Blackjack is one of the first casino games that players try because basic blackjack strategies are easy to learn. In the game, players aim to have a hand at 21without going bust which will lead to a big win. This is usually achieved with an ace and a 10 or face card. Alternatively, players aim for a hand with a total higher than the dealer cards, which often means a hand worth more than 17.
Playing blackjack online has become increasingly popular, with games available on mobile devices. Some casinos specialise in games of blackjack, like Miami Club Casino which offers a progressive jackpot in the game. They also offer tournaments and a VIP club for regular players who may have grown from new players to pros.
Differences between pros and beginners
The difference between pro blackjack players and those new to the game is that professionals can distinguish between the good and bad tips often offered to players. Beginners do not have the experience or knowledge to distinguish between the two, which means they can open up the game for the pros to make an easy win.
Bad tips that beginners should not believe
Do not fear losing all your money
When a tip states that blackjack players should not be fearful of losing all their money, a red flag should wave in front of your eyes. All casino games have risks and if a player does not follow the game’s basic strategy their bankroll could disappear. When playing blackjack, beginners should be cautious and use the best strategic decisions. It is also important to keep track of bets because it is easy for beginners to lose a lot of money fast. For pro blackjack players, a bankroll of USD50,000 is usual, with bets between USD100 and USD500 per hand. Beginners would not be expected to be betting with such a high sum.
Follow basic strategy except…
Some advice given to beginners makes no sense, but whilst pro blackjack players will know not to deviate from basic strategy, beginners may believe some tips will give them an edge. These are tips that many beginners follow which are bad advice that pro players would never do:
Take insurance bet
Another tip that beginners may believe is that they should take insurance. Blackjack insurance is a side bet offered to a player when the dealer’s up-card is an ace and is insurance against the dealer’s hand being ‘blackjack’. The bet has terrible odds and should never be taken up. The only people that take this bet are beginners or card counters and if a casino takes your insurance bet as a sign of counting cards you could be barred from the casino.
Hit, not stand
Beginners may believe it is best to stand on 12 against a dealers 3 so as not to risk busting their hand when the dealer shows a weak up card. Yet there are only four cards that could bust the players 12, a 10 or any face cards, whilst five cards get a hand with a value between 17 and 21 (a five, six, seven, eight, or nine). Therefore, more cards will win your bet than lose it.
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