Here at our phenomenal NetBet online casino, we strive to continuously update our ever-growing library of card games, including the iconic game of blackjack. Our casino has a wide array of titles that we consider the finest on the market. If you are new to this classic game, do not worry, as today we will be taking a look at some of the best blackjack strategies for beginners.
These showcase the dos and don’ts and the tactics that can be picked up early on in your playing career. Once you are comfortable with the game and have some practice under your belt, head online to our NetBet Casino and look for the card games section where you will find the very best range of blackjack titles.
Always double down on an 11
Being left with 11 after receiving your first two cards is one of the best positions you can be in. Doubling down is the sensible thing to do here as no matter what card is drawn next, you will not bust.
Split 8’s and Aces
Splitting 8’s may be off-putting if the dealer has a good first card. However, splitting 8’s into two separate hands gives players a better opportunity to win than sticking with a 16. This theory works in the exact same way when splitting aces.
Be cautious when splitting 10’s
Splitting 10’s is very common and seen in general as a good idea. Being able to start two separate hands with a 10 makes players think they have the upper hand. However, sticking with the hard 20 is far more beneficial for the player in the long run over multiple hands.
Avoid splitting 5’s
Similar to splitting 10’s, many players would be inclined to split a pair of 5’s to give them an opportunity to double their winnings. Again, holding on to the 10 in this scenario will always be more beneficial as whatever card is drawn next, you cannot bust.
Do not take the insurance bet
Insurance bets are a polarising topic in the blackjack world with many players believing it can be a big help to players. The reality is that taking the insurance bet will always be a bad move, as the odds you would get paid from the insurance are slimmer than the odds of the dealer actually having blackjack. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, try to avoid taking the insurance bet.
Only ever play games that pay 3:2
Standard online blackjack titles pay 3:2 for a blackjack hand and are certainly the games that players should stick to. In a standard 3:2 blackjack game, a player betting £10 and getting blackjack would be paid £15 plus their original stake. In some online blackjack games, 6:5 odds are offered and will only pay £12 profit from the same bet. Avoid these titles at all costs.
Do not make decisions through emotion or feeling lucky
This may seem obvious, but players must always stick to their core tactics and strategies, rather than letting emotions control their play. For example, never make rash decisions on splitting, doubling etc. just because you feel as though this next hand will be lucky. You must remain in control of your emotions at all times.
Be consistent with which hands you hit and stay on
Linking closely to the last strategy, players must always be consistent with their own individual tactics and rules. For example, if you always hit on a 15 or always stand on a 16, make sure you always stick to that, no matter what. The mathematics shows that you are more likely to win in the long term if you always follow the same protocols. Chopping and changing your tactics on each hand will only lead to negative outcomes.
Never go all in
Always leave yourself with some balance when playing blackjack. Going all in is extremely risky and also means you have no room for splitting or doubling. It may seem the quickest way to increase your winnings, but that attitude will not get you far in.
Stop when it is no longer fun
It cannot be understated that blackjack is a form of gambling and therefore must be played responsibly. If you ever feel as though you are past the stage of enjoying yourself and are playing through emotion and desperation, take a break. Remember there are also free-to-play titles online where you can play for fun without real money.
When you choose our fantastic NetBet Casino, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality card games. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet, we regard player wellbeing as our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.
