When gambling, the goddess of luck only sided with some people. However, blackjack is perhaps the only casino game where all players have an equal chance of winning over the house. This is because blackjack relies on a strategy of probability rather than luck alone. To increase your chances of winning at blackjack, first learn the basic strategies of playing cards wisely, then master the card counting system.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learn from Zero
Step 1. Memorize the basic terms of the game
The game of blackjack itself is quite simple to understand. Each player knows that they need to get 21 to beat the dealer. However, many players don't understand the terms used other than hit to get extra cards or hold them. Before playing, know about double down (double bet), split (split) the cards in the hand, or surrender (surrender) the cards in the hand so that you can include them in your playing strategy and provide the best chance of winning.
- When you choose double down, you double your bet and receive only one more card.
- When you have two of the same card, for example two aces, you can split and play them as two different hands with two separate bets.
- Not many casinos allow you to surrender. When you get a bad hand, you can surrender (surrender) and save half the bet.
Step 2. Subtract the city's profits
The dealer has an advantage because the player must act first without knowing what is behind the hole card, aka the face-down card. In addition, if your hand scores past 21, or bust, you still lose even though the dealer also gets a bust. Once you understand that, you will realize that winning depends on your reaction to the cards you, your opponent and the dealer have to predict the dealer's face-down cards.
Step 3. Learn basic blackjack strategy
Since blackjack is a game of probability compared to other casino games, you can become a stronger player by learning how to play certain hands. For example, do you get 16 while the bookie has 10? Do you divide by 8 that you have? Study the chart to determine which choices to make depending on the cards you and the dealer have.
At first you'll have a hard time remembering how to act on the various scenarios in the game, but the more you play, the more you eventually get to do it instinctively
Step 4. Know the table rules before starting to play
Different casinos or blackjack games apply different rules. Many games use multiple decks of cards to prevent players from card counting, and disrupt your attempts to track your chances of winning. Most blackjack games require the dealer to stop at 17, even if the dealer loses. However, there is also a rule that allows the dealer to hit a “soft” 17, i.e. 17 consisting of aces (aces can be worth 1 or 11).
- Games that are harder to win over the long term, such as those that allow the dealer to hit at 17 soft, should be avoided.
- Avoid continuous shuffling when playing live. This machine makes tracking cards that you and the bookie can pick up impossible.
Step 5. Check the blackjack table rules
Before starting to play, it is important to find out how you will get paid for blackjack. If you get a natural blackjack, which is 21 on the first two cards dealt, the table can pay out 3:2, which is $3 for every $2 wagered. Others may pay less, say 6:5, and should be avoided.
6:5 is worse for you than 3:2. Imagine if you bet and win twice in the first odds, you need to bet 10 units to win 12 units. 12 units on second chance make four bets for a total of 8 units to win 12 units
Step 6. Formulate your betting strategy
In the average game, you should be consistent, or at least, increase the bet by one rupiah or other unit until you win. Remember that there is no such thing as a “win time” or “hot and cold” deck. Any patterns you notice will disappear over time because this game is based on chance and probability. Instead, try to bet low after a loss or shuffle the deck and increase it a bit when you see a favorable opportunity.
Step 7. Increase the bet when the odds are in your favor
Many high cards in the deck are in your favor because they are always 10 and help you get more blackjack. The more you play, the more proficient you become at getting a feel for how many good cards are left in the deck and how to proceed with the hand you have. Once you've found your winning odds, you can try betting more aggressively on good hands.
Step 8. Resist the temptation to buy insurance
The dealer will offer a buy protection option in case the dealer has blackjack. In essence, it means that you make a side bet that the dealer will get blackjack. If it is true that the dealer has blackjack, you will win the side bet but lose the main bet. In the short term, this option can return your money, but in the long run the casino benefits.
Beginners can't tell if the card under the dealer's ace and face down is worth 10 points. However, card counters will know it and can use the related information to place bets
Part 2 of 2: Counting Cards
Step 1. Set the value on the card
Under the Hi-Lo method of card counting, each numbered card has a value. Cards 2 to 6 are worth 1 point. Cards 7-9 are worth 0. Cards 10, face cards and aces are worth -1.
- The idea is that you keep the total value of all the cards shown, and when more face cards are left in the deck, the blackjack odds increase and the dealer busts more often.
- The Hi-Lo method is commonly used in counting systems, but there are other systems that assign other point values to certain cards such as aces and 5.
Step 2. Practice keeping a running count
Use one deck of cards. Turn the cards one by one, adding up their values as the game progresses. If you draw 2, 5 and an ace, you have a value of 1. When you reach the end of the deck, the total count must be zero. Keep practicing until you can calculate totals quickly and quietly.
Step 3. Keep the true count (real count)
Casinos are responsive to card counters so blackjack is played with multiple decks simultaneously. True count takes the running count and divides it by the number of decks played. This calculation allows you to find out how much profit you have when betting.
- A running count of 3 has a big chance of winning in single-deck games, but this number doesn't really matter much in multiple-deck games because there are more cards to consider and reduce your chances of winning.
- For example, running count 7 divided by 2 decks gives a true count of around 3. However, if the number of decks played is 6, the true count is only 1.
Step 4. Practice keeping true count
Start by using a few decks. Turn the cards over one at a time so you get used to dividing by fractions. At first, you can simply round the division to a regular true count, but as you play the game, division can be done with pinpoint accuracy.
You can try practicing in an online card counting simulator. Some simulators can correct miscalculations and track your wins
Step 5. Practice counting with distractions
Once you're fluent in keeping a true count, try emulating the casino scene. Start small. Turn on music or radio chat sounds. As you get better at it, bring a friend, roommate, or partner along. Later you can practice in a noisy atmosphere, for example at a party. In the end, you can calculate the true count silently while chatting with other people.
Step 6. Adjust the bet
When you practice counting cards, increase the bet amount when the count is high in the positive. Don't forget to do it discreetly. Stay natural, chat with other players instead of muttering your calculations. Raise the stakes little by little when possible, and lower them when you lose. Instead of sitting at the table for hours, leave when your winnings start to attract attention.
Counting the legal cards is legal, but casinos don't like it because it's to their detriment
Tips
- Start betting with the minimum amount at the table.
- Choose a table carefully. The slow and easily distracted dealer makes it easy for you to count cards and strategize. You cannot count cards against online bookies and automatic shufflers.
- Play with a clear head. Try not to play when tired or under the influence of alcohol. Casinos profit from players who make bad decisions.
- Don't be superstitious while playing. Many players are tempted to believe in their feelings while playing, which often costs them a loss.
