

Knowing the rules of blackjack isn't enough if you want to come out ahead against the house. With just the basics, you could lose your dosh faster than you can say 'jackpot'.

My success in poker allowed me to study other casino games like blackjack more closely. I've learned the tips, tricks, and strategies needed to gain an edge. Now you can learn how to play blackjack like a pro for free and discover how to beat the dealer in various situations at the table.

In most pokie variants, you're up against the house, so it's crucial to know your moves and nail the basic strategy. No need to overthink it - just stick to the rules and principles.

Don't get cocky thinking you know better, either. I once nearly lost 50 grand at a Vegas blackjack table because I chickened out of taking a third card, even though I knew it was the right call mathematically. After that wake-up call, I decided to study blackjack as thoroughly as I had poker.

I hit the books and even trained with some top-notch players, including Ken Einiger, the 2005 world champ. Eventually, I got my game up to a pro level.

This guide aims to boost your blackjack knowledge to an advanced level. The info you find online is often lacking, but whether you're into double deck games, playing against the dealer's hole card, or mastering a solid card counting system, we've got you covered.

Betting limits and rules for when dealer stands match in online live blackjack.

Head to any Kiwi casino on a Saturday night, and you'll see the blackjack tables buzzing while the poker tables sit quiet. It's a global trend, but it's especially noticeable here in New Zealand.

As a keen punter, I've noticed that many blackjack players are a few drinks deep and making basic maths errors. They're practically gifting their cash to the house.

This comprehensive guide aims to help you master blackjack and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up new players at the card table.

We'll cover strategies and card counting techniques to boost your odds at the tables. By the end, you'll have the know-how to play optimal blackjack in any situation, giving yourself the best shot at walking away a winner.

Remember, confidence is key in blackjack. Trust the maths you learn here and stick to your strategy. Unlike no-limit poker, blackjack success is all about the numbers. Master them, and you'll be well on your way to consistent wins.

Blackjack, 21, or pontoon - whatever you call it, this card game reigns supreme. It's a favourite at casinos worldwide and one of the most played card games out there.

To have even a slim chance against the dealer, you'll need to get your head around basic blackjack strategy. For consistent wins, you'll want to dive into some more advanced gambling concepts too.

Stick to what you learn in this guide and trust the maths we present - it's been studied by uni professors and maths whizzes alike.

Like all casino games, blackjack is a moneymaker for the house. It's designed so punters lose more than they win long-term.

Ignoring poker (where you play against other punters, not the casino), blackjack is the only casino game where you can gain a mathematical edge. This is without factoring in casino promos or blackjack bonuses.

As a blackjack player, you need to grasp short-game stats and master the art of card counting.

The better you understand blackjack, its advanced strategies and systems, the smaller the casino's edge becomes.

This means less money lost and more won during your blackjack sessions. But remember, blackjack isn't just about luck. It demands skill, focus, and sharp observation at the table.

Click the image below to try a free demo of European Blackjack right here on BETO. It's a great way to test out the blackjack knowledge you've picked up:

Free game

Pit your skills against the dealer's hole card in our free blackjack game.

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Blackjack's got heaps of lingo. Ever wondered what'shoe games' are or what it means to make 'insurance bets'? These terms pop up a lot, so it's a good idea for new players to get their head around the language. That way, you won't be left scratching your head in a real game. Plus, these blackjack terms are pretty much universal - you'll hear them whether you're playing online from your couch in Auckland or at a flash casino in Vegas.

Here's a handy list of the most important blackjack terms and what they mean:

