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Blackjack Betting Strategies are quite popular, especially since the game has been featured in hit movies likeRain Man, 21 and The Hangover.
No matter what the game, there is one universal rule; if the casino spreads the game, someone has developed the “perfect” betting strategy.
Roulette strategies are perhaps the most prominent as roulette strategies and systems have been offered for sale for centuries.
As a dealer and a player, I have been able to see and try many of the most famous Blackjack Betting Strategies.
Blackjack strategies don’t change around the world but it is interesting to see different perspectives. A good blackjack resource for Canadians is TopOnlineCasinos.ca.
Play Blackjack Live Online
Want to try playing blackjack online for real money? We recommened playing with live dealers at Bovada casino (US friendly)
The Blackjack Basic Strategy Engine above provides a simple way to memorize a variety of different profitable decisions, such as when to split, double, surrender, hit, or stand. A standard basic strategy chart can only provide you with the strategy for one set of rules, such as dealer hits on soft 17, limiting your mastery to just one game.
The Two Best Systems
There are two strategies that every player should use every time they take a seat at or swim up to a blackjack table.
Play to Have Fun
Napoleon was a fan of Vingt-un (blackjack) near the start of the 19th century. For more than two centuries, blackjack has grown in popularity to become the most popular casino table game.Mathematicians have analyzed the game, hundreds of books have been written about it, and a number of myths and legends have been created.
Blackjack Strategy Trainer
Earning a place in the Blackjack Hall of Fame at the Barona Casino in California is the only honorary award for players of any casino table game. There is a reason that blackjack has remained popular for a couple of centuries; it’s fun! There are many varieties of blackjack. Mr. Green offers a great selection of 15 blackjack games by 6 software providers, including Double Exposure Blackjack Professional Series by Net Entertainment, VIP Blackjack by Extreme Live Gaming, and 6-in-1 Blackjack by Felt.
Spin Palace offers a remarkable amount of blackjack games. There are over 40 blackjack games in total on offer. They also offer practice play which is perfect for sharpening your blackjack skills before you start playing for real money. Most of their games are developed by Microgaming which are very popular in English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada. New Zealanders can look to NZOnlineCasinos.kiwi for valuable blackjack strategy info.
Yes, the game has a really low house edge, which makes it appealing, but it is a very social game, so in many cases, the table wins or loses as a group. This builds comradery and makes it fairly common for players to talk with one another. The social aspect of the game is a very important one to most players.
Bet the Right Amount
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Set up a bankroll before you go to the table. This is your total stake.
As has been mentioned numerous times, blackjack is supposed to be fun. Playing with money you can’t afford to lose (what dealers and players call “scared money”) practically guarantees you won’t enjoy the game.
It is fairly easy to find table limits to fit most bankrolls.
The Martingale – Blackjack Betting Strategies
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The Martingale system originated in 18th century France and is one of the oldest systems around. The original theory was used to prove that someone with infinite wealth could always avoid a loss in even money bets by doubling the best after each loss. Most likely the first casino game where the Martingale system was touted was roulette, but it can also be used in other areas, such as in stock market trading.
You will often see players use the Martingale system at the blackjack table, doubling their wager after each loss. In theory, this strategy sounds solid. However, blackjack is not an even money game. And additionally, players will occasionally run into a bad streak of cards. At a $5 table using the Martingale system if you lose 8 hands in a row, you will be wagering $1280 on your next hand, so unless you are a legendary high-roller, you are probably better off taking the $5 loss.
2-1-2 (Manhattan) Strategy – Blackjack Betting Strategies
One of the common laments one hears from players is the one where they were “way ahead” but gave it all back. These players are the same ones that usually talk about “playing with ‘house’ money.”
Here is a fact: Once the chips are in your stack, they are your chips, not the house’s.
The second most common lament you will hear is a player talking about missing out on a hot streak. The 2-1-2 strategy helps address both.
First, there is no mathematical foundation for “hot” or “cold” streaks at the blackjack table. Mathematicians will tell you (truthfully) that there is no such phenomenon. Blackjack players know they exist.
As a player you want to capitalize on a good run of cards and this strategy has some merits. Start with a 2 unit bet. If you win you reduce the bet to one unit. If you win that bet you increase to 3 units. Once the dealer wins you go back to your original 2 unit bet.
A run of 10 hands could look like this:
Wager Result +/-
- 2 W +2
- 1 W +3
- 2 W +5
- 3 W +8
- 4 L +4
- 2 W +6
- 1 L +5
- 2 W +7
- 3 W +10
- 4 L +6
With the 2-1-2 strategy, players will win a bit more with a hot run yet not sacrifice all of their winnings.
Oscar’s System – Blackjack Betting Strategies
Oscar’s System was proposed in the 1960’s in a book by mathematician Dr. Allan Wilson. It is a fairly decent system. The goal of the strategy is to win exactly one unit per series.
The player starts a series by betting one unit. After a win, the player adds a unit; after a loss, the next bet is exactly the same as the previous one. That’s it.
