How to Win at Blackjack
Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Mary Henderson
What does it take to beat the dealer and win at blackjack? And how exactly do you do that?
That’s what I also asked myself a long time ago, way before I started as a croupier, and now that I’ve turned digital, the question is more relevant than ever.
After years of experience (yep, former croupiers give it a shot from time to time), I’m more than sure that the answer to “How to win at blackjack?” is a combo of understanding the rules, using basic strategy, and managing your bankroll.
In this article, I’ll briefly tell you everything I wish someone had told me back in the day (when I was a newbie) about blackjack rules, optimal strategy, and betting discipline, along with common mistakes to avoid, and some general practical tips to stay in-game for longer.
Now, let me ask you: Ready to crack the code? Here’s how you play smart and actually win at blackjack.
Blackjack Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know
Alright, folks. Here’s a sneak peek into blackjack, from one player to another.
Blackjack, whether online or land-based, is all about that magic number – 21. Your goal is to beat the dealer without exceeding that number. Simple, right? You start with two cards, then decide – hit or stand (take another card or stick with what you got). Get as close to 21 as possible without busting.
Blackjack Card Values
Let’s talk card values:
Numbered Cards (2-10): Worth what they say, no surprises (2 is worth 2 points, 3 – 3 points, and so on).
Face Cards (King, Queen, Jack): All worth 10 points.
The Ace: It can be worth 1 or 11, depending on what works best for you.
You can learn more about card values in blackjack in this article.
Your Moves in Blackjack
Besides hitting and standing, there are a couple of more moves that can affect the game:
Double Down: If you feel lucky, you can double down your bet and take one more card. I mean, if you’re sitting on a solid hand, like 11, this is an easy way to maximize your winnings.
Split: Split two of the same card into separate hands and play each individually, especially if it’s Aces or 8s.
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How Do You Actually Win at Blackjack
Most importantly, get a higher total than the dealer, closer to 21, without busting. Once the dealer busts, and you’re still standing, that’s also a win. Or, you could land that dream blackjack (a 10-point card + an Ace), and you’re paid 3:2.
Basic Strategy in Blackjack: Play Like a Pro
So, in blackjack, you can reduce the house edge to 0.5% (practically the lowest in casino games). Just imagine the return rate. All this is possible if you follow the basic strategy.
Here’s a brief lowdown.
| Action | When to Do It |
|---|---|
| Hit | Your hand totals 8 or lower |
| Hit | On 12–16 if dealer shows 7 or higher |
| Hit | Until 18 if you have a soft hand (Ace as 11) |
| Stand | On a hand of 17 or higher |
| Stand | On 12–16 if dealer shows 6 or lower |
| Stand | On a soft 18 (A-7) if dealer shows 2, 7, or 8 |
| Double Down | On a hand of 11 if dealer shows 2–10 |
| Double Down | On 10 if dealer shows 9 or lower |
| Double Down | On 9 if dealer shows 3–6 |
| Double Down | Soft hand (A-2 to A-7) if dealer shows 5 or 6 |
| Split | Aces |
| Split | 8s |
| Split | 2s and 3s if dealer shows 4, 5, or 6 |
| Split | 6s if dealer shows 3–6 |
Feel free to look up blackjack basic strategy charts online; you’ll find plenty of them.
The Secrets of Card Counting in Blackjack
An advanced technique in blackjack is card counting, and you don’t have to be a pro to get started. It’s about keeping an eye on high and low cards that are being dealt to get a feel for what’s left in the deck.
Note: This technique works like a charm in live blackjack or land-based casinos. But it’s almost impossible to count cards in RNG games, aka classic online blackjack, cuz cards are constantly reshuffled, so it’s hard to keep pace.
To count cards in blackjack, assign a value to cards: -1 to high cards and +1 to low cards. This way, a high negative means more low-value cards to be dealt (low chance of hitting the jackpot), while a high positive means more high-value cards in the deck (high chance of winning).
How to Choose the Right Blackjack Table?
Here are a few things to consider that will help you choose the perfect blackjack table to increase your chances of winning:
Deck Count Matters: Choose tables with fewer decks – the better your odds.
Player-Friendly Rules: Look for tables with rules that favour players, such as Dealer stands on soft 17 (lowers the house edge), Double down on any two cards (gives more flexibility), Double down after split (more chances to win big), Late surrender (lets you cut your losses).
Blackjack Payouts: Always go for the standard 3:2.
Table Speed: Choose slow-paced tables that give you more time to think through your moves.
No Continuous Shuffling Machines: Say no to CSMs cuz they make card counting and even basic strategy a nightmare. Live dealer games are a better option.
Reading the Room: Take a moment to check the vibe; positive energy can make all the difference.
Master Your Bankroll
I’ve seen firsthand how important bankroll management is. Even the best strategy won’t work without it.
First, set a realistic bankroll – how much you’re willing to risk. Stick to that limit no matter what. Next, make sure to bet within your means. A common strategy is wagering no more than 1% to 2% of your total budget per hand. Plus, break your bankroll into smaller session budgets to reduce your losses.
Setting win and loss limits will prevent you from chasing losses and make sure you walk away in time.
Avoid These Common Blackjack Mistakes
Blackjack is a game of strategy, and the smallest mistake can make all the difference. Avoid these mistakes:
- Not using the basic strategy.
- Misplaying soft hands (you should get aggressive with them).
- Ignoring the dealer’s upcard (you can use it to adjust your strategy).
- Not splitting or doing it wrong (always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s and 5s).
- Overbetting (never bet more than 1-5% of your bankroll on a single hand).
Final Thoughts on How to Win at Blackjack
To succeed at blackjack, start by understanding the game rules. Get familiar with the basic strategy and put it into practice. Don’t hesitate to take your chance at card counting to increase your winning potential, and why not, feel like a pro. Plus, make sure to choose the right blackjack table and manage your bankroll like an expert, not a rookie.
If I were you, I’d also avoid insurance bets at all costs (they have a huge house edge). And the easiest advice – keep emotions at bay and take regular breaks (seriously). Blackjack requires focus, and how do you do that without a refresh?
Finally, remember that no rules or tips can guarantee a win at blackjack, but those tricks can surely bring you closer to winning.
Do yourself a favour and plan your next blackjack session carefully if you’re in for a win. Good luck and play responsibly!
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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