How to Win at Blackjack

Last Updated on October 19, 2024 by Mary

What does it take to really beat the dealer at blackjack? How to win at blackjack?

That’s what I asked myself many a long time ago when I first started. After years as a croupier and then digital publisher, I’m more than sure I know the answer. I’ve seen high rollers who mastered the game with detailed precision and players who couldn’t work it out. So, if you no longer want to leave your chances of winning to luck only, this article is for you.

Join me as I crack the code for winning at one of the most popular casino games. Tips and tricks from first-hand experience on how to win at blackjack.

Now, let me ask you – ready to play smart? Here is how.

Blackjack Basics

Just a tiny intro for newcomers, but it wouldn’t hurt regular players to go through the basics as well.

Blackjack is literally revolving around 21 – beating the dealer without going over 21. Each player is dealt two cards, and they must decide whether to stand (stick with their current hand) or hit (take another card) to get as close to 21 as possible.

Card values: numbered cards (2-10) – they are worth their face value; face cards (King, Queen, Jack) – they are each worth 10 points; and the Ace – it can be worth 1 or 11, based on what benefits the player’s hand. Learn more about card values here.

Besides “stand” and “hit,” you can also double down (double your original bet and take an extra card) or split (if you’re dealt two of the same card, you can split them into two separate hands).

You can win at blackjack by getting a hand value of 21 or less but higher than the dealer’s if the dealer goes bust (exceeds 21) and by getting a blackjack (getting an Ace and a 10-point card).

Using the Basic Strategy to Lower the House Edge

I’ll start with how to lower the house edge and turn those odds in your favour.

In blackjack, the house edge is 2%, more or less. Now, hear me out – you can reduce it to 0.5% if you follow the basic strategies.

Here are a few of them:

When to Hit

• If your hand totals 8 or lower.
• On 12-16, if the dealer shows a card that values 7 or higher.
• Hit until you reach 18 if you have a soft hand (an Ace as 11).

When to Stand

• On a hand of 17 or higher.
• On 12-16, when the dealer’s upcard is 6 or lower.
• On a soft 18 (A-7), if the dealer shows 2, 7, or 8.

When to Double Down

• On a hand of 11, if the dealer shows 2-10.
• On 10, when the dealer shows 9 or lower.
• On 9, when the dealer shows 3-6.
• For soft hands (A-2 to A-7), if the dealer’s upcard is 5 or 6.

When to Split

• Aces and 8s;
• 2s and 3s when the dealer’s upcard is 4, 5, or 6;
• 6s when the dealer shows 3-6.

How to Count Cards

Keep track of low and high cards to determine the likelihood of a particular card being dealt. It may sound difficult. In fact, it is pretty simple.

It works well in land-based casinos or live-casino games. All you have to do is assign a value to each card, such as -1 to high cards and +1 to low cards. A high negative count means more low-value cards are still to be dealt. So, you have a lower chance of hitting the jackpot, and the opposite means a higher chance of winning.

Selecting the Right Blackjack Table

Not all tables are the same, and choosing who you play against may significantly increase your chance of winning.

Here are a few tips on how to choose a blackjack table:

Look for tables with fewer decks. Fewer decks mean better odds since you’ll count the cards much easier.

Select tables with player-friendly rules. “Dealer stands on soft 17” – reduces the house edge, “double down on any two cards” – more flexibility for players, “double down after split” – more opportunities to win, “late surrender” – helps players cut their losses by offering the option to surrender after the dealer checks for blackjack.

Check for the payout for blackjacks. The standard is 3:2 – always opt for this. Some tables may reduce it to 6:5.

Table speed. The slower, the better – so you can think through your strategy. Look for tables with more players. It will extend the time.

Avoid Continuous Shuffling Machines (online gambling). You won’t be able to count cards. Look for tables where the dealer shuffles the cards – live casino games.

How to Avoid Common Blackjack Mistakes

Blackjack is a game of strategy, so small mistakes can make all the difference. Don’t risk it and increase your chances of winning by avoiding these mistakes:

Not understanding or not using the basic strategies (mentioned above).

Misplaying soft hands. You should get aggressive with them.

Ignoring the dealer’s upcard. By paying attention to this card, you can adjust your strategy – whether to play more aggressively or more cautiously.

Not splitting or doing it wrong. The rule of thumb – 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 Tips to Win at Blackjack

Start with following the basic strategies and managing your bankroll. Avoid insurance bets at all costs – insurance has a high house edge (unless you’re a pro at counting cards). One of the biggest traps is chasing losses – never do this. It can lead to even larger losses. And the easiest tip – take regular breaks. Seriously! This game requires focus, and you won’t be able to focus without a refresh.

So, there are not a bunch of rules or tips you can follow that can guarantee a win at blackjack. It wouldn’t be a casino game if everybody knew how to win. It’s more of a set of strategies and tricks you could use to increase your chance of winning. So, do your homework before your next blackjack session and don’t forget to join some of the best blackjack sites we recommend.