With a house edge of only one percent in most casinos, Blackjack offers some of the best winning odds among casino games. No wonder it’s one of the most played games online and in person.
Many factors contribute to its popularity, and the most significant influence is the level of control the game offers. It’s also incredibly easy to learn with its straightforward and universal rules. Likewise, Blackjack draws the interest of players of all bankroll sizes and skill levels because of its high probability of winning.
You can win with proper guidance and practice, even if you’re a beginner. Thankfully, with online legal casinos, you can now start playing Blackjack on the go or from the convenience of your home. To help you get started, go over this beginner’s guide and increase your winning odds at online Blackjack.
Understanding How Online Blackjack Works
Before learning the tips and tricks for playing Blackjack, let’s first understand how the online game works. Playing Blackjack online is the same as playing Blackjack in an in-person casino. However, knowing the platform’s house rules and guidelines is crucial as they play a significant role in your strategy and experience.
In Blackjack, you can play alone or with seven other players, including the dealer. At the beginning of each round, each player and the dealer at the blackjack table will receive two cards.
A random number generator software determines the selection of cards. When you sit at a Blackjack table, you’ll be prompted to place a chip and be dealt with your hand. You will make decisions by simply clicking the buttons. Some casinos will issue warning messages if you make a bad move.
In the basic game setup, the single player faces off against the casino, which takes the role of the dealer. The main goal is to score more points than the dealer but without going over the limit of 21.
When you score over 21, you lose the game, and the dealer collects the wagered bet. The same goes for the dealer if they exceed the limit of 21. Meanwhile, you also lose the round if your card total scores lower than the dealer’s.
Learning the Basic Winning Strategies for Blackjack
The rules of Blackjack get easier as you become more familiar with the game. There’s no better way to understand the nature of the game but to play it consistently.
But whether it’s your first time or not, your winning odds at Blackjack depend on strategic decision-making. Learn how to play your cards wisely using the following basic strategies to increase your chances of winning.
Memorize the Basic Terms
The game itself is relatively simple to figure out. But it’s essential to understand and memorize the basic terms used in the game. Before you start playing, familiarize yourself with double down, split your hand, or surrender your hand. A basic strategy chart can help you understand these moves and when to use them appropriately to increase your winning odds and fully enjoy FanDuel’s Online Blackjack Experience, among others.
Resist Making Insurance Bets
No matter how much money you have, always resist making insurance bets. The insurance bets can protect you from potential losses when the dealer holds the Blackjack. But these bets have a high house edge, ranging from 0 to 2 percent, which can reduce your overall winnings in the long run.
Check the Dealer’s Face Up Card
It’s crucial to always check the dealer’s up card before taking any action. Depending on the card value, the dealer’s up card guides your decision on whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.
For instance, for anything that falls in the range of 2 to 6, there’s a likelihood that it will go bust on the dealer’s hand. Conversely, you can play the hand aggressively if the card is seven through ace.
Avoid the First Base Chair
The player on the first base chair receives the cards and plays each hand first. Others prefer this position because acting first gives them more control of the game.
This may seem appealing. But beginners should avoid it since you have the least amount to observe the dealer’s up card and the decisions of other players at the table. Taking a seat further down will give you more time to review your hand and the dealer’s up card and make more informed decisions.
Start With Smaller Bets
Starting with smaller bets is advisable as a beginner since you’re only starting to understand the game. A good strategy is to buy in only at least 1 to 2 percent of your daily bankroll for chips. Let’s say your budget for the day is $600. In this case, cash in no more than $12 to start.
Starting small keeps you out of trouble until you understand the nature of the game. This way, you won’t bet more than you intended to do so. Once you better grasp your winning odds, you can aggressively increase your bet when the odds are in your favor.
One Final Note
Practicing is the best way to master the basic approaches of Blackjack and become a pro at playing the game. Once you’ve mastered the essential rules, you can advance your strategy by learning when to split, double down, and surrender if the option is available.
