The Best Blackjack Betting Strategy | Beginner's Guide
Blackjack Betting Systems & Strategies To Win Big
Blackjack, known as the game of twenty-one, is one of the world's most popular casino card games. While Blackjack tends to have one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, meaning it's nearly impossible to win a lot of cash in the long term, you can still maximize your winnings by using a solid strategy.
The basics of a successful Blackjack session involve betting strategies like managing your bankroll, understanding the basic rules, and a consistent Blackjack betting system like the Martingale system, to name one well-known strategy.
Some more advanced players utilize card counting and "Blackjack cheat sheets" as a reference guide to outline the best decisions when face-to-face with the Dealer at the Blackjack tables.
From card counting and Blackjack cheat sheets to the Martingale system, we've got everything you need to know about the best Blackjack strategies to use at online casinos like Rivalry.
Blackjack Betting Systems
Since Blackjack has such a low house edge and low chance of winning long-term, players throughout history have worked to create methods to maximize their wins when they play Blackjack.
Some techniques, like the Martingale betting strategy or D'alembert system, try to offset losing streaks by doubling the bet amount until they win a Blackjack game.
Other Blackjack betting systems use progressive betting strategies. This is where the player increases their wager after a win and returns to their original betting unit after they lose. There are also steady betting strategies, where the player will maintain a consistent wager throughout their session, minimizing their overall losses.
Let's go over some of the most well-known Blackjack betting systems:
Martingale Betting System
As mentioned, the Martingale betting strategy is a negative progression betting strategy. This means players try to offset their losing streak by doubling their bet amount after each hand. For example, if you bet $10 on your first hand and lost, you'd need to bet $20 on your next one, then $40, and so on, until you eventually win a hand.
Even with low-stake bets, you'd need a substantial bankroll to avoid the risk of ruin, especially in real money games. The real issue with this Blackjack betting strategy is that loss streaks of ten or more aren't uncommon when you play Blackjack, meaning you'll need a hefty bankroll if you want this negative progression system to be successful.
For example, if you played ten straight games of Blackjack in a row with a starting bet of $5, using the Martingale System, you'd be down a whopping $5,115 if you lost all ten games. Remember, negative progression systems should not be used unless you're willing to chase your losses with large recoup bets.
Winning Streak Betting Strategy
Take advantage of a winning streak using a positive progression betting system, which is the opposite of the Martingale betting system. Positive progression systems, like the Paroli System, aim to maximize a winning streak by increasing the bet amount after a winning hand.
This strategy works if the player is self-aware and knows when to quit. For example, if your initial stake is $20 and you win three games in a row, you should now have $80 and are up $60. Consider quitting while you're ahead and end the session. Your hot streak will inevitably end, and you'll be down more money than you started.
Steady Betting Strategy
A steady betting strategy is a firm favorite for many Blackjack players. It requires time, patience, and even a little luck. It's the perfect basic strategy, referring to the consistent and controlled approach to wagering, aiming to minimize risk and maintain a stable bankroll over time.
Unlike aggressive Blackjack strategies that involve bet size fluctuations, like the Martingale System, a steady betting strategy focuses on making relatively small and consistent bets regardless of the outcome of previous hands.
The goal is to prolong playing time in the session, mitigate losses, and capitalize on winning streaks without risking large portions of the bankroll.
Oscar's Grind Betting Strategy
The Oscar's Grind strategy is typically used in games with even money payouts. However, it can still apply to Blackjack.
Oscar's Grind's basic strategy involves maintaining the same betting units after a loss and increasing the wager by one after a win. This system is repeated until the player is up one unit. This strategy should only be used if you've got a big bankroll to spend that can withstand the loss streaks.
Card Counting System
Card counting is the most popular Blackjack strategy, but is it the best? The idea behind counting cards is the player keeping a mental tally of all the card values already in play and those yet to come.
The player may then typically make bigger bets when the shoe is weighted towards higher-value cards and aces or smaller bets when the shoe will likely contain lower-value cards.
