5 Things New Blackjack Players Should Know
Blackjack is arguably the most popular table game on most casino floors. This is largely due to the fact that the rules are simple and the game is so much fun to play. Another major reason why people love blackjack is because they remember playing it as children – only then they called it 21. While this nostalgic appeal may add another level of fun to the game of blackjack, it also tends to make beginners a little over-confident. Blackjack and 21 might have the same rules but there is a huge difference between a childhood game and an adult pastime where real money is involved. Before you get started, it’s important that you educate yourself a bit about the art of a successful game of blackjack. Here are our top five tips for beginner blackjack players:
1. Start with a Table Stakeout
Most land-based casinos and all internet casinos have several blackjack games for you to choose from – and they are not all equal. Take some time to get acquainted with the room before you sit down and start playing. Once you’ve found a table that appeals to you, don’t sit down immediately. Observe a few hands first. That will give you an idea of the pace of the game and the manner in which the dealer operates before you take any risks yourself. Also, as a beginner, you should be on the lookout for tables where the dealer pays out for 19. This will increase the likelihood that you will enjoy some real profits. When you do sit down to your first game, play the table minimum until you have found your feet. This means that table minimums should also factor into your choice of table.
2. Watch Your Bankroll
Smart players always decide on how much money they are willing to part with at the blackjack table before they sit down. Be smart too by making realistic calculations about how much of your disposable income you can afford to lose – because there is always the risk that you will lose most or even all of it. Some players like to write that number down and keep it close. Then, no matter what kind of apparent streak you may be on, don’t ever risk more than you have set aside in your bankroll. Both losing and winning streaks are myths. Each game is completely independent of the last one. Don’t chase losses or make the mistake of thinking you are untouchable. The future remains unknowable.
3. Keep Strategy Simple
If you’re new to Blackjack, you may be tempted to go out and read every book and internet article on the subject that you can find. Resist that urge. Although there is plenty of valuable information out there, all you need to know as a beginner is how basic blackjack strategy works. Any more information than this will simply overwhelm and confuse you. We won’t go into it here, but basic blackjack strategy means knowing when to stand, hit, double, or split. If you do this well, you can significantly reduce the house edge.
4. Forget Other Players
Blackjack is not poker. In blackjack, all that really matters are you and the dealer. So don’t worry about the other players at the table who may attempt to rattle or just generally irritate you. They don’t matter so don’t mind them.
5. Find Your Feet Online
The age of online gaming hasn’t just made our beloved pastime more convenient, it’s also provided a platform where we can practise for free. So, even if you’re a traditionalist and prefer real-life casinos, online casinos should also be on your radar. Use the free-play option to play as much as you like. There’s no payout but there’s also no risk. There couldn’t be a better way to get your game face on.
