Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games, and it can be very profitable if played correctly. However, there are several common mistakes that many players make when playing blackjack, and these errors can end up costing them money in the long run. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes.
1. Using a Progressive Betting Increase
While it may be tempting to increase your betting value after losing a few hands, this is a bad idea. It is important to keep your betting value consistent, as this will help you manage your bankroll better. The odds do not change just because you’re on a losing streak or a winning streak, so it is best to stick with the same strategy.
2. Making Bad Decisions
There are a lot of bad decisions that can be made in blackjack, but one of the biggest is second-guessing your play. This will decrease your chances of winning, as you’ll be playing by instinct and not by following a proven strategy. To avoid making these types of mistakes, you should learn the rules and strategies of blackjack and practice them before you play for real money. You can also use flashcards to help you remember the proper blackjack strategy.
3. Buying Insurance
Insurance is a side bet in blackjack that you can place when the dealer shows an ace. It is generally equal to half your original wager, and if the dealer has blackjack you will lose the initial bet. However, if you have a blackjack yourself then the round will push and you’ll get your original bet back.
4. Double Down on Hard 11
When you have a hard 11, it is important to always double down. This will give you the highest chance of winning, as it will beat any hand that the dealer has except for a 10. You should also double down when you have two 7’s or split with an ace and a 7, as these are both strong hands.
5. Not Using Surrender
If you’re having a bad run of blackjack, you might be tempted to hit every hand in order to try and make up your losses. While this might be a good short term solution, it can quickly become expensive and lead to large losses. A better solution is to take advantage of the blackjack surrender option, which allows you to fold your hand and lose only half of your initial bet.
6. Not Playing Against the House
It’s important to know the rules of the casino where you play, because the game isn’t the same in all casinos. Some places will have different payouts, rules, and strategies. It is also important to understand the dealer’s up carding strategy, because it will influence your decision-making.
Some people think that counting cards is a complicated and difficult skill to learn, but it’s actually quite easy. Counting cards helps you determine what the remaining decks contain, and it can help you make smarter bets. It takes time to master, but once you have it down, you’ll be able to improve your blackjack skills significantly.