While card counting can be a successful Blackjack betting strategy, it can be mentally draining to track all the cards with an accurate mental tally. It can also take a lot of practice and take away some of the entertainment value from the gambling game.
Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is a cornerstone of success in Blackjack, ensuring that players can weather the inevitable swings of fortune and maximize their chances of long-term profitability.
Bankroll management involves setting clear limits on the amount of money allocated for gambling and establishing rules for how that money will be wagered and managed during a gaming session.
A key advantage of effective bankroll management in Blackjack is risk mitigation. By setting a budget for each gaming session and sticking to it, players can avoid the temptation to chase losses or bet more than they can afford to lose. This helps prevent "going on tilt," where emotions override rational decision-making and lead to reckless behavior at the Blackjack table.
By allocating their funds strategically and pacing their bets according to their bankroll size, players can extend their time at the tables and increase their chances of hitting winning streaks. This approach allows players to capitalize on favorable situations when they arise without risking their entire bankroll.
Blackjack Cheat Charts
A Blackjack cheat sheet, also known as a Blackjack strategy chart, is a tool used to outline the best possible decisions in various potential encounters during a game. It's based on the mathematical probabilities of winning with different combinations of player hands and dealer upcards.
The cheat sheet typically presents a grid or table format, where the player's hand total is listed along the vertical axis, and the Dealer's upcard is listed along the horizontal axis. Each cell provides advice on how to Hit, Stand, Split, or Double Down based on the game so far. Many cheat sheets will also feature every possible combination that could possibly occur.
For example, if a player has 12 and the Dealer's upcard is a 2, the cheat sheet would advise the player to Hit due to their current low-value hand.
Conversely, if the player has a total of 20 and the Dealer's upcard is a 6, the cheat sheet would recommend Stand, as the player's hand is strong. Meanwhile, the Dealer is in a less favorable position.
Cheat sheets are typically based on basic Blackjack strategy, taken from computer simulations and mathematical analysis of the game's probabilities. While they can be valuable tools for beginners to learn and memorize optimal strategy, it's important to note that Blackjack cheat sheets are not foolproof and do not guarantee success. Most casinos also do not approve of players using a cheat sheet while playing Blackjack.
Rules To Remember
Here are some basic rules to remember when playing Blackjack, whether online or in a land-based casino. These can be applied to all games and take into account some aspects of a typical Blackjack cheat chart:
- Stand on hands above 17
- Hit on hands that are 12 - 15 when the Dealer has 7 or more
- Hit on hands 8 or below
- Double Down on 11 unless the Dealer's upcard is an Ace
- Double Down on 9 if the Dealer has a hand of 9 or less
- Always Split on Aces
- Never take the Insurance bet
- Never Split on 10's and 5's
Remember that these are just some simple tips, so take them with a pinch of salt and apply them to your next bet or future blackjack games wherever you see fit.
Conclusion
Blackjack is best played for fun, and like all casino games that rely on elements of luck and chance, there's never a guaranteed way to win. While card counting is definitely the best Blackjack betting strategy out there, you must be prepared to dedicate time, energy, and practice into developing that skillset - you won't learn to count cards overnight!
Always remember to gamble responsibly and set yourself a strict budget at the Blackjack tables, even if you're using betting strategies like the Martingale strategy.
FAQs About Blackjack Betting Strategies
Is blackjack a game of strategy or luck?
While it may feel largely luck-based, blackjack is a game of math and statistics. If you take into account available blackjack strategy charts and know when to Hit, Stand, Split, or Double, you can easily improve your odds and have an edge over the casino. Who knows, you may even win a small fortune if you play your cards right.
Which blackjack strategy is best?
We believe that card-counting is the best Blackjack betting strategy, allowing you to keep track of all the cards in play. While it requires patience and practice, it's worthwhile in the long run.
What is the most profitable blackjack betting strategy?
While the Martingale strategy is a negative progression system, the fact that it involves doubling your bets after a loss on your next wager could mean a huge potential jackpot. This system is rooted in the idea that you'll eventually win. If you like living life on the edge and have money to spare, why not give it a try?
Can you consistently win blackjack?
