When it comes to landing wins at the blackjack table, we all know it depends on strategy. However, even the most skilled players can make costly mistakes and hold themselves back from clinching bigger wins. There are countless ways to play the wrong hand, from chasing an irredeemable game to poor bankroll management. Let’s dive in.
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1 Not Familiarizing Yourself With Table Rules
For new players, any table may seem as good as any. However, if you’re hoping to make significant wins, picking games without checking the number of decks or factoring in the bet level is based on assumptions instead of calculated moves. Knowing the table rules and the house edge helps you determine which cards you can and can’t play and what to aim for.
Usually, you can check the charts or consult the dealer for more details on house rules. Confirm which moves are allowed during the game to avoid nasty surprises later on.
2 Taking Insurance Bets
Insurance bets may look like an easy ticket to high wins, but they’re a quick way to cancel out up to half of your bankroll. Usually, the casino offers a 2:1 payout if the dealer has a blackjack. The bet occurs after the dealer has an Ace as the up card. However, you’re likely to lose because the house has a higher edge, and the decision may be more costly than planned.
3 Not Having a Strategy
Ignoring blackjack’s basic strategies is a sure way to find yourself losing. Blackjack is a probability game, and popular blueprints are designed to help you know when and how to play. It’s common for players to underestimate the game and go in based on intuition and good feelings. However, these moves aren’t sustainable in the long term. Take your time to read and understand the ground rules because these basic lessons carry through to bigger games.
4 Not Varying Bet Sizes
Playing with the same bet size may seem the best way to manage your bankroll and avoid losses. However, the same bet size doesn’t guarantee wins, and you may lose more than is necessary. Instead, consider switching up the bet size depending on the strength of your hand compared to the house edge. Continually expand your wager when you have a strong hand for better payouts.
5 Taking a Low Hand When the Dealer Has a High Upcard
When the dealer flashes a high upcard such as a 7-10 or an Ace, you may be tempted to stand on a low hand between 12-16.
It’s a common mistake driven by the fear of going beyond 21. Unfortunately, you have a lower chance of winning against the dealer if you pull this move. Instead, double down or hit depending on your cards.
6 Splitting Tens
It’s easy to think that spitting your 20 gives you more opportunities for wins, especially when the dealer has a weak card, like a 6. However, this move doesn’t guarantee higher wins and exposes you to more losses. You take on more risk for little profit and lose your valuable card.
7 Chasing Losses
After a streak of losses, many players may seek to keep playing to recover losses. Unfortunately, games based on chasing losses barely focus on strategy, so you may lose more. Sometimes, becoming a better player is knowing when to stop playing, especially after you’ve exhausted your bankroll. Stick to a budget and a strategy to have fun playing blackjack.
While focusing on blackjack strategy, you might want to take occasional breaks with more relaxing games like the Rakin Bacon slot, which requires minimal decision-making and can help reset your mental focus before returning to the strategic demands of the blackjack table with renewed concentration.
8 Not Knowing When to Surrender
Surrendering may look like quitting for those new to the game. However, knowing when to concede reduces your losses and preserves your bankroll for better bets. For instance, when the house flashes an Ace against your hard 12-15, falling back is a great option.
9 Playing for Too Long
Fatigue blinds even the best blackjack players. When you enter the casino, play a few tables and focus on maximizing your strategy to win and learn from your games.
Set a time limit and take breaks whenever possible.
10 Second Guessing and Copying
Once you’ve mastered the blackjack basics, learn how to play confidently. Do not create opportunities for what-ifs when other players move differently or if the dealer has a higher edge. Copying other players or the dealer only weakens your resolve and makes it harder for you to grow your acumen.
Becoming a blackjack master is a journey, not an event. Avoid making these 10 common blackjack mistakes and focus on your strategy for better wins.