Blackjack is one of the most exciting and strategic casino games out there. Unlike slots, where luck is everything, blackjack gives you a real chance to improve your odds with smart play. If you’ve ever watched a professional blackjack player at a live casino table, you’ll notice one thing—they don’t just rely on luck.
So, if you’re looking to increase your winnings and outsmart the dealer at live blackjack tables, you’re in the right place! Here are five proven strategies to help you play like a pro and stack up those chips.
Strategy #1: Learn Basic Blackjack Strategy
The biggest mistake most players make? Guessing their next move instead of following basic blackjack strategy.
Blackjack has an optimal way to play every hand based on mathematics. The key is using a basic strategy chart, which tells you exactly when to:
✅ Hit – Take another card when your total is low.
✅ Stand – Hold your cards when you’re in a strong position.
✅*Double Dow* – Double your bet when the odds are in your favor.
✅ Split – If you have two of the same card, you may be able to play two hands.
Example: If you have a 12 and the dealer shows a 6, basic strategy says to stand because the dealer is likely to bust. If you have an 11, you should double down for a better chance at a strong hand.
Pro Tip: Print out a basic strategy chart or keep one open on your phone while playing live blackjack! Look at the end of the article for a FREE Download.
Strategy #2: Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
Ever seen someone go all-in on one hand and lose it all? Don’t be that player.
Smart bankroll management is key to staying in the game longer and increasing your chances of winning.
Golden Rules of Bankroll Management:
📌 Set a limit on how much you’re willing to spend before you start playing.
📌 Never bet more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single hand.
📌 If you’re on a losing streak, don’t chase losses stick to your strategy.
Blackjack is a game of ups and downs, so playing smart and protecting your bankroll means you’ll be around when the good hands come your way.
Strategy #3: Always Check the Blackjack Table Rules
Not all blackjack games are created equal! Some tables have better rules that can improve your odds.
What to Look for in a Good Blackjack Table:
✔️ 3:2 Payout for Blackjack (Avoid tables that only pay 6:5—it lowers your winnings!)
✔️ Dealer Stands on Soft 17 (This is better for the player.)
✔️ You Can Double Down After a Split (More chances to increase your bet when you have an advantage.)
If a table has bad rules, move on! A good blackjack table can lower the house edge and boost your chances of winning.
Strategy #4: Never Take Insurance or Side Bets
Casinos love offering insurance bets and side bets — why? Because they increase the house edge and drain your bankroll.
Why You Should Avoid Insurance:
- If you take insurance, you’re betting that the dealer has a blackjack.
- The actual odds of this happening are less than 33%, meaning it’s a losing bet in the long run.
What About Side Bets?
- Some games offer Perfect Pairs, 21+3, or other side bets.
- These might seem tempting, but they usually have a much higher house edge.
- If your goal is to win more money, stick to straight blackjack play.
Strategy #5: Play the Long Game – Don’t Chase Losses
Blackjack is a game of skill, but even the best players have losing streaks. The worst thing you can do is panic and start making reckless bets.
How to Play Smart and Stay in Control:
✅ Stick to your basic strategy, even when you’re losing.
✅ Don’t increase your bets out of frustration — stick to your bankroll plan.
✅ If you’re on a cold streak, take a break and come back fresh.
Many players lose more money by chasing losses than from the actual game itself. Play smart, be patient, and your winning streak will come.
Final Thoughts: Blackjack is a Game of Skill — Play Smart!
Unlike most casino games, blackjack gives you a chance to influence the outcome. By using basic strategy, managing your bankroll, and choosing the right tables, you can increase your chances of winning.
Quick Recap of the 5 Winning Strategies:
✅ Learn Basic Blackjack Strategy – Know when to hit, stand, double, or split.
✅ Manage Your Bankroll – Bet wisely and don’t risk too much in one hand.
✅ Choose the Right Table – Find the best blackjack rules to lower the house edge.
✅ Avoid Insurance & Side Bets – They may seem tempting, but they’re bad for your bankroll.
✅ Stay Calm & Don’t Chase Losses – Blackjack is a long-term game — stick to your strategy.
As an additional Bonus we have included some information on a Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
Here is a basic blackjack strategy chart to help you make the best decisions at the table. This chart is based on standard blackjack rules where the dealer stands on soft 17, and doubling after splitting is allowed.
How to Use the Chart:
- Find your hand total on the left column.
- Find the dealer’s upcard across the top row.
- Follow the chart’s recommendation:
- H = Hit
- S = Stand
- D= Double if allowed; otherwise, Hit
- SP = Split
- SU = Surrender if allowed; otherwise, Hit
Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Upcard |
|-----------|----------------|
| Hard Totals | |
| 17 or higher | Stand against all cards |
| 16 | Stand (if dealer has 2-6), otherwise Hit |
| 15 | Stand (if dealer has 2-6), otherwise Hit (Surrender if dealer has 10) |
| 13-14 | Stand (if dealer has 2-6), otherwise Hit |
| 12 | Hit (if dealer has 2-3 or 7-A), otherwise Stand |
| 11 | Always Double |
| 10 | Double (if dealer has 2-9), otherwise Hit |
| 9 | Double (if dealer has 3-6), otherwise Hit |
| 8 or lower | Always Hit |
| Soft Totals (Hands with an Ace) | |
| A, 9 | Always Stand |
| A, 8 | Stand (Double if dealer has 6) |
| A, 7 | Double if dealer has 2-6, Stand if dealer has 7-8, Hit if dealer has 9-A |
| A, 6 | Double if dealer has 3-6, otherwise Hit |
| A, 5 | Double if dealer has 4-6, otherwise Hit |
| A, 4 | Double if dealer has 4-6, otherwise Hit |
| A, 3 | Double if dealer has 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| A, 2 | Double if dealer has 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| Pairs | |
| A,A | Always Split |
| 10,10 | Always Stand |
| 9,9 | Split (except Stand if dealer has 7, 10, or A) |
| 8,8 | Always Split |
| 7,7 | Split if dealer has 2-7, otherwise Hit |
| 6,6 | Split if dealer has 2-6, otherwise Hit |
| 5,5 | Double if dealer has 2-9, otherwise Hit |
| 4,4 | Split if dealer has 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| 3,3 | Split if dealer has 2-7, otherwise Hit |
| 2,2 | Split if dealer has 2-7, otherwise Hit |
Quick Tips for Winning at Blackjack:
✔️ Always assume the dealer's down card is a 10 when making decisions.
✔️ Never take insurance bets — they favor the house.
✔️ Stick to basic strategy — guesswork leads to more losses.
Courtesy of pokernews.com
Comments