With the right betting systems in place and you know the rules of the game inside and out, you can consistently win money at blackjack with a decent amount of profitability.
Blackjack Online for Real Money | Rivalry Crypto Casino
Online Blackjack Casino | Best Blackjack Odds & Strategies
Step into the classic world of cards, where luck meets strategy, and the stakes are sky-high! Online blackjack brings the thrill of the casino right to your home, where you can play against a live dealer and even chat with other blackjack players.
Whether you are just starting your card-playing journey or are a seasoned pro, Rivalry's online blackjack casino is your one-stop destination for heart-pounding actions and high-stake wins. We've got everything: game variations, blackjack promos, seamless gameplay, great odds, and instant payouts!
Playing blackjack online has never been easier with Rivalry! Become a master of the blackjack deck as you dive into our rules, strategies, and game variations below. Read on for everything you need to know about playing blackjack online.
Getting Started With Online Blackjack
Before diving into the realm of online blackjack, there are several fundamental rules that you need to grasp. This section will review some essential tips on getting started with playing online blackjack games, including the aim of the game, blackjack card values, and more.
The aim of blackjack online is to beat the dealer to an overall card value of 21 without exceeding this number, comparing both hands. You can check out the blackjack card values.
Blackjack Card Values
- Number cards (2 - 10): Worth their face value
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): Worth 10 points each
- Aces: Worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.
If the player exceeds the value of 21, it's an immediate loss. If the dealer busts and gets a value of over 21, it's a win for the player.
Online Blackjack Rules
In the past, blackjack has often been called "the game of 21." Why? Because the aim of the game is to get as close to 21 without going over that total, competing against the dealer's hand. The way blackjack works is that you don't always have to get precisely 21 to win the game. In fact, you can have a much lower total if the dealer's hand busts.
To begin, two cards are dealt to both the player and the dealer. The player's cards are dealt face up, while only one of the dealer's cards is left exposed, known as the upcard. The other is left face down, aka the hole card.
From here, the player can choose to "hit" (take another card for free), "double down" (double their original bet and take another card), or "stand" (the player settles on their hand). If the player gets a pair of cards, they can also choose to split their bet into two hands (ideally don't split if you get 4s, 5s, or 10s).
Once the player decides to stand, the action moves over to the dealer, who continues to hit until their total card value exceeds 17+. When the dealer stands, all current card values are compared. If the player has a value closer to 21 than the dealer without busting, they win automatically. If the dealer has busted, all players win, regardless of their values.
In the event of a blackjack, where the player is dealt an Ace and a 10-value card, the player will win. A blackjack usually pays out at 3:2. If the player and the dealer both tie, it's called a "push," and the player's original bet amount is returned.
Choosing the Right Online Blackjack Casino
Selecting an excellent, reputable online blackjack game provider can be difficult, especially with the sea of online casinos out there. You should always consider the following factors: licensing, reputation, game selection, bonuses, and customer support when selecting a reputable blackjack online provider. Lucky for you, Rivalry has all of these bases covered, so you can get right in to play online blackjack.
100% Legal
Rivalry operates as an online betting platform holding a full license under the supervision of the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Trust that your bets are in safe hands with us, and we ensure 100% legal compliance!
Quick & Easy Deposits & Withdrawals
Depositing with Rivalry has never been easier! Upon account verification, you'll see dozens of accredited payment options for you to use, including fiat methods like Visa, Mastercard, bank transfers and cash vouchers.
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Online Blackjack Bonuses
We have a welcome bonus for new customers who have just created their accounts, matching your first deposit up to $100!
Check out our promotions page for more details, sweet deals, and other casino bonuses, including NUTZ to collect, referral rewards, and our VIP Program.
Go NUTZ, Earn NUTZ
You may be wondering: what the **** are NUTZ? Let us fill you in. NUTZ are Rivalry's IP native cryptocurrency, which you can earn through placing any bets on our website. This include esports and sports betting, as well as all our casino games.
NUTZ aren't just your standard altcoin; they'll have actual utility like Bitcoin or Ethereum. You'll be able to enter lotteries, place more bets on Rivalry, enter our VIP program, and even exchange them for IRL experiences and goodies. Basically, you should stop slacking and start stacking NUTZ, because the more you play, the more we pay!
