Call it Ving-et-un, 21, or simply blackjack, it’s clear even in the technological era that blackjack’s popularity has never been higher. While blackjack is regarded as one of the most accessible and most popular card games to master, especially because it presents roughly 50-50 odds of winning, it still takes know-how and some savvy. This expert blackjack guide highlights some common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid playing blackjack online or in person.
Mistake 1: Disregarding Basic Strategy
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As mentioned, blackjack is one of the easiest card games to master. All players go against the dealer and strive for a playing hand worth 21 or higher than the dealer. However, the basic rules of hitting and standing apply if the player’s first two cards are a natural blackjack. The wise blackjack player understands these basic blackjack fundamentals before even sitting at the table.
Mistake 2: Making Side Bets
While most blackjack variants don’t offer many side bets beyond the insurance and 21+3 bet, they are usually available. The first issue with side bets is the exceptionally high house edge. This is especially so for the insurance bet. Most blackjack variants allow members to take an insurance bet when the dealer’s upcard is an ace.
The problem is that the dealer will likely get to 21 anyway, so you stand to lose a lot of money if the dealer busts or you win the playing hand anyway. However, making too many side bets is the fastest way to go through budgets. Unfortunately, we’re not all high-rollers, so the best way to manage your budget is to make small and strategic bets.
Mistake 3: Doubling Down on the Wrong Hand
Doubling down in blackjack means drawing a final card during the playing round, which also requires doubling the initial bet. However, it can lead to busting or eventual losses, especially if the dealer doesn’t have a soft 17 and is required to stand. A common mistake blackjack players make is doubling down on playing hands less than eleven.
Imagine having a playing hand worth nine points, and you decide to double down. But the final card is only worth a deuce or four points. Frustrated, you have to sit back and watch the dealer keep hitting and ending up with a playing hand that’s easily higher than yours. For best results, the rule of thumb is to double down on at least eleven and no higher with a hand worth thirteen points.
With a playing hand worth eleven, there’s no risk of doubling down and busting. Drawing a five or a six can quickly put you into the driver’s seat to outlast the dealer. While there is a risk of busting with twelve or thirteen, if a ten or royalty cards don’t land, you can form an almost unbeatable hand between seventeen to twenty points.
Mistake 4: Splitting on the Wrong Hand
Virtually all blackjack variants support splitting. Splitting involves breaking up a playing hand with the two cards having identical values into independent playing hands. The rule of thumb is always splitting a pair of aces because it’s impossible to bust, even drawing another ace. Also, with a ten-value card, a playing hand, or possibly both, it can add up to 21. Or at the least, twenty or possibly eighteen.
However, splitting on playing hands, like eights and nines, can cause more problems than they are worth. This mistake can compound if you double down on a low-value hand. Also, it can be a mistake to split a pair of tens. With a pair of tens, you are already one point away from 21 and almost a sure victory.
Mistake 5: Playing too Many Hands
Fortunately, technology has come so far that many real money online casinos support multi-table blackjack play. While the allure of winning multiple hands simultaneously is promising, playing too many hands can make it hard to keep track of blackjack charts and other playing strategies. This lapse in concentration can lead to bad, timely decisions, which can lead to big losses.
