How To Win at Blackjack

When it comes right down to it, most of the games that you find in a casino are relatively simple to learn. From slot machines and roulette to craps and card games, the rules are generally pretty straightforward and are designed to allow people to quickly begin betting (and losing) their money.

This is particularly true with blackjack. The blackjacks basics should only take you a little while to master. But knowing the basics will not necessarily guarantee you success at the blackjack table. In fact, even “perfect” blackjack players usually win less than 50% of the time, which is why you have to know how to win at blackjack and also when to walk away.

How To Win at Blackjack – The First steps

Walking away is something that cannot be taught – you simply need to recognize when you’re at the end of your winning streak, and have the foresight to walk away from the game. However, there are some hard and fast rules for how to win at blackjack that will help you to get on that winning streak so that you can walk away with chips in your pocket.

First off, always be sure to bet the same amount of chips on every hand. If you begin to increase your bets based on your “feeling” that you’re going to win the next hand, then you’re just asking to blow through your chips.

The only exception to this rule is when you double down or split. These bet increases are in-hand bets and are based not on your “feelings,” but rather on the odds of winning. If, for example, you have two 8s and the dealer is showing a low card, splitting your bet makes total sense: you have a much higher chance of drawing two good cards to make a 17, 18, or 19 versus trying to hit your 16 without busting. It is for this reason that you should always look to split 7-7, 8-8, and A-A.

Doubling down is also a winning strategy and can really put you ahead in the winnings category. Particularly if the dealer is showing a low card, if you draw 9 or 10 starting hand, doubling down will make a lot of sense for you. Even if you don’t make 17, if the dealer has to climb up to 16 on draws, you have a great chance of winning on a dealer bust.

How To Win at Blackjack – When to Hit or Stand

However, understanding when to hit and when to stand is truly essential in how to win at blackjack. Simply put, if you get a 17 or higher starting hand, then you’ll stand. There’s never a reason statistically to draw past 17. If you’re unlucky enough to start at 15 or 16, then you have a tough draw.

But if the dealer is showing a low starting hand – usually 6 or below – your best bet may be to stand and let the dealer try and get to 17, risking a bust. This is a powerful strategy, since you put the pressure on the dealer to win, as opposed to risking a losing draw.

If you are able to master these three essential skills – the split, the double down, and knowing when to hit or to stand, you are guaranteed to become a master at how to win at blackjack.