The 6 Steps to the Ladder of Blackjack Success
The number of books and websites offering Blackjack strategies are as numerous as the card tables in Las Vegas. But you don't need to visit them all to learn how to win, because the basics are still the ones that count. Take these steps to help your game.
Step 1: Don't drink and play.
If drinking and driving are hazardous to your health, then getting drunk and playing Blackjack is detrimental to your bankroll. You'll get offers from the waitresses to drink, but only take them as a form of refreshment; don't try anything too heavy, because you'll get intoxicated.
The worst part about getting drunk is that you won't notice it until you realize that you just messed up your entire Blackjack strategy and lost everything, so don't drink and gamble.
Step 2 is to have discipline. The image you see on TV of people playing with reckless abandon and coming out the winner is just for show. Taking a card with a 17 because you "feel" that it is going to be a four is bad idea; play within you game plan.
Step 3 is to bring to the casino only money you can afford to lose. This is elementary; if you have to pay for the mortgage, the car or whatever, do not use that money for Blackjack.
Step 4 is to pace yourself. Blackjack strategies aren't just about calculating numbers; you need to account for the physical aspect as well. If you are physically tired, then it will affect you mentally. Most players take a breather after a couple of hours of play, but you should adjust to what best suits you.
Step 5: whenever possible, play in a game that utilizes a single deck.
Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges, but you can improve this even further by playing with As few card decks as possible. If you settle for a two deck game, your odds go down by --.35%; four decks by 0.49%, eight decks by 0.58% and so on. So before you play in a casino, live or virtual, check if they have single deck games.
Step 6, and probably the most important, is to always look at the rules for each game. The Blackjack strategy that you will use will depend on the variations and leniency of the game. What should you look out for? To get the best results, look for casino games that allow as many of the following as possible: a single deck, double down with any pair, early and/or late surrender and multiple splitting with any cards, including Aces.
These Blackjack strategies work because they incorporate all the various elements needed to succeed, namely, game tactics, research and physical/mental maintenance of the player. Use them properly and you will be climbing the steps to that huge payoff.
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