Basic Blackjack Playing Tips

Losing too many hands in blackjack? You could be just unlucky, or maybe you're missing some basic strategy. Use these blackjack tips for better results - and more fun - next time you play the game of 21.

Blackjack Tips - Play at a table with a low minimum wager. How low it should be is relative to how much money you bring to the table. Aim for a minimum wager of no more than 5% of your bankroll. This not only lets your money last longer; it also lets you increase your bets more.

Blackjack Tips - Know the basics of standing and hitting. The dealer is bound by the rules to hit a card on every hand valued at 16 or less. So unless the dealer takes a bust, you are not going to win with a hand of less than 17. Hit with any hand 16 or lower if the dealer shows a card that isn't likely to bust (cards upwards from 8 to ace). When the dealer hand shows 4, 5 or 6, they are liable to bust so you can stand on any hand higher than 11.

Blackjack Tips - Use common sense. Don't stand on an 11 or less. There is no chance that such a hand would bust! The highest valued card is an ace which can be 1 or 11. If you have 11 and get an ace, it will automatically count as a 1 so you get 12.

Blackjack Tips - Double down when it is right. Doubling down means multiplying your wager by two and hitting only once. This is scary for some but very profitable when used correctly. Use a blackjack strategy card to know when to double down. You won't regret it.

Blackjack Tips - Bet for the dealer. Every dozen or so hands, place a bet for the dealer. A bet is always preferred to a mere tip. When you take the tip for the dealer and put it in front of your regular bet, you are making a bet for the dealer. If you win, they keep the tip and also a win (thus twice the tip). If you lose, the tip is theirs anyway. This keeps the dealer happy and friendly with you.

Blackjack Tips - Know when to split cards. You should always split aces, but never 5, 10 or the court cards. Everything else, consult your strategy card.

Blackjack Tips - Use a blackjack strategy card. This is your weapon. Never come to the blackjack table without it. Just make sure you get the appropriate card for the table's rules. Most of all, do what the strategy card says. If you lose ten straight hands obeying the card, you will still follow it. The strategy card is a math-based guide that is proven to help the player win as much as possible in the long run. So don't digress.

Blackjack isn't hard to play. Once you get the basic strategies memorized, it will be easier to play and you will win more often. Not convinced? Play blackjack online now!