How to Minimize Your Blackjack Losses

  • 14 January 2023
How to Minimize Your Blackjack Losses

Let's start by discussing the uncomfortable topic of blackjack losses. When was the last time you encountered a blackjack player that was actually profitable rather than just making empty claims? You didn't, unless they were card counting or employing illegal techniques, that's correct.

The fact is that it is mathematically impossible for anyone to consistently win money playing blackjack. And the casino house edge is entirely to blame for it. The rewards and game's regulations are set up so that the casino will always prevail. Because the house has a 2% edge in blackjack for novice players, you can anticipate losing $2 for every $100 wager. That sounds insignificant, and it isn't, especially considering the amusement you receive (and free drinks if you play in some casinos in the US).

What if, though, I told you that you could lower that house's edge?

As much as 0.5% less. Looks good, doesn't it? It's true, and you may achieve it by using the so-called fundamental blackjack strategy, which is applicable to many of the blackjack games you can play at live online casinos. Yes, you will ultimately lose, but not by as much. Additionally, the house edge is so little that you may easily win numerous sessions.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

The easiest way to sum up a sound blackjack strategy is "appreciating the importance of tens." Jacks, queens, and kings all have a value of 10 in the game, so 16 of the 52 cards in a typical deck have that value. Using this knowledge, you should always assume that there is a very good chance that the upcoming card dealt or the dealer's face-down card will be a 10. You may decide whether to take another card, double down, or stand much more wisely with this well-informed knowledge.

Your primary consideration should be the dealer's hand's potential total worth. You might classify their hand as powerful or weak based on the face-down card he has, supposing it is a ten. For instance, if their upcard is a 3, 4, or 5, you could suppose that their total is 13, 14, or 15; in that case, they would need to draw another card and are probably going to burst. With this in mind, you might stand on a larger variety of hands because there is no need to take a chance on busting when you anticipate the dealer will.

However, if the dealer's upcard is strong, such as an 8, 9, or 10, you must suppose that they have a respectable hand, such as an 18, 19, or 20, if their downcard is a 10. Now, even if you run the danger of busting, you would need to take a bigger risk with your own hand by drawing a second card to move you toward a greater score.

Typically, you would only think about doubling down if your total was 11, or perhaps also 10. However, you can double down on a wider range, such as 9, 8, or even 7, if the dealer appears to be extremely weak. In most of these situations, hitting a ten leaves you with a solid hand, but even if you draw a weak card, like a 6, you can still stand since you anticipate the dealer busting.