• A - Short for Aces.
• Act - How to behave at the casino.
• Back Count - Counting cards without playing yourself.
• Bank - The shared money a blackjack team uses to play.
• Bankroll - Your blackjack budget.
• Bar - When a punter's banned from the casino.
• Original Bet - Your initial wager.
• Bet Spread - The range between minimum and maximum bets.
• BJ - Short for Blackjack.
• Bust - Going over 21 and losing. 'Dealer busts' means the same for the house.
• Cashier - The person who exchanges your casino chips.
• DAS - Rule allowing players to double down after splitting.
• Deck - 52 cards. A'six deck game' uses six sets of cards.
• Double Down - Doubling your original bet.
• D10 - Rule where you can only double down if your first two cards total 10. D8, D9 and D11 are similar rules.
• Even money - When your winnings equal your bet.
• Eye - The casino's security cameras.
• Face Card - Jacks, Queens or Kings.
• Flat Betting - Betting the same amount consistently.
• Hard Hand - When an Ace is counted as 1, not 11.
• Heads Up - Playing one-on-one against the dealer.
• Money Management - How you handle your bankroll.
• Multiple Deck - Using more than one deck in a game.
• Natural - Getting Blackjack (21) with your first two cards.
• Push - When you and the dealer tie.
• P21 - A rule where it's a push if the dealer gets 21 on their first two cards and you get Blackjack with three or more.
• Shoe - The box holding the cards at the table.
• Soft Double - Doubling down when one of your cards is an Ace.
• Soft Hand - When an Ace is counted as 11.
• Split - Dividing a pair into two separate hands.
• Stand - Choosing not to take more cards.
• S17 - Rule where the dealer must stand on soft 17.
• Surrender - Giving up your hand mid-game and getting half your bet back.

Blackjack rules are dead simple to grasp, which is why it's one of the most popular pokies and casino games worldwide.

Whether you're playing online or at a live casino, blackjack is pretty straightforward. The goal? Get as close to 21 points as you can without going over. If you do, you're out of luck and the dealer wins.

Both you and the dealer start with two cards. From there, it's all about outscoring the dealer without busting. If the dealer goes over 21, everyone at the table wins.

Each round, you've got options. You can ask for another card to boost your score, or stick with what you've got. It's all about knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.

Face cards and tens are all worth 10 points in blackjack.

Kiwi Blackjack's Top Ten Card: What to Know

In blackjack, numbered cards (except 10s and aces) are worth their face value.

Kiwi Blackjack: Card Values Mirror Their Face, Except for Royals

Aces are flexible, worth either 1 or 11 points in blackjack.

Aces in blackjack count for 1 or 11. Same rules for casinos and blackjack hall.

In blackjack, a face-up jack and a 3 will total 13 points. You'll hit blackjack if you land an Ace and a Queen, as that's 21 points. Most casinos will pay out your winnings straight away if you get a natural blackjack and the house doesn't match it. It's a quick way to boost your bankroll if you're lucky enough to land it.

Most casino blackjack tables seat seven punters. The spot to the dealer's left is called 'first base', while the one on the right is 'third base' - terms nicked from American baseball.

Each player's spot has a printed square for placing your initial bet. The dealer has a shoe nearby with several decks of cards. You'll usually see a sign showing the minimum and maximum bets allowed.

To the dealer's right, there's a slot for tips and a tray for used cards. While it's not in the official rules, it's considered good form to tip about 5% when you have a big win. Just a heads up for when you're having a lucky streak at the tables.

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Online blackjack in kiwi casinos

READ ABOUT THE GAME

Before the game kicks off, the cards get a good shuffle, usually in a machine. They're then popped into a shoe, and one punter gets to split the deck with a plastic card. This shows everyone it's all above board.

After the shuffle and split, the dealer bins the first card. It's called a burn card, chucked out to make sure no one's been mucking about with the deck.

Now the real action starts. All players chuck in their bets before any cards are dealt, so you're betting blind. You might be able to sit out a few hands if you ask the dealer, but if you're away for more than 5 minutes, your spot might go to someone else.

Once the bets are in, the dealer starts dishing out cards from left to right. Each player gets two cards, usually face-up so everyone can see what's what. This open play makes it harder for anyone to try any funny business.

The dealer also gets two cards, but only one's face-up. So you can only see half of what they're working with.

In a few old-school casinos, mainly in the States, they might deal face-down like in poker. That's pretty rare though, and you won't see it much in Kiwi casinos.

