Blackjack Tips & Tricks to Save You Money

Did you know that blackjack is one of the only casino games where your decisions can lower the house edge? Unlike casino games of pure chance, blackjack strategy empowers you to turn the tables and tilt the odds in your favor as long as you know what you’re doing. Well, well, well, how the turntables.

This article is packed with the best blackjack tips and tricks to help you maximize your payout and keep your bankroll in check. If you’re already experienced – awesome. If you’re brand new – double awesome. These tips for playing blackjack help all players gain an advantage in the game.

Tip 1: Always double down on a hard 11

One of the most straightforward blackjack tips to win is to always double down when you’re dealt a hard 11. Doubling your initial bet here gives you a greater chance of winning, as the odds are in your favor, regardless of the hole card (dealer’s face-down card).

Let’s break it down: with a hard 11, you’re only one card away from a total of 21. That’s tough to beat. Even if you pull a low card, you’re still in a strong position to build a competitive hand and put pressure on the dealer.

Tip 2: Always Split 8s or Aces

When it comes to blackjack strategy, one golden rule stands tall: always split aces and 8s. This move turns a tough situation into a winning opportunity.

The ace is the most valuable card on the blackjack table. Splitting aces gives you two chances to hit strong hands.

On the other hand, 16 (8+8) is one of the weakest hands in blackjack. Splitting 8s helps you escape one of the riskiest hands and gives you another shot to form a better one. 

Tip 3: Never Split 5s or 10s

One of the most critical tips for blackjack is to never split 5s or 10s.

With two 5s, you’re sitting on a total of 10. That’s a strong position to build on with a double-down or a hit. Splitting turns them into two weaker hands. Similarly, splitting a pair of 10s (a total of 20) risks ruining one of the best possible outcomes in the game – a 20 is the highest-possible hand without busting. Why tempt the odds?

Tip 4: Always hit a hard 12 against a dealer’s weak upcard.

Let’s say that with your two cards, you have a hard 12 (10 + 2). When the dealer flips a weak upcard (2 through 6), you might hesitate. What if you get a high card? – you’ll bust. However, one of the best tips to win when playing blackjack is to always hit in this situation.

A hard 12 is too risky to stand on. It’s not strong enough to win outright, and there are more non-10-value cards to improve your total than there are 10-value cards to make you bust.

Tip 5: Stick to what basic strategy tells you, and don’t listen to anyone else.

We’ve all been there – playing blackjack with that guy at the table who believes he is the ultimate authority on the game. No matter how confident (and loud) he sounds, if it clashes with your blackjack chart, stick to the chart.

The strategy in your blackjack chart was developed through extensive mathematical analysis and computer simulations to determine the optimal move for every possible hand combination. For the best blackjack tips, and table games in general, trust proven strategy over opinions.

Make sure you follow the right strategy depending on the number of decks in play.

Keep in mind that blackjack strategies can change based on the number of decks in use, like single deck vs double deck blackjack. A single-deck game often offers better odds but requires subtle adjustments compared to games with six decks.

For example, certain hands, like a hard 16, may call for different moves depending on the rules at the table. Stick to basic blackjack tips and always tailor your play to the game’s deck count to optimize your payout.

Print Our Blackjack Strategy Cheat Sheet

One of the most important tips for playing blackjack is to use a cheat sheet.

Instead of sweating it out when you’re not sure what to do, these blackjack charts show you the best move for every situation based on your current hand and the dealer’s face-up card. They’re especially useful when playing live dealer blackjack because the pace is a tad slower, giving you extra time to review your chart and make your move.

Print our blackjack strategy cheat sheet. Keep it by your side. Give it a name. Buy it a cute scarf. Do whatever you have to do to keep it close.

Tip 6: Play 3:2 Payout Tables

Here’s another pro tip for playing blackjack: always look for games offering 3:2 payout tables instead of 6:5. The 3:2 payout significantly reduces the house edge, so you get paid more when you hit a blackjack.

For example, a $10 bet earns $15 in a 3:2 game but only $12 in a 6:5 game. It makes a big difference over time.

Tip 7: Play The Table Minimum If It’s Your First Time

One of the wisest blackjack tips for beginners is to stick to the table minimum for your initial bet. If you start small, you can ease into your strategy without risking too much money upfront.

Take your time to play, observe other players, and get comfortable with the blackjack games. Remember, practice makes perfect – you know that from trying to achieve the perfect pancake flip. Treat early rounds as part of the learning process before you raise your bet.

Tip 8: Think Twice About Insurance Bets

The insurance bet is tempting. It looks like it protects you from losing big if the dealer has blackjack. The truth is, it increases the house advantage. This side bet costs extra without improving your odds of winning the hand.

For example, if your original bet is $10, you’ll need to place a $5 insurance bet. If the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, you lose the $5, regardless of the outcome of your original hand.

Tip 9: Manage Your Bankroll

The worst thing you can do when rolling up to the blackjack table is place bets that are a huge chunk of your bankroll. Well, that, and asking the dealer why they chose that haircut. Both should be avoided.

