Tag Archives: strategy

General

Flat vs. Progressive Betting — Which One Is Better for Blackjack?

Blackjack is a gambling game, meaning you first need to make a bet if you want to receive a prize after that. However simple on the surface, betting can become quite complicated if you decide to go.

The first thing you need to ask is – can a betting strategy help you increase your chances of winning? The truth is — no, it cannot. The only two things that can make you more successful while playing blackjack are following the chart of counting cards (the latter is frowned upon by casinos).

Nevertheless, it would be best if you still had a good betting strategy in order to keep track of your balance and manage your bankroll correctly. In other words, if you don’t have a betting strategy, you’ll end up spending much more than you initially wanted.

There are two main approaches to betting in USA online blackjack games — flat and progressive.

Flat Betting

Flat betting is not even a strategy, it just exists as an opposite to progressive betting. If you make flat bets, it means you never increase or decrease them. For example, if you make a $5 bet, you’ll continue betting the same amount during the session, no matter whether you win or lose. The only rule about flat betting you should stick to is not to tilt and make sudden bets that are much larger than your original bet size.

For example, if you decide to bet $5 flat, don’t make sudden $50 bets to try and get your money back after a bad session. This rarely works, and you’ll end losing more money.

Progressive Betting

Progressive betting means changing your bet size according to the result of your hand. There are negative and positive progressive betting strategies. The negative ones usually focus on increasing your bet when you lose a hand, whereas the positive ones advise increasing bets on a winning hand. Now, there are many strategies on how to bet progressively on blackjack, so make sure to explore them and select the ones that you think might work for you.

We made a list of great online casinos where you can test your progressive betting blackjack strategy. All of these casinos feature great blackjack games that you can also try for free if you want to practice some of the strategies. If you decide to join, don’t forget to pay attention to the welcome bonuses that are offered on each of these platforms, so that you can kick-start your online blackjack journey.

General

How Perfect Pairs Work In Blackjack

Last time, we made an overview of blackjack games that are found in BoVegas. One of them is called Perfect Pairs, so we decided to explore further this type of blackjack and see how you can get the best possible outcome while playing it.

The first thing you need to understand about Perfect Pairs is that it’s mostly identical to the traditional type of blackjack, as the majority of the rules are completely the same.

So basically, you get two cards, as well as the dealer. Once you receive them, you have the option to hit, stand, double down, and more. The busting rules are also the same.

A Little Different

However, there’s one small addition to the rules that make Perfect Pairs different from the standard version of USA online blackjack. There’s a side bet, and it’s actually the bet itself that is often referred to as “perfect pairs.”

What you should take into account is that this side bet is not related to your main bet in any way. In other words, you can win the main bet and lose the side bet, and vice versa. Naturally, you can lose both, or even win both, if you’re extremely lucky.

Basically, you are betting your money that you’re going to get a pair in your next hand. However, depending on the strength of your pair, the payout of the side bet may change a bit.

For example, if you get a pair that doesn’t have a matching suit of matching color, the payout will be 5 to 1. In other words, if you bet $10, you’ll win $50 as a reward.

If, on the other hand, the pair has a matching color as well, the payout goes up to 10 to 1.

Finally, if the pair matches in both color and suit (which is considered a perfect pair in this case), then the payout is 30 to 1.

So, should you make this bet? Well, the majority of blackjack experts agree that any side bet in this game will negatively affect the odds and increase the house edge. According to them, the low house edge is actually the reason why this type of bet is introduced.

Therefore, if you want to stick to the best strategy while playing instant play blackjack casinos, you should avoid making this bet. However, if you feel lucky and want to involve a little risk, you are free to make this bet. Make sure not to get carried away with a perfect pairs bet, as it could negatively impact your overall blackjack performance.

General

Busting Blackjack Myths No. 4: Dealer Has A 10 In The Hole

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer playing blackjack in land-based casinos or you opt for USA online blackjack — there will be myths surrounding this game either way. Now, these are called myths because they might or might not be true at all.

One thing is certain, many blackjack players have adopted them as an ultimate truth, which is simply a wrong approach to this game.

We already covered three myths that are often connected to blackjack, and now we’re going to focus on the fourth one. Namely, this myth is actually a piece of advice that suggests that we should always assume that the dealer’s hole card is worth 10.

Why?