After placing your bets and receiving your first two cards in blackjack, you've got several options for your next move:

• HIT - This is when you ask for another card. You can keep hitting until you're happy with your hand or go over 21 and bust.
• STAND - If you reckon your hand's good enough to beat the dealer, you can stick with what you've got.
• SPLIT - Got a pair? You can split them into two separate hands. You'll need to match your original bet on the new hand. For example, if you split a pair of fives, you'll play two hands starting with 5, betting the same on each. Some casinos let you split multiple times, but usually, it's just once.
• DOUBLE DOWN - This lets you double your bet, usually when your first two cards total 9, 10 or 11. You'll get one more card, and that's your final hand. Some places let you double down on any two cards.
• INSURANCE - If the dealer's showing an ace, you can take insurance. It costs half your original bet. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you lose the insurance bet and play continues. If they do have blackjack, your insurance pays out, but you'll likely lose your main bet unless you also have blackjack.

Splitting aces and insurance bets: Mastering face cards in Blackjack at the casino

Here's a quick look at how a typical blackjack hand might play out. Picture yourself at the table with these cards:

13 - when to hit in blackjack at the casino

You're holding a jack of clubs and a 3 of hearts, totalling 13 points in blackjack. Feeling a bit short, you decide to take another card. The dealer slides you a 10 of clubs:

Keen for more cards in blackjack, mate?

Looks like your blackjack hand's hit 23 points total, mate. That's a bust - you've gone over 21 and lost your wager. But hang on, what if that last card had been an ace instead?

The ace can count as 1 or 11 in this Kiwi card game

You could've counted the ace as 1, bringing your hand to 14 points and keeping you in the game.

If your card had been:

You can draw multiple cards in the game of blackjack.

Let's say your blackjack hand totals 18 (13+5). You'd likely stand pat and cross your fingers that the dealer's hand falls short or they go bust. That way, you'd pocket your winnings. Often, it's a smart play to stick with what you've got rather than risk another card.

The house has its own set of rules for drawing cards, while you get to make your own calls.

In most live casinos I've seen, these are the common blackjack rules:

1. The dealer must hit on 16 or less.
2. The dealer must stand on 17 or more. Some places let the dealer hit on a soft 17, which gives them an edge. If you can, avoid these tables - they'll eat into your potential winnings over time.

Once you've got the hang of blackjack rules, it's crucial to brush up on some unwritten guidelines. This'll help you behave like a pro at the casino, matching your gameplay.

• When you rock up to a blackjack table, it's polite to ask if you can join in. Don't just plonk yourself down assuming there's space.
• When placing your bet, stack your chips with the highest value at the bottom and the smallest on top, right in the middle of the betting area.
• Once the game kicks off, hands off your bet chips.
• If your cards are face-up, don't touch them during play.
• Hand signals are sweet - pointing to your cards usually means 'hit me', while a flat palm on the table means 'I'll stand'.
• Tipping the dealer? Chuck their chips next to your winnings pile. Never tip when you're losing.
• When you're using blackjack strategy, don't faff about. Keep the game moving for everyone else.
• Spot a mistake? Let the dealer know before you try to fix it yourself.

These unwritten rules are dead simple, but you'd be surprised how many punters muck them up. It winds up other players and the dealer, and before you know it, no one wants a game. Having a drink at the casino is fine, but don't get plastered. It'll mess with your game and annoy everyone at the table.

Casinos aren't keen on card counters. Some places might give you the boot, even though it's not illegal - you're just using your noggin to beat the house. Kiwi casinos tend to be a bit more relaxed about it, probably because we don't have many card counting experts here.

In the earlier parts of our comprehensive blackjack guide, we covered the rules and etiquette for Live Blackjack. Now, let's dive into basic blackjack strategy - the key to improving your odds at the table.

This strategy is the best way to play blackjack without counting cards. It's completely above board and doesn't break any casino rules.

By mastering this approach, you'll have a better shot at walking away with winnings than your average punter. Play it right, and you're on track to becoming a skilled advantage player.

Top mathematicians developed this strategy, and it's stood the test of time. Trust the maths behind these decisions - they're your best bet at the blackjack table.

