Top Tips for Winning at Blackjack
29 June 2006Over the years, professional blackjack players have shared a host of secrets and tips on winning blackjack. However, while some are proven to be successful, others have not always yielded the best results. When starting out in blackjack, it is important for a player to remember that he is most likely to make long term profits by adhering to a few simple tips and strategies.
1. Manage Your Money
The best blackjack players – despite their winning and losing streaks – will be sound money managers. This means that even though you may be on a winning streak, you will still have the discipline to make tough choices when your cashflow is under threat. One basic and sound rule for managing your money is to bet with only one percent of the funds available to you. For example, if you have a bankroll of $3,000, your betting amount should be $30, or one percent. If you are playing with a 1.5% advantage over the house and using a card counting method in the game, the odds of losing your entire bankroll is a mere five percent. By committing only one percent of your available funds at any one time, you will have enough left over to weather the losing streaks which must inevitably come.
2. Use an Effective Card Counting System
Serious blackjack players know the worth of a good card counting strategy. While most casual players are unfamiliar with card counting, it has become a crucial part of the seasoned player’s game, helping to achieve an advantage over the house. Card counting involves keeping an accurate count of all cards dealt in a game in order to narrow down the identities of future cards dealt. Several different card counting systems exist but all will give players a basic edge over the house.
3. Calculating the True Card Count
Once a player has established what the running count is, he can then ascertain what the true count is. The true count is the running count divided by the number of decks of cards still to be dealt. The true count gives a better indication of how favorable the remaining cards and is a useful statistic to bear in mind prior to placing bets.
4. Using the True Count to Influence Betting
As the true count increases, so should the size of a player’s bet and vice versa. The amount a player bets should increase as the true count increases in order to take advantage of favorable odds.
5. Shop around for the Most Favorable House Rules
Most casinos operate within similar margins when it comes to blackjack, however a player shouldn’t be afraid to shop around to find the most favorable house rules for that extra edge.
6. State of Mind
Successful blackjack players are those that remain steady and focused during a game. Limit your alcohol consumption, control your moods and ensure you remain alert at all times.
7. Discipline – The Key to Success
Even when losing, a player who wishes to be successful at blackjack in the long term does not deviate from his strategy. Stick with it even when you are losing. Eventually your luck is bound to change and having a plan is definitely more advantageous than having not having a plan at all.
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