Blackjack Tips: How to Win, House Edge & Blackjack Odds
The iconic game, blackjack, has been a staple since it was first introduced at casinos. No one really knows when the game was actually invented, but many experts believe it to be in France in the early 1700’s. One thing is for sure though, this card game is a fan favorite the world over and for good reason.
Thanks to the simplicity of the game, players are able to learn the basics within a couple minutes. To truly get the most out of blackjack though, you'll need to learn betting strategies and the rules for each variant as these do change slightly from the original version. CasinoTop brings you all the resources you need right here. Keep reading to find out more.
Top 5 Tips for Blackjack
Understanding The Rules
Since the explosion of the online casino industry, the number of players seeking the thrill of something new has given rise to a number of blackjack variations. Even though this is a good thing, players need to keep in mind that each variant comes with their very own set of rules and side bets. As such, it is vital that you familiarize yourself with the specific version of the game you've decided to play.
Know The House Edges
Yet a crucial factor players need to take into account when playing blackjack. Depending on the variant you've chosen, the house edge will vary. This house edge refers to the odds the house has in terms of winning against players. Blackjack offers players some of the best odds of beating the house and this will change throughout the game depending on your hand. Most games will offer a house edge of around 2-3%, however, it is possible to decrease these odds with good gameplay and strategy.
Keep an Eye on Your Bankroll
Although this may seem like a trivial factor if you're a high-roller, this is undoubtedly one of the most important to those who are just starting out. The game of blackjack is fast paced and loads of fun which makes it easy to lose track of your bankroll if you're having a good time. Make sure you've set a limit to how much you're willing to spend, as well as how much you're willing to stake on a single bet.
Betting Strategically
If you've checked out all the variants of blackjack that are available, you'll certainly have noticed the myriad of different bets that can be placed. There are a few hands which have a set way of playing, nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to test out different strategies playing in free mode. Many gamblers are familiar with the Martingale system. This type of strategy essentially requires the player to double their bet after each loss in order to recoup the lost money, however, if you don't have a pile of money to blow through, you might not last very long using this tactic
Card Counting
The art of card counting is easier said than done and requires a certain level of arithmetic to be employed. This tactic is far easier said than done these days though. In the good old days, casinos would usually only use between 1 and 2 decks of cards for the game. However, since the art of card counting was made famous due to blockbuster Hollywood movies, casinos have begun using up to 10 decks in order to make it harder for players using this tactic.
Effective Use of Blackjack Hands
The first thing you'll need to remember when playing blackjack is the fact that every time a card is dealt, it will change your odds of winning or losing. There are a number of variables that come into play when deciding whether to hit or stand, nevertheless, this is a game of chance and nothing is ever guaranteed.
Let’s take a look at a couple examples:
Let’s say you're dealt a 9, 5, a total of 14 and the dealer’s face up card is a 4. In this case, there is a very good chance that both of you will go bust should you take another card. Here, the dealer has a 19.98% chance of busting with another card, which is quite high. However, the player has a 46.93% chance of going bust with a hard total of 14. In this case, it’s advisable that you stand, but if you're willing to take the gamble it could pay off.
Ok, so you've been dealt an 8, 5 with a total of 13, while the dealer’s face up card is an 8. Because the dealer has a great chance of having a high hand, it’s probably in the players best interest to hit on this hand, or else they risk having a total far less than the dealer and losing. The dealer has a 40.81% chance of getting between 18 and 21 should they opt for another card. With such a high probability, it’s a no-brainer that the player should at least try by taking another card, even though there is the same chance of them going bust.
House Edge or Player Odds
A crucial factor that rookies seem to always overlook when playing a casino game are the house edges for each game. When it comes to blackjack, depending on the variant, these can be a little different from one another. When it comes to the classic game, the odds of busting increase depending on your initial hand.
Player’s probability of Going Bust
| Hand Value | Probability of Bust |
|---|---|
| 11 or lower | 0% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 20 | 92% |
Dealer’s Probability of Going Bust
| Dealer’s Card | Standing on 17’s | Hitting on 17’s |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 17% | 20% |
| 2 | 35% | 36% |
| 3 | 37% | 38% |
| 4 | 40% | 40% |
| 5 | 42% | 42% |
| 6 | 42% | 44% |
| 7 | 26% | 26% |
| 8 | 24% | 24% |
| 9 | 23% | 23% |
| 10 | 23% | 23% |
Blackjack Tips FAQs
Yes, there are a wide array of online casinos that will offer blackjack and a few variations to be played without risking real money.
Playing for free is risk free and allows you to learn the ropes without having to sign up. Playing for real money comes with risk but also great rewards.
With so many options available, sticking to ones that require a dealer to stick on 17’s is always a great way to maximize your odds.
This may be the case at some online casinos, however, these days, there are a number of casinos that will not require players to download anything?
Yes, most casinos have been optimized for mobile devices. No matter whether you're using a smartphone, laptop or tablet, you'll be able to enjoy this iconic game.
There are loads of casinos that offer blackjack and its variants. Check out our list of recommended blackjack casinos for safe and reliable gameplay.
This page has been reviewed by Reza Shojaei, a pioneer in iGaming with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of CasinoTop.com and Value Marketing, he specializes in market analysis, player safety, and regulatory compliance. Reza’s collaborations with top operators and regulators reflect his commitment to fairness and innovation in online gambling.