Hundreds of Casino Games
As a blast from the past, our very own retro Casino has plenty of casino classics for you to try, including our own IP, Cash and Dash. We feature the classic table games like roulette, poker, and baccarat, each with live dealers from the legends at Evolution, so you can verify the game's fairness and integrity.
If you prefer games that are more lively, we have live game shows with all the glitz and glamor of a brick-and-mortar casino, as well as a huge selection of slot games from award-winning providers like Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, PG Soft, NetEnt, NoLimit City, and Hacksaw Gaming. While we don't offer free online blackjack games, you can still utilize our low minimum deposits ($1).
Check our most popular titles:
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24/7 Customer Support
Our 24/7 responsive customer support live chat is always available, ready, and waiting for all your betting queries - find it at the page's footer. We also have a dedicated FAQ help center for all your burning questions.
Esports and Sports Betting Options
If you want to try your hand at a different form of betting, we're also experts in the world of esports! We've got you covered with esports giants like DOTA 2 and League of Legends. Additionally, the betting center extends to all major traditional sports, including basketball and football.
Casino News & Strategy Guides
We want you to succeed with betting! That's why our blog page features all the top-tier strat guides to help you win big. Here are some of the topics we've covered so far:
- How to Win Playing Roulette
- Blackjack Odds and Probability
- Biggest Blackjack Wins in History
- Live Baccarat Strategies
- Slot Volatility Breakdown
- How to Win Playing Online Slots
- Can Card Counting Work in Baccarat
- What Does RTP Mean in Slots?
Our blog page acts as a free online learning resource for those wants to know more about online betting and esports news. From managing your bankroll to understanding betting odds, Rivalry is great for most beginner bettors and experienced veterans.
What Blackjack Games Does Rivalry Offer?
Here at Rivalry, we take pride in the number of online blackjack games we offer hosted by Evolution Gaming. No one wants to play the same game over and over again! Some casinos offer their users to play free blackjack games for users without them having to spend a penny.
For our users, we offer many different options for you to get stuck into. However, if you're considering playing free blackjack games or other free games on our casino, you're unfortunately out of luck. All our blackjack games require a minimum deposit of at least $1, depending on which game you want to try.
Ongoing Blackjack Tournaments
Want the thrill of competing against other players? That's why Rivalry now offers Blackjack tournaments online! Here, you can compete in daily or weekly races (depending on our current schedule) and go head-to-head against other players to win bonus funds straight to your Rivalry wallet! More money for extra gamba, who could say no?
You can check out the current leaderboards to see where you line up compared to other competitiors, and also see the qualifying games, rules and the amount of cash up for grabs. All competitions start at 00:00 UTC and end at 00:00 UTC; don't forget to register, it's completely free!
Single-player Blackjack
Try our single-player blackjack game if you don't fancy playing against a real-life dealer and chatting with other players. This involves computer-generated graphics and RNG but has the same rules as classic blackjack games.
Lightning Blackjack
Maintaining the same basic rules as other online blackjack games, lightning blackjack is a popular game mode. It offers multipliers on the overall hand the player will get, ranging from 2x to 6x and over on your original bet. The minimum bet limit for lightning blackjack is $1, and the maximum is $1,000.
Power Blackjack
Power blackjack introduces rule changes and enhancements to the original game for maximum enjoyment. Power blackjack includes four optional side bets: Hot 3, Bust It, 21+3, and Any Pair.
Other Live Dealer Casino Blackjack Games
Scrolling through our plentiful offerings on Casino, you'll find many other live dealer blackjack titles courtesy of Evolution Gaming. We're sure there's something to suit everyone's gameplay styles!
Online Blackjack Strategies
Successful blackjack strategies involve a combination of sound decision-making, understanding the odds, and managing your bets wisely. Here are some popular strategies to increase your chances of success with blackjack games and make real money.
