Aria Brown
Stefan WeberOne of the most popular card games, gamblers love Blackjack because it offers so much flexibility. The basic rules are easy to learn, and at the same time it can offer a lot of complexity so that you never get bored.
We put together some Blackjack tips to help you get the most out of the game. A lot of the enjoyment comes from how often you win and the health of your bankroll. Our tips will thus cover the basics to increase your chances of winning, such as looking at different payouts, and how to choose a casino and so on.
If you have the basics under control and are looking for intermediate to advanced Blackjack betting strategies to use in game, then take a look at our page on Blackjack Strategies.
If you have the basics under control and are looking for intermediate to advanced Blackjack betting strategies to use in game, then take a look at our page on Important: Always play at a licensed casino! This is the only way to ensure that your bets are legally protected.
Top 10 Blackjack Tips & Tricks for Beginners
Know the Game's Rules
Sounds basic, but with a skill based game, the better you know the rules, the better your odds. You want to be aware of the rules to the specific Blackjack game you are playing, and the different options it gives you.
Knowing the rules for the dealers will provide more information on the house edge too. For example, players have better odds when dealer must stand on Soft 17.
Learn Basic Strategy
There are a few strategic concepts that you should know. Like standing at 17 unless you have a soft 17, for example. These concepts are based on the mathematics of the game and you should apply them consistently and systematically.
Games with a 3:2 Payout Pay the Best
From a pure payout perspective Blackjack games with a 3:2 payout will give you the best winnings. What this means is that if your $10 bet wins, you will be paid out $15. There are however games that pay out 6:5. With a $10 bet in a 6:5 game, you will be paid out $12 instead.
Choose a Blackjack Variant You Like
We strongly prefer 3:2 games over 6:5 ones, but in the end, you need to choose a game that speaks to you. Some players have a knack for a specific mechanism in a variant, so even though 6:5 pays out lower, the game rules give them more room to flex and win. Try different Blackjack games to see what you like best.
Consider Your Seat at the Blackjack Table
Since the dealer deals in a clockwise direction, the last player sitting at the leftmost position will have the least time for decision making, while the one on the rightmost seat will have the most time.
Card Counting is Effective - but only in certain circumstances
Card counting gives you a systematic overview of all possibilities for your hand, and so it is one of the most effective strategies in blackjack. However, casinos are also aware of this and therefore have numerous measures to prevent card counting - you can get immediately kicked out of a casino in Vegas if you are caught card counting.
Online, most RNG Blackjack games deploy an algorithmic equivalent of a continuous shuffle machine (CSM), which renders card counting ineffective. Live dealer Blackjack games are better, and for this you would want a game where the dealer is drawing cards from a shoe.
All to say that if you actually want to win money through card counting in Blackjack, you want to check how the cards are shuffled first.
Don't buy Insurance
When the dealer has an Ace, there's the option to buy Insurance, which in theory protects you from a probable loss. However, remember the insurance is on the dealer getting a Blackjack, which means you are betting they have a 10 in their hole card.
If the dealer wins by beating you without a natural Blackjack (for example, with a third card totalling to 20, versus your 19), you lose both your initial bet and your insurance bet. Which means you lose more in total. So unless you are quite sure that the dealer has a 10 or a Face card, insurance is largely not a good bet.
Take Your Time
Unless you are playing Speed Blackjack, you generally don't have to rush into a decision with your hand. There may be more experienced players at your table who can play hundreds of rounds an hour, but think about what you see in your hand and in the dealer's upcard before you make any decisions. Of course, you shouldn't take forever either.
Have a Budget with a Strategy
Plan a budget in advance and stay with it. Even though Blackjack is a skill based game that gives you much more control, there is still an element of luck. Planning a budget with a strategy accounts for the losses you are ready to handle, and prevents getting lost in the event of a losing streak.
Stake helps players plan their budget by providing a budget calculatorMoreLess
Practice Online
The great thing about playing blackjack online is that you have complete control over the environment. Not only do you get to play whenever, but there are zero distractions. The options to play for free in demo mode along with bonus chips for real money gambling don't hurt either.
Other Online Gambling Tips for Blackjack Players
- Choose a Reputable Casino
Whenever there is real money involved, you should always choose a licensed casino. It's about the security of your transactions, and making sure the casino will pay you when you win. Of course, small things like good customer service matter too.
List of reputable Blackjack Casinos - Use Limit Tools
Unlike land-based casinos, many online casinos have tools to help players. For example, loss limit tools are excellent to help you stay within budget. These can usually be found in your profile settings, or listed under responsible gambling tools. Or just contact the casino's support.![Set your Gambling Limits at Stake]()
Options for setting gambling limits at Stake
- Take Breaks
Staring in front of the same game screen can be a strain on your eyes and brain. Unlike slots, staying sharp can make a huge difference in blackjack. It doesn't hurt to take a step back every now and then to stay clear headed. - Try Different Games
From different Blackjack variants, to sportsbetting, to crypto games like Mines and Plinko, online casinos have lots to offer. There's absolutely no reason to deny yourself. Especially when you can play for free either in demo mode or with casino bonuses.![Playzilla Blackjack]()
Playzilla offers a huge variety of blackjack games
FAQ Blackjack Tips & Tricks
- Do Blackjack Table Limits affect payout?
- Can card counting help me win?
- How can I manage my Blackjack bankroll?
- Do Blackjack Tips work on all variants?
1. Do Blackjack Table Limits affect payout?
The table limits don't affect the odds of the games themselves. For example, whether you bet $10 or $1,000, a 3:2 table will always pay 3:2 for a Blackjack, which is a ratio. However, limits will affect the absolute amount that you can win. For example, if a table has higher bet limits, then betting with higher stakes will be proportionally rewarded in the case of a win.
2. Can card counting help me win?
In theory yes, in practice it depends. Card counting is about keeping track of what cards have already been dealt, and what remains in the shoe. In theory, mastering card counting can give you an idea of the probability of what card might come out next. In practice however, most casinos – both online and land based, use a continuous shuffling machine that shuffles cards continuously. This is almost like a fresh deck every time, so card counting won't work. If however, the cards are shuffled by a machine and then placed into a shoe for dealing, then card counting can work.
3. How can I manage my Blackjack bankroll?
Start by looking at your monthly budget and your key expenses like rent, and then decide how much you can afford to lose. The amount you can afford to lose is your bankroll. To stay within this limit, we recommend using the loss limit or deposit limit tools available at online casinos. If needed, you can always live chat the site's support for help setting it up.
4. Do Blackjack Tips work on all variants?
The Blackjack tips listed here apply to all Blackjack games and variants. They were written specifically for beginner players who want to learn Blackjack, but are also relevant for experienced players. Consider these tips as general good practice for playing blackjack, especially for playing blackjack online.
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I am trained as a tax consultant, mostly because my father insisted that I get a normal job. Luckily, I listened to my heart and followed my passion in writing. Today I work as an online editor while traveling the world, which is why I'm rarely in my hometown, Toronto. By pure chance, I discovered the online casino review industry about ten years ago, and I have been testing and reviewing gambling sites since then. Personally, I prefer Blackjack and Poker games. I think the skills and strategies involved make them much more interesting than slots.
I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.