Here are two examples:
Wager Result +/-
- 1 L -1
- 1 L -2
- 1 W -1
- 2 W +1
Series complete
Wager Result +/-
- 1 L -1
- 1 L -2
- 1 L -3
- 1 W -2
- 2 L -4
- 2 W -2
- 3 W +1
Series complete.
Playing Multiple Spots
Many players feel that playing multiple hands increases their odds of winning. Playing multiple spots can be exciting, but it does absolutely nothing to increase your win rate.
Most of these systems fall under the heading of progressive bets. While these are among the most common, they are by no means the only strategies out there. It is perfectly fine to sit at the table and make the exact same wager every hand. While this strategy is a bit boring for me, if it works for you that is what counts. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking out a deck of cards and developing your own strategy as well.
Blackjack Betting Systems in the Long Run
Ok so we’ve covered the popular blackjack betting systems here and highlighted how they are used but are any of them really useful in the long run? The answer is a resounding NO (this article goes into great depth as to why).
While you might make great short term wins, any betting system will not be a formula for success in the long term. To truly gain an advantage against the casino you must start with learning basic strategy and then moving to card counting.
There are plenty of resources to get started. We recommend:
- BlackjackInfo’s Blackjack School – A comprehensive free resource that covers both basic strategy and card counting principles.
- Blackjack Apprenticeship – Run by Colin Jones, a professional counter who featured in the blackjack documentary Holy Rollers, this site provides a paid course offering video training material, private coaching and more.
- WizardofOdds – The wizard has some great strategy charts but only for 4-8 decks. If you need more customized charts then BlackjackInfo has a good strategy chart builder.
Members Feedback
In this article you'll find:
- A basic Blackjack cheat sheet for beginners
- An overview of the best Blackjack strategies to play online
- Useful online Blackjack tips to increase your chances of winning
Let's face it - we've all looked for the best and the most effective strategy to win at blackjack.
More than once.
As a huge fan of Blackjack, I tried countless betting strategies.
I won big, I lost big. Luckily, all of this experience helped me to understand one thing: moderation is the key.
After all I've been through, I want to share my knowledge with you.
My goal is to maximize your winnings and to minimize your losses.
At the end of the day, we are all on the same boat:
We just want to beat the dealer and bring home as much money as possible.
Blackjack Strategy Sheet
Even though a fool proof blackjack strategy doesn't exist, the info below can help you play smart and win more.
Blackjack Strategy Card Free
Losing all your savings won't get you anywhere and will only make you hate casinos.
So, let's make the best out of your blackjack casino experience and help each other to you win more.
After all, the most important thing is to have fun. And the more you know, the more fun blackjack gets.
Check Out This Blackjack Cheat Sheet
First things first. Even though the most important thing that keeps you from losing big is money management - and as a poker player I assume you are A PRO at this - you also have to know the basic tactics to deal with cards effectively.
As you know, there are a few decisions you can take depending on your cards and the dealer's open card.
These decisions are:
- Stand
- Hit
- Double
- Split
- Surrender
Sometimes, all it takes is basic logic.
Like you don't want to hit (ask for an additional card) if you have a 20, and you don't want to stand if you have only a 3.
However, things are not always that simple.
That's why our experienced team prepared a detailed blackjack chart to show you how to play every hand at blackjack.
Use it to know when it is recommended to hit, to stand, or to do something else.
Yes, you can use this basic blackjack strategy table when you play online blackjack for real money.
Whether you play virtual or live dealer games, you can (or better, you should) base your blackjack play on what's indicated on this blackjack cheat-sheet.
Alternatively, you can use this downloadable Blackjack basic strategy chart.
Hard totals | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
Player's hand | ||||||||||
17-20 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | SU | SU | SU |
15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | SU | H |
13-14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H |
10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H |
9 | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
5-8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
Soft totals | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
A,8-A,9 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
A,7 | S | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | S | S | H | H | H |
A,6 | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
A,4-A,5 | H | H | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
A,2-A,3 | H | H | H | Dh | Dh | H | H | H | H | H |
Pairs | ||||||||||
Dealer's card > | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
A,A | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
10,10 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
9,9 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | S | SP | SP | S | S |
8,8 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP |
7,7 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
6,6 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
5,5 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | H | H |
4,4 | H | H | H | SP | SP | H | H | H | H | H |
2,2-3,3 | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | SP | H | H | H | H |
Key:
S = Stand
H = Hit
Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit)
Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)
Now that you have a basic understanding the different blackjack actions (which you can practice HERE for free), let's move to the best blackjack betting strategies.
A Conservative Blackjack Strategy: Win Little by Little
If you're a beginner, I completely understand your fear of high stakes.
I also wouldn't want to lose a fortune on my very first game.
Or on my second. And third one.
That would discourage me from playing blackjack ever again - or even visiting Las Vegas.
That's why I suggest you to use a conservative approach when it comes to betting in blackjack.
The main idea is this:
Raise your bet every time you win.
This strategy is based on the idea that wins and losses come in streaks.
You might lose five times in a row, but then, miraculously, win three consecutive bets.
