The Best Way to Play Blackjack
Lesson description
Mr Blackjack shares his top tips for creating an environment that matches your gameplay and helps you focus on beating the dealer.
[MUSIC PLAYING] - Everyone has their own favorite way to play blackjack. Lesson four, the best way to play blackjack. Whichever way you choose, make sure the environment puts you in the best headspace for making smart decisions.
Many of you may prefer to play at night when the Vegas vibe is in full effect and the drinks are flowing. That's up to you. But with all those vibes come many distractions. It could be the friends you're playing with, the partner that wants you to leave to check out the casino's shows, the live entertainment in the blackjack pit, the drunk tourist that is trying to hit 18 on a dealer 6. You don't want some of these distractions when you're trying to concentrate on winning at blackjack.
Some of you may also want to play online at one of the casinos from onlinegambling.com. They're open 24/7. And you can control the environment and distractions within the comfort of your own home.
No distractions mean better decisions. When playing online, the current chip count on the screen is always listed. And that is one less thing you'll have to count while playing.
There are also no outside distractions that you can not control. When I play live, I prefer to play early in the morning with a coffee and to be alone with the dealer so I can play in as many hands as I want and there are no distractions. I also prefer to play the end of the table, called the anchor seat. This can be arranged with the house in a private salon if you play high enough stakes or if you go to the casino that is not busy, which is usually in the morning.
When you're counting cards, you can use a pen and a paper to jot down the current count. This becomes especially handy if there is a long delay between hands so you don't forget.
In the beginning, this was something I used to do just in case. It was also easier afterwards to go back to the recording and make sure my count was accurate. Keep a strategy card close by when playing as well. It's a handy reference if you're allowed to do this.
The best way to play blackjack, in my opinion, is to use all the strategies we have learned in the series. Make sure your mind is right-- lots of sleep, no drinking, no distractions. Utilize basic strategy. Keep track of the high-low count and the aces. Vary your bet sizes based on the probabilities. Try and play alone at the table so you can maximize the amount of hands per hour and capitalize on your time at the tables.
All these tips will set you up to play smarter against the casino. But if you want more tips to win at blackjack, check out our lesson Blackjack Mistakes to Avoid.
Hey players, you can test what you've just learned with onlinegambling.com's free blackjack games. Hit the link to play now.
What this lesson covers
- How to assess risk in bets
- Distractions that affect your decision-making
- Pros/cons of playing solo
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel NeverSplit10's . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
How to Win More
How to Win Without Card Counting
How to Win at Blackjack Every Time
Tips for Winning at Blackjack More
The Best Way to Play Blackjack
Blackjack Mistakes to Avoid
When to Leave the Blackjack Table
How to Win the Most Misplayed Hands in Blackjack
Life Lessons Blackjack Taught Me
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FAQs
- Is it better to play blackjack with others or by yourself?
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Generally solo is better, but both options have their disadvantages. You play more hands per hour on your own, but you may need a bigger bankroll to cover the extra wagers in your blackjack session. More players mean you have fewer chances of getting blackjack, but it also dilutes any cold streak in the shoe.
- What is the best time to play blackjack?
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The best time to play blackjack is during the day, when the casinos are quieter. The table limits are generally lower, the crowds fewer, and casinos will sometimes offer promotions to encourage players through their doors, i.e. 2:1 payouts on blackjack.
- Is there a ‘good’ time I should play blackjack online?
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Online casinos are open 24/7, so you can play anytime you want. However, online casinos are busiest in the evening, and so you might find table limits increase, or you may have to wait for a space at a table. If you play during the day, the table limits may be smaller and you can grab a virtual seat straightaway.
- What is the best way to bet in blackjack?
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Spreading your bets is the best way to make wagers in blackjack. It minimizes your losses when the count is low, and maximizes your winnings when you have the advantage in the game. Card counting and basic strategy will tell you when to adjust your wagers.
- Will casinos try to distract me when I’m winning at blackjack?
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If the pit boss thinks you’re card counting, they may try to throw you off your count. Sending waiting staff to you with drinks or changing the dealer are two common methods casinos use to beat card counters.
- Can I record my blackjack game in a casino?
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Some casino guards will turn a blind eye when pictures are taken for social media, but many casinos have policies that restrict filming of their games. Most won’t allow you unless you have permission from them to film to prevent cheating and protect their customers’ privacy.
- Can other players mess up your strategy in blackjack?
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Some players promote the myth that bad moves by others at the table hurt their odds of winning. In reality, the good and bad moves inexperienced players make void each other, and it shouldn’t harm your expected value.