Why is this assumed in the first place? Well, as you know, in blackjack, many cards are worth 10. Apart from 10s, other cards that have this value are Jacks, Queens, and Kings.

In total, it’s 16 cards from a 52-card deck that can have a value of 10. Therefore, many players feel that if you just assume that the dealer’s hole card is a 10 every time, you will improve your chances of winning in this game.

However, this remains yet another myth that you definitely shouldn’t stick to. Once you turn the number of cards into the percentage, there’s a 31 percent chance that the dealer has a 10-value card and a 69 percent chance that he has another value.

Therefore, statistically speaking, you would be more wrong than right if you assume this approach.

So, what’s the alternative to this approach? Simply speaking, you should just stick to the blackjack strategies that are already proven.

For example, blackjack strategy charts have always been very useful for all kinds of blackjack players, and they improve their probability of lowering the house edge and winning in this game.

If you’re looking for a way to practice your blackjack game, make sure to check out some of the USA blackjack reviews that review sites which offer blackjack games. There are numerous cool sites, and some of them also offer different variants of blackjack, meaning they can meet the needs of numerous blackjack players.

This way, the fourth big blackjack myth that we busted, and there are a couple of other important ones that we need to consider. Some of them might be true, some partly true, and some completely false.

Therefore, make sure to read our blog and learn more about blackjack strategies, myths, and more.

General

Busting Blackjack Myths No. 2: Counting Cards

It doesn’t matter what type of blackjack you like to play, you will be able to use card counting in order to gain an advantage in this game. Whether you like USA online blackjack or you prefer playing the game in land-based casinos, the results will be pretty similar. However, many people believe that counting cards isn’t exactly legal. Is that true?

Well, technically speaking, there is no legislative piece that recognizes this system as illegal. Therefore, if you are counting cards, you are not doing anything against the law, and casinos definitely cannot prosecute you for doing so.

However, the question here is not whether you can, but whether you should use card counting as a technique to gain the advantage in this card game. You should remember that casinos reserve the right to ask you to stop playing the game if they catch you counting cards. How so?

You’re Being Watched

Players who count cards are mostly people who take time to decide on their actions, and they usually display certain behaviors and betting patterns when they count. If you play in a land-based casino, unless you are a professional player who can hold the straight face during the game, the chances are high that you will get caught and be asked to leave.

However, this is also possible in online play as online casinos monitor players’ actions for suspicious betting and playing patterns. Online casinos can blacklist your IP address and ban you from visiting the website.

In the end, you should ask this question: Is counting cards worth it? Well, it takes hundreds of hours of practice before it becomes worth it. On the other hand, you should try something else that can enhance your online blackjack experience, and that is easier to learn and master. We are talking about the blackjack strategy.

There are a couple of very interesting blackjack strategy charts that can help you improve your game and have fun. Unlike card counting, which casinos don’t really like, these strategy charts are perfectly acceptable. The reason why casinos tolerate them is that these cannot really help players as much as card counting, although they are still pretty effective in lowering the overall house edge in this game. They are actually one of the main reasons why many players love playing blackjack in casinos.

If you want to test a blackjack strategy chart right now, you should try finding a good online casino that offers this game. Try starting with platforms such as BetOnline, Lucky Red Casino, BoVegas, Wild Casino, Silver Oak Casino, and 5Dimes Casino.

General

Busting Blackjack Myths No. 1: Hot & Cold Dealers

Playing blackjack sometimes requires finding some patterns that can improve your chances of winning a hand. If you are a USA online blackjack player, you probably know a lot about various tips and tricks on how to beat blackjack.

While some of these tips are really helpful and actually affect your performance, there are some that are considered myths. In other words, the game of blackjack is considered both a game of luck and a game of skill. Some tips which focus on the skill part are helpful, and you can find them all over the web. On the other hand, those tips that are dealing with the luck factor may not be as accurate.

One of them is the myth that there are hot and cold dealers and tables. If a dealer is cold, it means that they have been on a losing streak, and players benefited from that. On the other hand, the hot dealer has been fortunate in the last couple of hands, meaning that players lost in the majority of them.

The same concept is used for tables. Players gain more from hot tables, whereas they were not as lucky in the cold ones.
Therefore, there is a myth built around these, and the tip suggests that every player should pick a cold dealer or a hot table in order to profit from the winning streak. However, that doesn’t seem really true.

