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 Games in Canada | Play with Real Money & Win Big Today
Online Blackjack Games Available 24/7 | Get Your Casino Bonuses Today
Welcome to blackjack, the famous game of 21. Online blackjack brings the thrill of this classic table game to your home (or toilet, we don't judge where you play), where you can play against a live dealer and even chat with other players while you're securing that all-important dub. Or, if you're feeling more traditional, you can try your hand against the computer, playing our RNG blackjack single-player game.
Rivalry has everything you could possible want from a legit blackjack casino: blackjack promos, great odds, instant payouts, 24/7 customer support, and multiple blackjack variations! Read on for everything you need to know about playing blackjack online.
How to Play Blackjack: Basic 101
Blackjack, or 21 as it's sometimes known, is a classic card game where the goal is to have a hand total as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. This is the universal rule for blackjack, whether you're playing at online casinos or land-based casinos.
Blackjack Card Values: What Does Your Hand Mean?
Tracking the card values in blackjack is easy, and important to know before you start playing:
- Number cards (2 - 10): Worth their face value
- Face cards (King, Queen, Jack): Worth 10 points each
- Ace: Worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value benefits the hand more.
Your hand's value in blackjack is basically just the total sum of your cards, where the suit of the cards doesn't matter. The trick is to know when to hit or stand based on these, which we'll get into in a second.
Playing Blackjack Online: Step-By-Step Guide
Here's how a typical blackjack game will go down, whether you're playing online or at a land-based casino.
1) Create An Account. Sign up for a Rivalry account before depositing and playing. Ontario-registered players must be over 19 years old to play, no exceptions.
2) Place Bets. Before any cards are dealt, players will place their wagers. Minimum bets for online blackjack at Rivalry start at $1 (CAD).
3) The Dealer Deals (duh). Two cards are given both to the player and the dealer. The player's cards are face-up, while the dealer's hand consists of one card face-up (the 'upcard') and one more card face down (the 'hole card).
4) Player's Move. Once the cards are dealt, it's up to the player to make a decision on what to do next, based on their hand and the dealer's upcard. The most common decisions are hit or stand, but we'll outline them below.
- Hit: Taking another card from the deck to get closer to 21.
- Stand: Stick with the current hand and end the turn.
- Double Down: Double the initial bet, but take only one card.
- Split: If your two cards have the same value, they can be split into two hands.
5) Dealer's Turn. The dealer's second card is revealed. The dealer will then follow preset rules, typically hitting until their hand is at least 17.
6) Who Won? If the player's hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's cards, they win by default. If the dealer exceeds 21 and busts, players can also win that way. However, if the dealer's hand is closer to 21 than the player (e.g. if the player has 18 and the dealer has 20), the dealer wins.
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While deposits may show up in your account instantly, withdrawals can sometimes take longer depending on which method you've gone for. For a faster payout, we recommend using the same method you used to deposit.
We understand that this might not always be possible, though. If this occurs, our customer support team will assist you in finding a suitable alternative for your account and region.
Online Blackjack Bonuses
To reward the players who choose us over other online casinos, we have exciting casino bonuses and promotions, extending your playtime even longer. Here are some of the exclusive bonuses we have on offer:
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Head over to our promotions page for more details, including the terms and conditions. Pay attention to factors like qualifying games and minimum deposits so you know exactly how to qualify for your promotions.
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Want free money for extra gamba? Rivalry offers daily casino tournaments and missions, where you can either complete preset 'quests' or compete against other players and climb the leaderboards to earn bonus funds.
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Our award-winning customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, whether you're having issues withdrawing or setting up your account. You can reach out through the following channels:
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Blackjack & Casino Game Strategy Guides
Unlike some other blackjack casinos that are in it for the cash, not the glory, Rivalry wants our players to succeed and win big alongside us—whether you're playing online slots or other table games.
That's why our blog page features strategy guides to help you win real money when playing casino games, including blackjack.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find:
- Tips and Tricks for Playing Aviator Crash Game
- How to Win Playing Roulette Games
- How to Win Playing Slot Machines
- Biggest Blackjack Wins in History
- Slot Volatility & Why It Matters
- What Does RTP Mean in Slots?
- Top 12 Best Christmas Slots
- Top 8 Best Halloween Slots
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How to Win Online Blackjack: Strategies & Tips
Blackjack is a pretty simple card game compared to other games like poker. As the old saying goes: practice makes perfect. The best way to learn is through trial, error, and practice.
To speed things up, here are some of our top tips for blackjack to minimize the house edge, whether you're playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino.