It's crucial to learn these strategies by heart. When you're playing for real money, you want to make decisions quickly and confidently, knowing you're making the smartest move in any situation.

In blackjack, we often chat about soft hands and hard hands. Don't worry, it's not about how tough your cards are. It's just a simple way to sort out your hand when it comes to basic strategy.

A hard hand means you've got no ace in play, while a soft hand includes an ace. When we're looking at blackjack strategy, the first thing we tackle is how to play with a hard hand.

For most punters, the magic number to aim for is 17 points. This figure helps you decide whether to stick with what you've got or ask for another card, following the basic blackjack strategy.

When the dealer's visible card is between seven and ten, your target's still seventeen. If your first two cards total less than 17, you'll need to hit until you reach 17 or higher. Just be careful not to go bust.

Once you hit 17 or more, you've got to stand. Asking for more cards after 17 is a recipe for disaster - there are hardly any cards that can help you at that point. While 16 might seem decent, it's actually a bit rubbish compared to the dealer's visible card. According to blackjack stats, the average winning hand sits around 18.3.

When the dealer's up card is a 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, or King, you'll need to hit until you reach 17 or higher. Statistically, you'll lose more over time by standing on less than 17 than by drawing additional cards.

Check out this basic blackjack strategy chart. It shows you what to do when the dealer's visible card is between 7-10 and you've got a hard hand without a pair:

Blackjack charts vs dealer 7-10

When the dealer's showing a card between three and six, you're in a pretty good spot. Your chances of winning are higher, as the dealer's more likely to go bust and lose the hand.

If you've got a hard hand of 17 or more, it's still best to stand pat. But unlike other situations, you can also stand on 13, 14, 15, and 16 when the dealer's showing 3-6. Just remember, this only applies to hard hands without pairs.

Check out this blackjack chart below for the best strategy in this situation:

Blackjack strategy guide when the dealer shows 3-6

Seasoned blackjack punters often dread facing a dealer's 2. Picture this: you're sitting pretty with a King/9, standing on 19. Solid hand, right? Until the dealer pulls an 8, then a jack, totalling 20 and nicking your win.

It's a right pain when it happens, but you've got to stick to your guns and follow basic strategy. You might reckon the ace is the worst card to see, but a 2 can be just as tricky.

Still, there's no use getting your knickers in a twist. Keep your head in the game, even if it feels like you've been done over.

If you're holding 3-9 against the dealer's 2, hit until you reach 13 or more, then stand. With 10 or 11, double down. Simple as.

Now, if you've got 12 against a 2, it gets a bit dicey. Basic strategy says hit, but it always feels like you're about to cop a face card, doesn't it?

How to play when the dealer shows 2 in blackjack

When the dealer's up card is an ace, your first move in blackjack should always be to skip the insurance bet. If you're holding an 8, 9 or 10, go ahead and hit for another card.

Don't be tempted to double down here, even if you normally would. The dealer's ace changes the odds significantly, giving them a strong hand. Hitting is your best bet in this situation.

Some punters might consider doubling down on 11, but even then, hitting is the smarter play. Keep hitting until you reach 17 or higher.

For other hands, stick to the basic strategy - hit until you reach 17 or more. Your best hope is that the dealer draws a bunch of low cards followed by a face card, pushing them over 21.

Let's dive into the basic strategy for soft hands in blackjack. These hands, which include an ace, can be a bit of a headache for players at both land-based and online casinos.

Here's a real-world example that shows how tricky soft hands can be. Picture this: a woman in her late 30s is playing blackjack, totally focused. She's dealt an Ace and a Five, while the dealer shows a Seven. After a moment's thought, she decides to STAND. When asked if she wants another card, she politely declines.

As the hand plays out, the dealer ends up with 20, and our player loses. When asked about her decision, she sheepishly admits she'd counted the Ace as 11 and was worried about busting.

You'd think this sort of thing would be uncommon, but you'd be surprised how often it happens at the blackjack tables. It just goes to show that many punters haven't quite got their heads around the rules and strategy of the game.

So, if you're keen on improving your blackjack game, it's worth taking the time to learn how to play these soft hands properly. It could make all the difference to your success at the tables.