No Explanation

The luck factor and the way it works is still not understood by humans. Many tried to decipher it and make some conclusions, but it was all in vain. The randomness of the universe is what makes the gambling industry run and what makes most of the casino games exciting.

Therefore, if you decide to sit on a hot table, hoping to profit from it, you’re making a mistake. You might not be as lucky, and all it takes is one hand for luck to leave your presence, and you start having a losing streak.

There are times you will win, and there are times you will lose. Once you use some of the useful methods such as strategy charts, you will improve your chances, but you will still have to rely on the element of luck up to a certain extent.

Also, don’t forget to check out blackjack bonuses as these can help you experience online blackjack better and explore various tactics that work for you and help you create your personal style of play.

General

What Are Positive and Negative Progressive Systems in Blackjack?

It doesn’t matter whether you play land-based blackjack or USA online blackjack, as one thing stays the same — how you place your bets. Just like in every other casino game, placing bets is very important, and you want to get the best out of it. Therefore, many professional gamblers utilize the so-called progressive betting method, which helps them improve their game and maximize their winning potential.

Progressive betting means that your bets change every time, usually depending on the result of the previous hand. There are two types of progressive methods — positive and negative.

The difference is quite simple. In negative progressions, you need to increase your bet size every time you lose a hand and decrease it every time you win. On the other hand, positive progressions are based on a completely different idea — decrease when you lose, and increase when you win.

Strategies To Use

Now, there are a couple of bank management strategies that can help you further explore your betting approach in blackjack.

The most popular one is definitely the Martingale approach. However, there are other popular systems that you can take into account that can upgrade your blackjack skills overall. They are Oscar’s Grind, D’Almebert, The Parlay, and The Paroli.

Nevertheless, you need to take one thing into account. Although these systems can help you manage your bankroll, they cannot guarantee that you are going to win more. In fact, they are just a steering wheel in the blackjack car.

Therefore, if you are up for a ride, you need to use other things that help you hit the road, and these are called blackjack strategy charts.

Naturally, there are some other blackjack techniques that are sometimes frowned upon, such as card counting, but we’re trying to stay with the legal ones for now.

Therefore, if you want to play blackjack, applying some betting strategies is always a good idea. However, these systems alone cannot guarantee prizes. In fact, blackjack is a game that relies on the element of luck, after all, so nothing is certain in it, no matter how great you are with betting systems.

Make sure to check out the best USA casinos in order to find the great blackjack and live dealer blackjack games. Some of them offer lucrative welcome bonuses for new players, which are definitely worth claiming in order to jump-start your online casino experience and test some of the betting systems discussed in this article.

General

Betting Strategies Used for Blackjack

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games out there. It is an engaging, exciting game that has some of the best odds around along with one of the lowest house edges. These are only a few of the reasons that make blackjack the game to play if your goal is to make more money in the long run. This is, of course, is easier said than done. If your wish is to be a good blackjack player, then you must be very familiar with the rules, know what the odds are, and be able to make or use blackjack strategies. The same as any other game of chance, you need to keep an eye on your bankroll, otherwise, you’ll run out of chips before you hit any kind of streak.

There are many strategies for playing USA online blackjack. These are a few that have been proven to better your odds, make your chips last, and increase your playtime. Here is a run-down of three popular strategies. This guide is to help you understand how they work and if they work.

Most of the betting strategies for this game are progressive betting systems. These kinds of systems involve increasing or decreasing your bet (depending on your last hand). Betting systems are utilized to avoid rash betting decisions.

Oscar’s System
This system was proposed by Dr. Allan Wilson, a mathematician, during the 1960s. It aims to win one unit per round. You start your round by placing a bet of one unit. If you win, add a unit, and if it’s a losing hand, your next bet must stay the same. Believe it or not, that’s it for this one – straightforward enough.

2-1-2 (Manhattan) Strategy
Important to know with this strategy is that there is no mathematical basis for streaks (hot or cold) at blackjack. Mathematicians themselves believe in no such thing as a streak, whereas a player will swear otherwise.

This unit is very similar to Oscar’s system; however, instead of maintaining the same bet if you lose a series, the 2-1-2 strategy says to go back to your original bet (not the previous series, but the very beginning). This strategy is best used when one experiences a dip in their “streak” as the aim here is to avoid big losses. This is capitalizing on a good run of cards. This strategy is low risk, low reward (unless you are on a winning streak).