Blackjack Odds & RTP
In games like blackjack, skill and strategy are crucial—every decision you make can either boost or reduce the house edge. If you play your cards right, blackjack can give you an edge as low 0.5%. But without a strong strategy and game plan, you're giving the casino a significant advantage.
Understanding blackjack probabilities can help you make the right decision. For example:
- The dealer has around a 28% chance of busting if their face-up card is a 5 or 6.
- If your hand totals 16, hitting gives you around a 60% chance of improving your hand without busting, meaning a win is almost guaranteed.
Blackjack Cheat Sheets
A basic blackjack strategy chart, or cheat sheet, outlines the optimal move for every possible hand combination. These charts are developed through mathematical analysis, designed to minimize blackjack's house edge and help with decision-making, like when to hit, stand, split, or double down.
Here’s a quick rundown of the ideas you can expect to see in a typical blackjack cheat sheet:
When To Hit or Stand
- Hit: When hand is below 11
- Stand: If hand is below 17
- Hit: If dealer shows 7 - 10 and your hand is 12 - 16
When to Double Down
- Always on 11 unless the dealer's upcard is an Ace
- On 10 if the dealer shows 9 or less
- On 9 if the dealer shows 3 - 6
When to Split
- Always split on Aces and 8s
- Never split on 10s, 5s, or 4s
Avoid These Mistakes
- Never take the insurance bet
- Don't hit on hard 17+
Bankroll Management
Take care of yourself (and your wallet) by managing your bankroll and setting a budget before betting. Decide how much excess money you can afford to lose without disrupting your daily life. For example, if you allocate $200 to use for betting, make sure this amount fits comfortably within your disposable income.
You can also set win/loss limits either in-game or through Rivalry's responsible gambling tools. This will prevent you from chasing any losses or impulsively increasing bet sizes when things don't go your way.
Try to avoid emotional betting and chasing losses where possible, and if you're getting stressed, take a break. Online casinos never close, so the blackjack table will always be there if, or when, you decide to come back and play again. Remember that blackjack is designed to be fun, so always play for entertainment, rather than with the goal of making money.
Counting Cards
Card counting is one of the best blackjack strategies when playing with physical decks, but how does it compare to playing online? When playing online, it’s significantly harder to count cards, though not impossible. Several decks may be used and shuffled with CSMs (Continuous Shuffling Machines), making it harder to track.
Regardless, card counting involves tracking the ratios of high-to-low cards left in the deck, and using this information to influence your decisions like hitting or standing. High cards (10s, face cards, and Aces) benefit the player the most, while low cards (2-6) favor the dealer more.
The most common method of counting cards is the "Hi-Lo" system. You start with a running count, adjusting based on each card dealt. "High cards" are worth +1, "low cards" are worth -1, and neutrals (7, 8, and 9) are worth 0.
- Positive count = More high cards left (advantage to the player).
- Negative count = More low cards left (advantage to the dealer).
For multiple decks, you divide the running count by the number of decks remaining. For example, if your running count is +4 and 2 decks are left, your true count is +2 and still in your favor.
- True Count = Running Count ÷ Decks Remaining
Ready To Play?
Are you ready to make money playing blackjack? Create a Rivalry account today (19+ only) and deposit some cash into your account to get started, and don't forget to use our welcome bonus! The Rivalry casino never closes, and a seat is always waiting for you at the blackjack table.
Always play responsibly: GL HF, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Keep reading for our FAQs about online blackjack and playing at Rivalry.
Online Blackjack FAQs
Do I need to download anything to play blackjack online?
No, Rivalry's blackjack games are available to play on desktop or mobile (iOS and Android), thanks to our fully optimized website. You don’t need to download any additional apps.
Is online blackjack rigged?
No, online blackjack games are not rigged. They either rely on RNG (random number generators), or live hosts in the case of live dealer games, to determine outcomes without being fixed.
Are there free online blackjack games on Rivalry?
Unfortunately, since most of our blackjack games are hosted by live dealers, you cannot play demo mode or free blackjack. However, you can sit back and watch the cards play out to get a feel for the game before betting any money.
What online blackjack games are available?
Rivalry offers a wide variety of blackjack variations available, including:
- European Blackjack
- Lightning Blackjack
- Power Blackjack
- Infinite Blackjack
- And many more!
Does Rivalry offer blackjack bonuses?
Yes! For new users, you can use Rivalry's generous welcome bonus (which matches your first deposit up to $100). Feel free to use it on blackjack, or any other casino game you fancy.
Can you count cards in online Blackjack?
While it is theoretically possible, card counting in live blackjack is much harder than at a land-based casino. This is because live blackjack games tend to involve an undisclosed number of decks, making it difficult to know how many cards are in play.