When you first approach a blackjack table, the speed of the play and the intensity of the players can sometimes be quite daunting. This is especially true for people who have never played before. However, what you should know is that blackjack really is not that complicated, and as long as you have a strategy and stick to it doggedly, you can usually often come out on top.
In this article, we will take you through a few of the basic things that you can do as a beginner to improve your chances of winning, whether you are playing in a casino or on one of the many sites for online blackjack Canada has to offer – read on to find out more!
1. Play the Dealer
One thing to remember when playing blackjack is that the bet basically comes down to a standoff between you and the dealer. It is a good idea to ignore the other players around the table as they will not affect your strategy unless you are counting cards.
2. Strategic Seating
When you sit down at a blackjack table, it is a good idea to side as far away from the dealer’s dealing hand as possible. This will give you a longer time to assess the situation and look at the dealer’s upcard before it is time to make your decision.
3. Practice on the Small Tables First
When you are just starting, and you have not got a great deal of experience, it is a good idea to look for the tables with low minimum bets. Learning the ropes on a $5 table will stand you in good stead when you feel confident enough to move up to the $50 tables.
4. Pick a Table That Allows You to Double-Down
Some casinos will allow you to double-down only when you have an ace, while others will allow you to do it with any hand. In certain situations, doubling-down can slightly increase your chances of winning, so choose a table or casino that allows the most freedom in this regard.
5. Split Aces and Eights
According to probability, it is almost always a good decision to split aces and eights. Beginners are usually tempted to stand with these card combinations, but you increase your odds of winning if you split them and hit.
6. Stand When You and the Dealer Have a Weak Hand
When you have a weak hand and the dealer’s upcard is also weak, the best ploy is usually to stand and give the dealer a chance to bust. You can always ask for another card at a later point, so there is little point in jumping the gun and taking unnecessary risks.
Blackjack is a classic casino game for a reason. Besides being fun, it is also easier to win that many of the other games at the casino. If you follow the principles above, you will give yourself a head start and a better chance of beating the dealer.
