Each of the suggestions below is worth attention.
1. Look for a 3 to 2 Table
Always look for a table that pays 3 to 2 for a blackjack; this point is probably the most important one that’s often overlooked by players. If the blackjack pays only 6 to 5 ($12 for a $10 bet), don’t play there.
You can lose a lot of money to that seemingly small difference over time. Always check the table rules before you play, and if you’re not sure of something, ask the dealer. It’s the dealer’s job to answer any questions that you might have about the game.
2. Understand the Penetration
This is called the degree of penetration, which is how many decks are cut off from the shoe before the game starts. More penetration means more true counting opportunities.
So if you have your choice of tables, opt for the one with less cut-off.
The closer the cut card is to the start of the shoe, the less true your count is. Your advantage as a player suffers because all the Aces could be near to the end of the shoe, or you might be counting down near the end of the shoe without all the good stuff.
3. Play Faster Tables
You’ll win a higher proportion of your bets – and, what’s more, you’re going to increase the number of rounds you play, so you maximize your chances of making a profit from your slight edge.
If you can find a table where you play heads-up against the dealer – and not against other players – then your rounds tend to be faster, too, because you don’t have to wait for other players to act.
If other players on the table like to make side bets – for example, on whether the dealer will bust or on the color of the dealer’s next card – just don’t play on their table or at that casino at all.
And always make sure that you have a fast dealer rather than a slow one.
4. Choose the Right Number of Decks
Increasing the number of decks favors the house, so single-deck and double-deck games will have a lower house edge than six or eight-deck games. Choose the double-deck game if it is offered since that is the deck that is most likely to favor the player.
Of course, this depends on the rules of the game, which might or might not be compatible with your strategy.
5. Know the Rules
Specifically, know the rules of the game you’re playing (does the dealer stand on a soft 17 [S17] or hit [H17]?), as well as perks such as whether you can double after a split (DAS) and whether aces can be re-split (RSA).
Blackjack tables that allow these things are better for the player. Be savvy; learn this terminology, and play at tables that use the good rules.
6. Be Mindful of Betting Limits
The limits on a table are important factors when choosing the table you’ll sit at. If you have a small bankroll, you might want to play on lower limits in order to manage your bankroll better.
If you play on higher limits, you might lose a lot of money if you don’t win quickly. If you have a larger bankroll, you’ll want to find higher limits for bigger pots as long as you’re comfortable with each bet.
7. Practice Wonging In and Out
This is called wonging, short for ‘Wonging for an edge’ (after Stanford Wong’s 1980s book Blackjack For Blood). It basically means standing at the blackjack table and back-counting until the count is in your favor before you sit down and get counting.
If the count is, say, +1.5 or +2, then jump in with both feet for a few hands. Wonging takes patience: you might stand there for a while before finding a spot where the count goes your way, and you can get in the game. But it works well.
8. Don’t Wing It
To beat the odds and win in blackjack, preparation is crucial. You should know the basics of card counting and advantage play and practice at home before you venture to the casino.
Play a simulated game online or buy special computer software that plays like a real game. The more confident you are with the strategy, the better your casino game will be.
Conclusion
These eight tips will improve your blackjack experience and help you walk away from the table with money in your pocket. So brace yourself, be aware of the table conditions and rules, and master your strategy. There are plenty of opportunities for the prepared blackjack player. Good luck.
Implement these tips and practice, and you can bring your blackjack to the next level and probably make some money and have fun at the same time at the casino!