There are few gamblers who rely on pure chance in the gaming universe. Blackjack is no different. It's one of those rare casino games in which gamers have a real possibility to defeat the house.
The reason being behind this is that blackjack is based upon solid strategy based on probabilities rather than pure chance. To boost your odds of winning, learn the fundamental strategies of making intelligent choices first, and then move on to learning a card counting system. Familiarize yourself with the idea of the house advantage in blackjack as well, as it describes why the dealer generally has the better hand and how strategy can turn the tables in your favor.
Learning to Play from Scratch
1. Learn the rules.
Blackjack is simple. All the players try to reach a total of 21 to beat the dealer. However, most people do not know that there is more to it than "hit" (take another card) and "stand" (keep your hand). Doubling down, splitting, or even surrendering are also possibilities if the house rules allow.
- Doubling down means doubling your bet with just one more card.
- If you receive two cards of equal value (like two 2s), you can divide them into two separate hands with two separate bets.
- Surrender is only found in a few US casinos, but if you find it, you can surrender a poor hand and keep half your bet.
2. Reduce the house edge.
The dealer has a natural edge: they go after the players, and you lose right away if you go over 21—even if the dealer busts later too. The trick of winning is to guess the dealer's hidden card according to your hand, the dealer's up card, and what the other players have on the table.
3. Master basic strategy.
Since blackjack is a game of probabilities, your results improve once you've mastered the best plays under normal circumstances. For example: Do you hit a 16 when the dealer shows a 10? Do you split a pair of 8s? Strategy charts give you the best play according to your hand and the dealer's upcard. At first it may appear complicated, but through practice these decisions become automatic.
4. Seek out the game variation.
Rules can differ depending on the casino and version of blackjack. US casinos use multiple decks to discourage card counting, making odds calculation harder. Generally, the dealer must draw until they reach 17 or higher, but in certain games, the dealer is compelled to draw on a "soft 17" (a 17 including an Ace counted as 11). Avoid versions where this rule applies—it reduces your long-term prospects.
Additionally, steer clear of Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs), since they eliminate any advantage from expecting cards.
5. Take note of the house payout rules.
Find out before you play how winnings in blackjack are paid. A natural blackjack (21 on your first two cards) generally pays 3:2, i.e., you win $15 on a $10 bet. If a casino pays 6:5, avoid it—it significantly lowers your profit. Over time, the difference makes a huge impact on your bankroll.
6. Create a betting strategy.
A steady approach works best. Keep your bets consistent or increase only slightly after a win. Don’t fall for the gambler’s fallacy—the belief that you’re “due” for a win or that a deck is “lucky.” Instead, lower your bet after a shuffle or a loss, and raise it only when probabilities are in your favor.
7. Raise your bets wisely.
8. Bet more when you sense the odds are in your favor. For example, when there are plenty of 10-value cards remaining in the deck, your chance at getting blackjack is heightened. The more you play, the more you will be able to estimate these situations and bet more heavily when the time arises.
8. Never take insurance.
If the dealer's upcard is an Ace, they'll ask you if you'd like insurance—a special side bet that the dealer does indeed have blackjack. Although it may seem like protection in the short term, in the long term it favors the house. Beginners have no notion whether the dealer's downcard is a 10. Only seasoned card counters can sometimes make insurance pay.
Card Counting
1. Assign values to the cards.
In the popular Hi-Lo scheme:
- Cards 2–6 = +1
- Cards 7–9 = 0
- Cards 10s, face cards, and Aces = -1
Attempt to keep a running total of the cards played. A high positive count means more 10s and Aces remain, which is advantageous to the player.
2. Practice the running count.
Practice with a single deck and flip over cards one at a time, adding or subtracting their values. If, for example, you turn over a 2, a 5, and an Ace, the count is +1 - 1 = 0. Your count should return to 0 at the end of the deck. Practice until you can do this quickly and silently.
3. Learn the true count.
Casinos typically use two or more decks. To adjust, divide the running count by the number of decks left in play. This gives a "true count," which is the real advantage. A running count of +7 is great with one deck but is nearly useless with six decks.
4. Learn true count adjustments.
Start with fewer decks and practice dividing in your head. At first, rounding works fine (e.g., turning 7 ÷ 2 into about 3), but with time you’ll handle more precise divisions. Online simulators can help track your accuracy and progress.
5. Train under distractions.
Casinos are noisy, and you will have to keep counting under pressure. Practice with music, then with friends chatting around you, and eventually in loud locations. The point is to remain concentrated while performing numerous tasks simultaneously—precisely as in a live casino.
6. Adjust your bets.
When the count is favorable, raise your bet subtly. Don't be conspicuous—talk to the dealer and other players to fit in. Taper off when the count is unfavorable. Never play at the same table for too long, and leave if your winnings are attracting attention.
Card counting is not illegal, but US casinos do not appreciate it, and they will eject suspected card counters.