Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Blackjack's popularity is on the rise among punters across the country. This card game is a hit in many places due to its mix of chance and skill. To boost your odds of winning, you'll need a solid strategy and a good grasp of the game. The main aim in blackjack is straightforward - get your cards closer to 21 ✅ than the dealer's. While this rule is easy to follow, consistently beating your opponents requires a deeper understanding of the game's mechanics.
In our earlier posts, we covered the basics of blackjack rules and gameplay. This article dives into some tips and techniques to sharpen your skills at the table. Keep reading to learn more about this classic card game and start raking in the winnings at blackjack 🥇.
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In blackjack, you're up against just one opponent - the dealer. This gives you a decent shot at winning. By playing smart and using basic strategy, you can whittle down the house edge to as low as 0.5%. But if you muck it up, you'll end up giving the house an even bigger advantage. Beginners often make a hash of their strategy, facing a house edge of up to 1.5% or even 2%.
Basic maths tells you the odds of drawing a specific card from a deck. But casino rules and payouts can throw a spanner in the works. We've sussed out some top-notch online casinos for you, some with exclusive bonuses that could see you laughing all the way to the bank. Have a gander at our reviews to find the online casino that ticks all your boxes.
Before you pick a blackjack game, keep an eye out for:
These tips should help you get better at blackjack and boost your winnings. It might take a while to get your head around all this, but once you've nailed it, you'll see the difference in your game.
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Free online blackjack games can boost your casino skills.
In Blackjack, your main goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. You'll get two cards face up, while the dealer has one face up and one face down. You can then choose to hit or stand, and sometimes split, place side bets, or double down. The dealer then takes their turn, and the game wraps up.
Here are some key terms to know:
We've got a free cheat sheet linked at the bottom of this article to help you play like a pro.
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Basic blackjack strategy is all about playing smart when you only know your cards and the dealer's upcard. It's backed by maths and helps you minimise losses while boosting your winnings. Since blackjack is a numbers game, you need a strategy that's mathematically sound.
Here's a quick rundown of common blackjack lingo:
The dealer's hand (Casino)
Check out the cheat sheet below from BETO for mathematically sound blackjack play:
Free Cheat Sheet for Kiwi Card Counters to Ace Blackjack Games
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Free game
Free trial to practise blackjack counting skills on for fun.
Don't blow your cash on rookie mistakes. Get your basic strategy sorted and have a go on free online blackjack apps before hitting the real tables. Our free demo lets you hone your skills without any faff - no downloads or sign-ups needed.
We've chucked in some handy charts and tips with our free demos for punters keen to nail the basics and take on the dealer. Our demo versions mirror what you'll find in online casinos, so newbies can get a feel for the real deal right here.
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Keen to slash the house edge from about 4% to under 1%? Play smart by keeping an eye on the dealer's upcard. If they're showing a 10, chances are they've got another 10 hiding. In this case, you'll want to be more aggressive and aim for 21. But if they're showing a 4, 5, or 6, they're likely to go bust. No need to push your luck here - you can stand on 12 and hope they'll overdo it.
When the dealer looks shaky, that's your cue to be bolder. Consider splitting more often and doubling down to boost your winnings. For example, if the dealer's showing a six and you're sitting on eight, don't just hit. Instead, double down and then stand - it could pay off nicely.
Remember, savvy play is key in blackjack. By reading the table and adjusting your strategy, you'll give yourself a much better shot at coming out on top. It's not just about luck - it's about making smart calls when it counts.
Sharpen your blackjack skills for free and master advanced strategies.
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In blackjack, a hand of 20 wins about 92% of the time, so it's a top-notch hand. Don't fall for the rookie trap of splitting 10s hoping for two good hands - it actually worsens your odds, even if the dealer might bust. Use some basic maths to get ahead in the game.
Card counting isn't as tricky as the movies make out. Systems like Hi-Lo are surprisingly straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it. This technique helps you predict which cards are left in the shoe, guiding your next move. Seasoned punters use it to tweak their basic strategy and know when to deviate from the plan. While casinos try to prevent it, card counting can be a game-changer for bagging some serious winnings in blackjack.
Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs) are the dealer's weapon against card counting. They constantly shuffle 3-5 decks, making it near impossible to keep track. Your best bet is to find tables using batch or automatic shufflers that kick in after 50-75% of the shoe's been played. Even better, look for games where dealers shuffle by hand. These types of live blackjack tables can seriously boost your chances of walking away with some extra cash in your pocket.
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Keen to level up your blackjack skills? Strategy and counting await
Knowing how to stretch your bankroll is crucial for any punter. The pros have this down to a fine art. Before you hit the tables, sort out your budget and how long you plan to play. Keep an eye on the number of hands per hour and any bet limits. With this info, you can suss out if you can afford that real money blackjack table. And don't forget to set your own limits beforehand.
Online casinos often try to rope in newbies with side bets like insurance. Unless you're counting cards (which is a whole other kettle of fish), taking insurance is a mug's game. You're essentially betting on the dealer hitting blackjack, with odds of 9:4, but the payout's only 2:1. In six-deck games, insurance bets have a hefty 7.4% house edge. Seasoned players wouldn't touch them with a barge pole, and neither should you.
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Don't go over your gambling budget. If you do, you'll start to worry about losing, and that'll mess with your game plan. This goes for all types of gambling, not just pokies. Blackjack should be a bit of fun, not a stress fest.
Set yourself a limit before you start. Say you've got $200 to play with - your bets should reflect that. A good rule is to never bet more than 5% of your total at once. So with $200, start with $10 bets. If you're down to $150, drop to $7.50 per hand. If you're up to $500, you can bump it to $25 a hand.
Betting too much of your bankroll at once is asking for trouble. If you're betting $40 a hand on a $200 budget, a run of five bad hands will clean you out. Stick to your plan and you'll be able to play longer, giving you a better shot at coming out ahead in the long run.
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Online casinos use loyalty schemes to keep punters coming back. But you can turn these to your advantage. Find a pokie site with top-notch rewards for blackjack play. Build up your bonuses and use them on your favourite card games. Even if you lose a hand, you're still getting something out of it. Check out our casino reviews to find the best fit for you.
Give these tips and strategies a go to up your game. Practice them regularly to boost your chances of winning. You might want to try free blackjack games before putting real money on the line. And when you do sign up with an online casino, don't forget to grab that welcome bonus. Good luck at the tables!
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Looking to sharpen your blackjack skills and become a top-notch punter? Here's the lowdown on upping your game at the tables.
The house edge means the casino's always got a leg up in blackjack, making it a tough game to crack. But don't throw in the towel just yet. By nailing the basic strategy and using a cheat sheet, you can give yourself a fighting chance. Smart bankroll management and tweaking your bets can also tilt the odds in your favour. For the serious punters looking to dominate long-term, card counting's your best mate at the tables.
Mastering basic strategy is one of the simplest ways to up your blackjack game, and it's not hard to pick up. For more handy tips and cheat sheets, check out our comprehensive blackjack guide - it's all free and could boost your chances at the table.
Playing blackjack on your own or with others has its ups and downs. Going solo can speed up card counting and gameplay, which is handy. But if you're trying to count cards, it might be trickier to fly under the radar when you're the only one at the table. For punters looking to get an edge, it's often best to find a table with just a few other players.
Want to boost your odds at the blackjack table? Mastering basic strategy and using a cheat sheet are your best bets. These tactics can seriously trim down the house edge. And don't forget to pick blackjack variants that offer punters the most favourable odds.
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