When you've got a'soft hand' in blackjack, it's best to see it as an opportunity rather than a challenge. There are usually a few ways to play it. Here's a quick rundown of strategies for soft hands:

Blackjack chart for soft hands in twenty-one

There's an old blackjack adage that suggests doubling down when you're behind to walk away a winner. While it's just a saying, our blackjack strategy guide for soft hands actually recommends doubling your bet in several low-hand scenarios. It's not a guarantee, but it's an interesting parallel between folk wisdom and strategic play.

When it comes to blackjack hands that can make or break your night at the casino, splitting pairs is a hot topic.

We're talking about those times when your first two cards are the same.

The golden rule for splitting pairs is this: never split fives, but always treat them as a 10.

Splitting fives ruins one of the best starting hands in blackjack. You'd usually double down or hit on a 10. But if you split fives, you end up with two tricky hands instead.

On the flip side, when you're dealt a pair of aces, that's when you want to split. It's one of the most profitable moves you can make in the long run, so always take advantage of it.

Check out this handy cheat sheet for blackjack basic strategy. It'll show you when to split your pairs:

Kiwi blackjack guide for splitting pairs

Keep in mind, never split a pair of fives. Always split pairs of 8s and aces. If the chart suggests doubling down but your casino doesn't allow it, opt for a hit instead.

We've mentioned insurance against the dealer hitting blackjack (21). The smart play is to decline this offer. The only time to consider it is if you've played through most of a shoe and have been counting cards. If you know there are loads of 10s and face cards left, then insurance might be worth a punt. Otherwise, it's best to give it a miss.

Kiwi blackjack players often ask me where's the best place to play. But it's not so much about the 'where' as it is about finding casinos with top-notch odds and promos.

Casino Rules and Promos to Look Out For

One of the best deals you can snag is a casino that pays 2-1 for blackjack. If you find one, jump on it. It seriously boosts your chances of walking away with a win, shifting 2.2% of the house edge in your favour.

'Early surrender' is another rule to keep an eye out for. It's a win for punters, letting you ditch your hand for half your bet before the dealer checks their second card. You'll mostly spot this in European and Asian casinos.

Then there's 'Doubling after splitting' or DAS. It's offered by heaps of European casinos, but surprisingly, many players don't take advantage of it. After splitting a pair, DAS lets you double down. If your casino offers this, use it when the blackjack strategy calls for it.

In blackjack, it's all about percentages, so you've got to grab every advantage. 'Aces draw' is another rule to know. It lets you draw as many cards as you like after splitting aces. Many casinos only allow one card per hand after splitting aces, so this is a sweet deal.

'Re-split Aces' is common in European casinos. If you've split two aces and get a third, you can split again for three hands total. It's a cracker of an opportunity.

Many online casinos offer'soft 17' blackjack. Usually, the dealer stands on soft 17 (ace-six), but some let the dealer hit. This is rubbish for players, so steer clear of these games online and in person.

Here's a handy blackjack basic strategy chart you can print out for online play or practice. If you're keen on playing optimally and tipping the odds in your favour, this is the full strategy you'll want to get your head around:

Ace your blackjack game: Full guide to basic strategy

In the upcoming blackjack articles I'm working on, we'll dive into card counting techniques. Keep an eye on this page for new links - it's worth bookmarking BETO and checking back regularly. We'll be updating with fresh blackjack and gambling content, plus some choice casino promos and giveaways you won't want to miss.

In the meantime, have a browse around BETO.com and sharpen your blackjack skills on our demo game, or try your luck at an online casino if you're feeling game.

For online blackjack, I reckon live games are the way to go. Check out one of the reputable casinos we've vetted for top-notch blackjack action.

If you've never tried live blackjack and aren't keen on hitting up a brick-and-mortar casino, you can still get that authentic casino vibe. Heaps of well-known casinos now stream their games, so you can play live blackjack from your lounge.

Click the 'Blackjack Live' image below to access BETO's page with a video and info about live blackjack.

Don't forget to bookmark this page - new blackjack articles are on the way.