Last updated: September 11, 2023
Blackjack is not a game you play with any kind of skill. Many gamblers see playing blackjack as merely a game of luck. Outstanding blackjack players who earn a lot of money playing the game disagree, however. You can earn a lot of cash playing blackjack online, on an app, or at the tables. Before you are ready to win the big bucks, there are blackjack mistakes you need to avoid.
So, are you prepared to win at blackjack? Then, here are the most common errors to avoid.
Since the 1600s, people have played blackjack at European casinos. It was one of the most popular casino games to play. The object of blackjack is simple. You start playing when the dealer deals you two cards. You “count” the cards based on the number shown on the cards. Face cards have their values. Kings, Queens, and Jacks are 10 points, while Aces are either 1 point or 11 points. The number depends on the house rules. Depending on the game, your cards might be face up or face down. The dealer deals himself or herself two cards as well. One is usually face up, and the other is face down. The object of blackjack is for you to score as close to 21 as possible without going over. You will need to beat the dealer’s hand to win.
At first glance, blackjack appears to be an easy game. However, it is far from simple. In blackjack, the house has an edge of .5 percent. This makes it appear that you have a considerable chance to win a big pot. However, beginning blackjack players would have a hard time coming close to that figure. Some blackjack master players take months or years to develop their strategies. Making a mistake will cost players money and prizes. You need to avoid these mistakes to rake in the dough.
Lots of players make common blackjack mistakes because they’ve read information about the game. Usually, blackjack books and videos advise you to stand (or hold) if you have 17 or 18. These numbers are difficult to beat if you are the dealer. However, you need to pay close attention to the dealer’s cards. If the dealer’s face up card counts as 9 or 10 points, you hit (ask for another card). The law of averages states you could lose at a rate greater than 50 percent if you stand. That’s not a good average for you.
If the dealer has a 7 or an 8 showing, you need to split. That means you will choose whether to take another card. Half the time, you will want to stand. Half the time, you will want to take another card. If you do that, the law of averages swings a bit in your favor.
Sometimes, the dealer will deal you two cards of the same number during a hand of blackjack. If that happens, the dealer will allow you to split your hand. Splitting your hand means you would be able to divide your hand into two. You would then be eligible for additional cards from the dealer. Most people will gladly split their cards when they have 8s or 9s. However, many people refuse to split at all, or they refuse to split Aces. This is a common blackjack mistake.
Many expert blackjack players say that splitting Aces is the most profitable split to make. This would also depend on the value of the Ace card. Aces are weak cards. However, if you split them, you can make an instant profit. You have a 30 percent chance of drawing a card with a value of 10 if you split the aces. These averages favor splitting Aces when you draw two.
Another of the most well-known mistakes is not doubling down when you have the opportunity. To double down means to increase the size of your bet. The double down bet is a rule. You can double down, which means you can increase your bet up to 100 percent. In exchange, you have to take one additional card, and that’s it. Then you must stand.
Many blackjack players are afraid of doubling down. Of course, you should not double down without giving it some thought. If the dealer gives you a card with a value of 10 or 11, you should consider doubling down. This is especially true if the dealer’s card shows a number smaller than 8. If you don’t double down from time to time, you reduce your chances of getting close to the house edge. You will lessen your opportunities to win if you don’t take a chance to double down when you can.
If you are just beginning to play blackjack consistently, there are some truths you need to realize. Players realize that it is no longer a game of luck, but instead a game of chance. If you are willing to take some risks, you can improve your blackjack game. The better player you become, the more money you will take home.
