5 Blackjack Playing Tips
Basic strategy isn't all there is to blackjack. There are other things you should know that can help your game. The tips on this page are a mix of tips for blackjack play in both live casinos and online casinos.
Blackjack Playing Tip - Single Decks and Low Decks Advantage
Casinos use multiple decks for blackjack so that more games can be played per hour. The more decks that are used, the less frequently the dealer has to shuffle; thus more games are played. Also, the more decks there are, the harder it is for card counters to do their work. When you play blackjack in a casino, try to find single decks or double decks. It will save you money as fewer games are played. Your bankroll will last longer.
Blackjack Playing Tip - Dealer Tells
When the dealer checks their hole card, they give off tells not unlike poker tells. A trained eye can assess from the dealer's manner and facial expression what card it is. They will look at some cards longer than others, for example if it is a 4 card, they may look a bit longer to make sure it isn't an ace. They won't look at face cards for long since they are obvious.
Another dealer tell is card warping. When the dealer lifts a card, they may bend the card slightly, causing it to become identifiable the next time it comes into play. But it takes an experienced blackjack player to know.
Blackjack Player Tip - The Customer is Right… Sometimes
What do you do with an obnoxious player or spectator who keeps talking and tries to coach you? This can be very annoying (especially if you're card counting!). Report them to the pit boss at once.
Blackjack Player Tip - Split the Damned 8 Pair
A hand total of 16 is perhaps the most hated one in blackjack. What do you with 8's? Split it. Yes, you can bust. But when you split them, you have two chances (two hands) to win with. Of course you can lose both hands, but that's gambling.
Blackjack Player Tip - Betting Spread
When choosing a blackjack table, look for one with a wide bet spread. The wider, the better. The minimum bet must be comfortably small for you, and the maximum bet must be reasonable too. Avoid high minimum bets and low maximum bets. If the gap between the minimum and maximum bets is narrow, do not play at that blackjack table.
A low minimum bet lets you play many games without losing too much money. If it is high, you will lose too much, too soon. Why pay more for the same amount of fun?
A high maximum bet lets you do two things: bet more for bigger ones, and exercise your betting system, if you have one. You can't practice a system well when there's a tight betting cap.