Mastering Blackjack - Winning Tips and Tricks

Ever tried your hand at blackjack before? While it might be one of the most popular table games on the casino scene, that doesn't mean it's always easy. In fact, to break through in this game, you're going to need plenty of nerve!

Also known as pontoon or 21s, blackjack is a game that's quick and easy to learn but that can take a lifetime to master. However, don't worry as there are a few tips and tricks you can put into practice on the table to help cut down the training time. Here are just a few to help you start with.

Practice Online to Find Your Rhythm

As with most casino games, it's often a good idea to learn strategies and styles through playing first. However, in a real casino, you're at risk of entering into high'stakes gaming if you're new to the scene. That's why it might make sense to try your luck at a crypto casino first. Bit Casino, linked opposite, offers plenty of tables for you to train at low stakes before increasing your wagers.

Once you've got yourself a good feel for the game online, it's then worth trying a few tips and tricks here and there. Only when you're confident in the online pattern should you look at trying them out in public.

Be Careful with Insurance Bets

In some casinos and at some tables, you may find that there are side bets you can place to increase your potential win. One of these is the insurance bet. This wager sees you placing money on whether or not the dealer is going to hit 21.

That means, effectively, you win even if you lose. However, the odds you get on an insurance bet aren't likely to be worth the money. Effectively, you're assuming the dealer will make a perfect 21. If you're only getting odds of 2/1 on this, it's best to stick to straight betting. It's worth being careful with other side bets with similar odds, too.

Know When to Stick on Hands

Ok - the aim of blackjack is, of course, knowing when to walk away. That's the difference between a stick and a twist. However, you're going to need to keep your eye out for soft and hard hands.

A soft hand is where you'll draw an ace. Aces in this game, more often than not, count as either a 1 or an 11 in your full score. Therefore, even if your total goes over 21 on aces high, you could still twist and be safe on aces low.

Therefore, it's worth trying to get as high as 18 or 19 on a soft hand before sticking. On hard hands, where there's no ace in play, standing as high as 17 may be worth a shot. Of course, anything can happen, and there's absolutely a house edge. However, sticking on a hard 17 is likely to be more lucrative than sticking on a soft 17.

Be Careful with Counting

So, let's be clear on this. Counting cards is ethically problematic - though not normally illegal. Many, if not most, casinos frown on it - and unless you're 100% sure you won't get caught, it's not worth the risk. Plenty of casino strategy guides online put blackjack card counting front and centre as a great tip. It's not for everyone!

Take it from us - the best thing to do is to know your bankroll and practice. This is a game where nothing is ever guaranteed - but it's a lot of fun, and you could well make bank in no time!