Please be aware that the base win rate blackjack probability is 42.22%, depending on the variant of blackjack you're playing or the house rules. The blackjack probability of losing is around 48%, making the odds virtually 50/50. You can twist the odds into your favor by memorizing the blackjack cheat sheet, which we'll have an article on soon.
Understand the Basics
While blackjack is simple to get into, it has many layers of intricacies you'll need to learn. For example, knowing when's best to stand or hit. We recommend standing if your hand is 15-16 and the dealer's upcard is 2-6. This strategy works by taking advantage of the dealer's currently-weak upcard and their likelihood of busting.
We also recommend hitting if the dealer's upcard is any value between 7-Ace while your current hand is at 12-17. This approach accounts for the dealer having a strong hand with the aim to improve your own.
Card Counting
A basic blackjack strategy is card counting. As the name implies, counting cards involves keeping track of the ratio of high to low-value cards remaining in the deck. While card counting can be effective, it's challenging and often requires significant practice and concentration.
Progressive Betting Systems
Using blackjack betting systems like Martingale (doubling your bet after a loss) or Paroli (doubling after a win) are popular when betting on any casino game like online blackjack, but they come with risks. While they can be exciting, you must know when to cut your losses. Don't try to win back money; don't bet more than you can afford to lose.
Bankroll Management
Effective bankroll management is vital for long-term success in blackjack betting. Always set a strict budget for your online blackjack sessions and predetermine the amount you're willing to risk per hand. Avoid wagering more than you can afford to lose, as it can lead to potential financial strain and even increased betting to try and make up the losses. To minimize this risk, you should bet around 1-2% of your available total bankroll per hand.
Try to find a free blackjack game or free bet blackjack where you can try the game before wagering real money (unfortunately, we don't offer those on Rivalry).
Congratulations, you've now got the secret sauce of success to winning online blackjack games, as the blackjack table is set and your seat awaits, where the casino is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Make a Rivalry account today to take advantage of our first-time deposit bonus and other promotions. Always remember to play responsibly; manage your bankroll, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Read on below for our FAQs about online blackjack and Rivalry.
FAQs about Blackjack Online
What are online blackjack odds?
The odds of winning online blackjack are virtually better than other online casino games. This is due to players having much more control over the action, allowing for more scope with strategies.
Is online blackjack beatable?
Yes! Like any other online casino game, blackjack is entirely beatable, often offering the best odds. If you employ our above blackjack strategies, you'll be well on the path to winning!
Is online blackjack skill or luck?
For a beginner player, blackjack may feel largely luck-based. However, for an experienced player who knows the ins and outs of the game, it's a blend of both luck and skill as they recognize patterns and have the blackjack strategy chart memorized.
Can I play free online blackjack on Rivalry?
Unfortunately, we don't currently offer free blackjack games for our players. Our minimum bet amount for blackjack is $1 for all our live dealer blackjack online games and $0.50 for single-player blackjack games against AI.
Can I play blackjack online on my smartphone?
Yes! Our website and casino games, including blackjack, are entirely mobile-friendly. Whether at home or on the go, you can play blackjack games with Rivalry, so long as you have a stable internet connection and are in a registered jurisdiction.
What is a typical online blackjack wager?
The minimum bets for playing online blackjack vary between different online casino operators. On Rivalry, we offer a minimum bet of $1. the most popular minimum bet wagers range between $5-20.
Do you offer blackjack welcome bonuses?
If you've just created a new account with Rivalry, you can use our welcome bonus with your first-time deposit. Head over to our promotions page for further details.
How can I make a deposit?
Rivalry has many easy and quick depositing options, so you can get right into playing the games you love. These include: GCash, PayMaya, Mastercard, Visa, Skrill, Alipay, WesternUnion, and bank transfers. As a crypto first casino, we also accept leading cryptocurrencies and tokens like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Solana, and more.
How can I withdraw my funds?
We understand the importance of grabbing your hard-won cash, so withdrawing your funds on Rivalry is easy. Head to the Withdrawals page, select the amount you wish to withdraw and your withdrawal method. You should try to withdraw using the same payment method you used to deposit. Otherwise, there may be lengthy processing delays.