How to Win at Blackjack for Beginners
I remember my first blackjack session since it was yesterday, and how excited I was! The only moment when I was more thrilled was when I started exploring ocean animals’ habitats. My first steps were made 15 years ago, when I was still a gambling noob.
It was tough to understand different blackjack strategies back then. That is the reason I want to share my Mastermind tactics that will help you adapt to this game as soon as possible. Ready? Take notes!
Getting Started with Blackjack
Let’s start with the basics. Players primarily need to understand the rules of blackjack. Thereafter, they need to understand the value of each card and get familiar with the table layout.
Understanding the Basics
Do you know what the purpose of blackjack is? Before everything, you are not playing against other players! You are playing against the house.
The goal you have to achieve is to reach as close as possible to a value of 21 with the cards that you get. At the same time, the dealer must not be closer to that value than you.
- If you go over 21, you automatically lose.
- If the dealer goes over the same value, you win.
Keep in mind that the dealer also gets two cards, but only one of them is revealed, while the second one stays untouched until you finish decision-making.
Familiarizing Yourself with the Table Layout
Each player has a couple of options after receiving the first two cards:
- Hit: If you think that after receiving the third card you won’t go over 21, choose the option “hit.” Do this only when the value of your cards is low.
- Stand: If you are satisfied with the given cards, you can “stand.” This means you are refusing to receive another one.
- Double: You can double your bet if your cards are great. However, you will need to receive another card.
- Splitting: If you get two identical cards (from 10s to Ks), you can split them. Logically, you double your bet automatically.
- Surrender: When your cards are a pure disaster, you can surrender automatically. In that case, you lose half of your bet.
- Insurance: If the dealer gets an Ace, you can bet on insurance. That means you can get money if the dealer gets blackjack.
Knowing the Card Values
The next thing to learn is the value of blackjack each card:
| Cards | Card Value |
|---|---|
| 2–9 | Each card has its number value |
| 10, J, Q, K | Each figure card has a value of 10 |
| Ace | It can either be 1 or 11, depending on whether it brings blackjack to any of the sides participating |
Before I end this part, I want to highlight the most important things:
- Ace is always counted as 11. But, if the hand total exceeds 21, it will be counted as 1.
- Each deck has 16 cards with a value of 10. Since that’s 30% of the deck, you can often get at least one of them.
- Keep in mind that card suits are a completely irrelevant factor for this game.
Essential Strategies for New Players
Do you want to learn how to win at blackjack? Well, I am not a magician. There is no one who can guarantee you 100% wins. However, there are tactics that can increase your odds.
Learning Basic Strategy
The basic strategy for blackjack is a tactic based on probability. There is a chart covering all the eventual outcomes that players can experience. As a beginner, you should read the chart and try to increase those odds that way. This strategy requires discipline. Don’t give up on it after finding yourself on a losing strike.
To learn how to win blackjack with the basic strategy, read my dedicated page.
Starting with Small Bets
Look for tables with reasonable minimum bet requirements. There is no need to start with larger wagers. Since you don’t have any experience, you probably won’t be too happy with the outcome.
Small bets actually improved my self-confidence. For a relatively small amount of cash, I learned great lessons and improved my strategies over time. Today, my casino investments aren’t small at all!
Avoiding Common Mistakes
After years of playing with different people, I’ve realized that beginners make common mistakes.
Splitting tens is the most common one. Why would you do such a thing? A value of 20 in total gives you a great chance of winning.
Taking insurance is a big mistake. How do you know whether a dealer is going to hit blackjack or not? It is too risky if you ask me. Plus, it is unnecessary if your budget is limited.
Building Confidence at the Table
The only way to improve your confidence is to play blackjack. Logically, that ain’t a cheap investment. Despite starting with small bets, there are three ways to become a better player.
Practicing with Free games
Believe it or not, some casinos offer demo versions of blackjack online. This allows you to play this game with your friends without investing real money. I did that many times before entering a casino.
Why is this good? You will get a sense of how blackjack works risk-free. The casino atmosphere will only inspire you to improve your focus, analyze things in detail, and develop strategies.
Observing Experienced Players
Learning from more experienced players is a golden opportunity. You don’t even have to sit at the table in the casino. Instead, stand next to others and analyze the moves they are making. Logically, don’t interrupt them with questions: be a sea sponge and absorb everything you see!
There is an even better opportunity. Many YouTubers are streaming their blackjack sessions online. Watching them is completely free, and you don’t have to move from your room. Use that opportunity.
Asking the Dealer for Help
Many gamblers I know would refuse to do so. The question is why? The only explanation that comes to mind is they are shy. Dealers can be a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to ask them any type of question. Most of them, since they are all professionals, would gladly try to solve your doubts.
Finding a dealer outside a casino would be even better. I spoke with these people; they revealed some tricks to me. It will be enough to tell you the stories they experienced during one working day!
Managing Your Bankroll Wisely
Beginners often don’t know how to organize their casino bankroll. I thoroughly understand that because I had the same problem many years ago. That’s why I have prepared three tips for you.
Setting a Budget
Don’t even start to play blackjack if you are not ready to define your monthly budget in advance. Logically, based on that calculation, you will easily determine how much money you can spend each week and for each session.
I recommend my budget organization to overcome all the eventual obstacles.
First, see how much money you can spend on entertainment. That amount should not entirely be spent on gambling. You can spend money on other forms of fun, such as partying, having lunches at restaurants, and so on.
The remaining sum of cash should be equally divided by the number of sessions you plan to have. Stick to your plan, and don’t make excuses like “I will spend more this time, but I won’t do that next session.” Trust me: you won’t respect that.
Understanding Table Limits
There is not much to say here. Each blackjack table has minimum and maximum bet limits. Read more information on the chosen game to ensure you have made the right choice.
Beginners should focus on as low as possible minimum deposit requirements. Yet, you don’t have to go to the 1-dollar-blackjack tables. Find those options that fit your bankroll.
Knowing When to Walk Away
The biggest doubt of all will be when to leave the table or log out from your casino account. There is no “perfect moment” for doing such a thing. In the past, two factors made me do such a thing.
Clarify the minimum amount of money you want to earn. Doubling your initial budget will be great. Don’t be greedy; you are still a beginner. I once thought I could turn $200 into $5k. Logically, I left with $0 in my pocket.
Moreover, walk away when you start feeling tired. Focus means a lot with all gambling games, especially with blackjack. You won’t see some obvious things, and learning from your mistakes will be almost impossible if your concentration is at the lowest level.
And Now?
You are ready to go. Don’t have high expectations. At the beginning of the journey, you will probably lose most of your bets. That’s a normal thing! Learn from every failure, carefully analyze each blackjack game, and ask experienced players for advice. Eventually, you will master blackjack and overcome the Mastermind.
Interested in playing online blackjack? My insightful guide is there for you.