The key to lasting longer at the casino is to manage your bankroll wisely. Start by setting limits for how much money you’re willing to bet and sticking to it. Use a solid betting strategy to adjust your initial bet based on your current hand and the odds.

The rule of thumb is to bet 1-3% of your entire bankroll per round.

Tip 10: Start With Our Free Play

Before you dive into a game, you should always practice blackjack for free. At Cafe Casino, each version of blackjack is available in Practice Play.

You can play blackjack as if it were a real online table, getting the hang of the rules and building confidence. Test out different strategy options and learn how to handle additional rules at different tables, like whether the dealer hits or stands on 17.

Tip 11: Hit on Soft 17 Against Dealers 9, 10, or Ace Upcard

When the dealer shows a strong upcard like a 9, 10, or ace, hitting on a soft 17 is a smart move. The dealer’s card shows a high probability of building a strong total (17-21). A soft 17 (like Ace + 6) gives you the flexibility to take another card without risking a bust.

For example, if your next card is low-value, you have a higher probability of improving your hand without going over 21.

Tip 12: Stand with 13, 14, 15 or 16 on Dealer’s 2-6

When the dealer’s hand shows a weak upcard (2 through 6), standing on certain hands like 13, 14, 15, or 16 is a good strategy. While it may seem strange to stand on 13, for instance, the high density of 10-value cards makes busting more likely.

Instead, let the dealer’s weak cards work against them. In most games, dealers must hit until they reach 17, which means they’ll likely be the ones to bust.

Tip 13: Stand on a Hard 17 or Higher

Congratulations, you landed one of the best hands possible in blackjack (can we get a whoop whoop!). Now – don’t do anything, lest you disturb the beautiful hand in its natural habitat.

Standing on a hard 17 or higher is one of the most reliable blackjack tips. When your current hand is this strong, the odds of improving without busting are slim. In other words, don’t push your luck.

Bonus Tip: Other Features To Look Out For

Blackjack is more than hitting, standing, or splitting (though that does sound like a TikTok dance waiting to happen). It’s packed with additional rules and features that can tilt the odds in your favor. Some unique table rules or advanced moves can tighten your strategy and improve your chances to win.

Surrender And Late Surrender

Surrendering is one of the most useful blackjack tricks. It means you forfeit your hand and save half your bet. You might do this when the odds aren’t in your favor. For example, if the dealer’s hand shows a 10 and you have a hard 16, surrendering can minimize your losses.

A late surrender option lets you decide after seeing the dealer’s hand, so it can be a powerful tool. 

Double Down After Splitting

You know you should double down on a hard 11, and you should double down after splitting, too. That way, you capitalize on strong hands and increase your potential winnings.

For example, if you split aces and then draw a 10, doubling your bet here puts you in a prime position to win big. It’s one of the best blackjack tips for increasing your payday. 

Dealer Stands On Soft 17

Different blackjack tables have different rules, and one of the more favorable ones is that the dealer stands on soft 17. This works to your advantage.

A soft 17 (like Ace + 6) gives the dealer flexibility to improve their hand if they’re allowed to hit – just like we recommend you hit on soft 17. But if they’re required to stand, they can’t draw more cards and strengthen their position.

Deposit With Crypto

One key tip to stack the deck in your favor is to deposit with crypto. Blackjack and crypto gaming go hand in hand. When you deposit with crypto, you hit the jackpot on speed with faster deposits and withdrawals.

FAQs

Blackjack can feel like a mix of math, strategy, and a little luck, so it’s no surprise that players have plenty of questions. Let’s tackle them here.

What is the 777 rule in blackjack?

The 777 rule in blackjack refers to a special side bet. Before the round, you bet you’ll be dealt three 7s of the same suit, three 7s of the same color, or three 7s of any color and suit, totaling 21. This rewards you with three levels of jackpot prizes.

This unique feature isn’t available on every table, so check the rules before you play.

How do you become really good at blackjack?

We’ll tell you one thing you don’t do, and that’s ride up to just any table and wing it. To become skilled at blackjack, you should stick to a basic blackjack strategy chart. It’s essential. Then, use free play to practice your strategies and refine your skills. After a bit of practice, you can level up to advanced techniques like card counting and try different types of blackjack, but for now, master the core strategies first.

Are there any casino bonuses for blackjack?

At Cafe Casino, we offer loads of bonuses to play blackjack, including the referral bonus. Invite a friend to play at Cafe Casino, and stand tall with a fresh referral bonus in your account.

The table is set. Grab two virtual chairs – one for you and one for your blackjack chart (Hey! Nice scarf). Play for free a few times in Practice Mode to build confidence. When you switch to Real Play, start with smaller bets and build up as you go (sir, yes, sir!). As long as you manage your bankroll properly, you’ll discover that blackjack is truly one of the most rewarding games at the casino. Now, hit the ground running.

Disclaimer: The information provided in our casino blog posts is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we discuss popular casino strategies and offer tips for various games, please note that no strategy can guarantee a win. Casino games are based on chance, and outcomes are unpredictable. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and never bet more than they can afford to lose.