Blackjack is a very popular casino game, whether you play the game online or if you choose to play online blackjack.
Luckily blackjack is not like poker, it is not littered in rules or regulations, in fact, it is one of the easiest games to learn in the casino, next to roulette, and slots! It is also one of the most popular for this reason.
But, blackjack still has strategy, and that strategy begins before you even start playing!
While the card game itself required strategy, knowing when to play which hands and when, when to stand, double down, and when to hit, there are rules applied before you even get to this point.
These rules will help you increase your edge, lower the house edge and increase your chances of a win.
Only Start Playing Once You Have Studied The Basic Strategies
Remember luck only goes so far in any game, and so you need to rely on knowledge and strategy. You want to make sure that you are fully brushed up on the basic blackjack strategies before you get into the casino and start playing.
Understand the essential playing elements, study how the deal happens, know the card values, and understand when it is best to make each move.
You want to have an idea of what you should do when you have a hard or a soft hand, and knowing when to split and double down can make your strategy.
So many players play online blackjack, and this is no different, ensure you are well versed before you begin playing.
Always Check Out The Max & Min Betting Limits
Oftentimes, many players will be unaware, or not notice the limits for a table, be the minimum or maximum. You should always pay attention to the table you are playing at, know the limits, and also know the house edge.
While these are usually the same for each casino (online or in a brick-and-mortar casino), it is wise to check, you do not want it catching you off guard if it is different.
You should also choose a standard game, and make sure that you know if a game has any specific or different rules, while it is unlikely, it is better to be prepared than not.
Learn which cards can be split on that specific table, which you can double down, and know if there are any limits around doing so.
Some tables will have a surrender option, and will have rules about when it can be done as well.
Confine Your Playing To Your Limits
When you begin playing blackjack you need to set limits for yourself, ones that are comfortable in your pocket. You should be focused and confident, not worried about your bets, and how much you are putting down should you lose.
Stay within your means, because winning is great, but you will not win every time. One of the best rules for any beginner is to make certain that you are aware of how much you can play with, and to only play with what you can afford to do so.
Once you are sure about how much you can lose, only play with this amount.
If you have $100 to play with and each play is $5, know you can only play 20 times and no more.
Also understand your limits when you play, such as if you had a 16 against a 9 or 10, you can surrender, but if you have a 15 against a 10, do not.
Do Not Drink And Play
Whether you are playing at home, or if you are in a brick-and-mortar casino, do not drink and play. While casinos offer a drink and while you may feel tempted at home, alcohol will often cloud our judgement, and we make poor decisions when alcohol is in our system.
If you do drink, one is enough.
Gambling is about strategy, even in blackjack, so you need your wits about you. Not having your mind fresh and alert could cost you a great deal of money, and you could end up sacrificing more than you should on a game you are playing when you are not thinking clearly.
Casinos and blackjack can be great fun, but do not ruin your experience, or get roped into losing a lot of money by drinking when you play. Have a celebratory beverage after if you have won, sure. But leave that until after.
Pick Your Dealer Wisely
Finally, think about where you play. If you are in a brick-and-mortar casino, then focus on the dealer, in an online casino, pick your online hosting wisely.
Your gaming experience can be dictated by where you play, or who your dealer is. Look for an online casino that offers customer support and a positive gameplay experience. At a brick-and-mortar casino choose a dealer who looks personable.
When you play online, the casino you play at matters, you want to have the assurance that you are playing at a respectable and reliable online casino. Similarly, you want to feel comfortable when playing in a brick-and-mortar casino.
Feeling uncomfortable can throw your game.