I know, I know, blackjack is a game of chance, and the outcome is random.
BUT
My long-term experience says that there is a pattern. I just can't explain it logically.
Just look at some random sequences made with the probability theory in mind.
Usually, you can see some sort of streaks, and this can be applied to blackjack too.
So, all you need to do is raise your stakes little by little - but only when you win.
You can use our list of the best casinos to play blackjack online and test this strategy for free. Don't forget to use our strategy charts when learning how to win.
An Aggressive Approach to Blackjack: the Martingale Strategy
Now we're talking.
The Martingale blackjack strategy is my favourite.
This is a blackjack system that helps me win often - but only when I have a lot of money to invest on my games.
If you don't have at least $500 to gamble online - don't use it.
If you do - keep reading and get ready to have fun.
The Martingale strategy is completely different from the conservative blackjack approach.
You have to be brave to use this one.
It basically goes like this:
You double your bet… every time you lose.
Now that sounds like a downer.
How can you ever win if you keep losing - and losing more and more as you keep playing?
Listen.
Even if you lose lots of money on several consecutive losses, everything changes when you win.
As you've been doubling your bets, the one that brings you victory makes your bankroll grow to the point of covering the amount you lost before that happened.
However, there's one thing to keep in mind. One very important thing.
Once you go over your initial bankroll, STOP.
The Martingale blackjack strategy doesn't work when it comes to long gaming sessions.
There have been cases when I lost all my money, and that happened because I was greedy.
The best approach is to play blackjack often and stop immediately when you get some extra cash.
This way, you will benefit greatly in the long run and won't be left penniless at the end of the day.
You are very likely to win at least one hand per round of blackjack - and that's all you need when applying the Martingale blackjack strategy.
Just keep in mind that you need a big initial bankroll for this one.
You need to have enough money to keep doubling the bet until you finally beat the odds.
If you feel like it, you can practice this strategy on different blackjack variants to see, which one works best for you.
In case your betting limits are low - don't worry. The next blackjack strategy guide is for you.
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Betting System
The 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy doesn't sound like the most exciting thing ever - especially after you've read about the Martingale strategy - but it can still help you a lot.
Most importantly, it doesn't require to have an enormous bankroll, so that's a plus.
So, what do the numbers in the title of the strategy stand for?
Your bets after you win a hand of blackjack.
In other words, you trigger this system after you win - and cut it once you lose.
This way, you won't lose all your money at once.
Once again, this blackjack strategy is based on the idea that winnings come in streaks.
Also, it gives you a systematic approach to your bets. You don't make your bets randomly and that gives you control over the game. Everything goes as planned - step by step.
Let's take a look at an example of the 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy.
Say, your initial bet is $10. If you won blackjack game four times in a row, your betting pattern would look like this:
$10-$30-$20-$60
Of course, let's not forget that you would immediately cut this sequence if you lost.
You would then return to your original $10 and wait for another win.
You might ask, does 1-3-2-6 blackjack strategy really work?
Well, it helps.
It helps you manage your bets, not to overspend, and gives you an advantage when you hit a hot streak.
Even if your winnings might look like rookie numbers at the beginning, you'll have an advantage in the long run.
You can play blackjack for free at this Casino to see if this strategy works for you in reducing the house edge.
How to Win More at Blackjack: A Few Important Tips
Even though we all want to win at blackjack every time we play, it's impossible.
Luckily, you can maximize your winnings and make blackjack odds more favorable with a few simple tips that are as important as an effective blackjack betting strategy.
So, here's what you need to do to be a successful blackjack player:
- Say NO to insurance. Blackjack insurance is probably the worst thing that could happen to this casino game. It's useless, money-draining, and should be thrown out the window immediately. Don't use it!
- Keep the house edge in mind. You can't expect to win at blackjack every time you play. That's because it has a house edge which ensures that the casino has an advantage in the long run. The best method to avoid the house edge is to stop playing as soon as you win extra money.
- Check the rules of blackjack every time you play. It comes as no surprise that such a popular game like blackjack has tons of different variations. Each of them has slightly different rules. Check them out before you make your first bet.
- Choose 3:2 over 6:5 payout. Some casinos decide to cheat a little and make the payout 6:5 instead of the usual 3:2. Playing at such a casino means that you won't win as much as you should. Avoid casino sites, mobile casinos, and live casinos with bad payouts for blackjack players.
And now it's time to test all these best blackjack strategies in real life.
Also, use these tips and study the blackjack action strategy table. After a short while, you'll find yourself winning more and more.
However, the most important method to win at blackjack game is, once again, moderation.
No blackjack strategy will help you if you waste your winnings playing blackjack all day long.
You must quit as soon as you make even the smallest profit, or otherwise everything will go to waste.
If you play small, your winnings will accumulate, and you'll win big in the long run.
And that's the most important thing of all.
Finding a trustworthy room to play online poker can be a monumental burden. That's all the more true if you're just looking for a place to play poker for free. We've listed five of the best play-money poker sites to enjoy and help hone your skills.
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