Multiple Spots
This category is the popular myth that playing many hands increases your chances of winning. This is certainly exciting gameplay; however, it does not improve your win rate. There is no harm in forming your own strategy and doing what works for you but remember the core responsibility principles of managing your bets, time, and basic strategy.

You cannot hope to win at blackjack if you do not know the rules or have no fundamental goal or strategy in place. In the end, betting strategies and systems help you to manage your bankroll better, as well as keep you focused.

General

Types of Blackjack

Blackjack is a very popular table game that every respectable casino (online and offline) has on offer. The popularity of the game has led to the many variations that have popped up over the years. Some have withstood the test of time while others have faded into disuse, and then some have become games in their own right. This is a list of the most popular blackjack variations that are played today. The fundamentals of blackjack are unchanging but there are enough differences to make these variations to set them apart.

Offline casinos in the US may not offer more than one variation of blackjack. However, if you are an online player then you are guaranteed to come across variations of the game and even choose a favorite. USA online blackjack offers all these variations depending on the casino you choose to frequent, as well as, blackjack bonuses, live dealer blackjack, and more. For instance, BetOnline Casino offers live dealer blackjack and Silver Oak Casino has a $10 000 blackjack bonus. These are only two of the online platforms that offer great blackjack gameplay.

Blackjack
Also known as “21”, this is the classic game that everyone knows and loves- the most popular type of blackjack throughout the world. The goal is to get close to 21 without going over with the value of the cards you’re holding.

Progressive Blackjack
This variation is the same as classic blackjack with the added bonus of standing a chance to win the increasing jackpot. With this bonus comes a price of a $1 bet, which has to be placed to win the progressive jackpot. The other rules of gameplay are the same besides a slight variance when it comes to doubling and splitting.

European Blackjack
This type of blackjack is usually played with two decks. This game includes some player-friendly rules like a small number of decks and the dealer standing on soft 17. Making up for this, the casino takes out the typical “dealer doesn’t check for blackjack” rule – you play your hand first. This means that you could lose more cash if you split or double the hand.

Face Up 21
This is when both the dealer’s cards are dealt facing upwards. This is a great player advantage when it comes to your strategy. The casino makes up for this by having a higher house edge of 0.69% (blackjack games typically have an edge of 0.5%).

Games

What is House Edge in Blackjack and How Does It Affect the Game?

If you like playing USA online blackjack, or any other type of casino game, you probably stumbled upon a term called house edge. House edge may differ in every game, and it is simply the amount of money that casino earns on you playing games.

Casino games are luck-based games but they are always slightly in favor of the casino since the gambling houses need to earn money as well. Therefore, a house edge is the average amount of money that casinos earn from a certain game.

It is basically a statistical way to state the advantage that the house (the casino) has in certain games. If the house edge is, say 5%, that indicates the average amount of money that the casino takes from players. Naturally, games are random, so some players may win a lot of money, while others may lose it all. However, after some time, when we look into the past and take into account all the winners and losers, we can see that the casino earned approximately 5% from all the money that was invested in games.

The house edge that is applicable to blackjack is statistically much lower compared to other casino games. If you just focus on the basic blackjack strategy you are likely to play a game that has a house edge which is only %0.5.

One cannot help but wonder — why are casinos still holding on to blackjack so much if it has such a low house edge? Well, the thing with the majority of players who play blackjack do it for fun, so many don’t even bother keeping up with the basic strategy and hold on to the luck factor. In other words, most players don’t want to take time and put in effort in learning the basic strategy, let alone applying it when playing blackjack, and that is completely okay. Many casino games are about fun and suspense rather than mathematical thinking.

On the other hand, players who decide not to use the basic strategy will still have a better house edge compared to other casino games. Playing blackjack without the strategy will result in an average house edge being approximately 2% which is still not that bad.

In the end, there is the card-counting technique which can minimize and even completely exclude the edge, but it is forbidden in many casinos and can get you banned from online casino sites.

Games

Play Blackjack with the Best Odds

Blackjack Strategy ChartWhen you decide to play blackjack, online or otherwise, be sure to always play with the best odds. Blackjack is one of the few casino games when played optimally can almost erase any casino advantage. There has been a lot of research on blackjack, and mathematicians especially have taken the time to research how to best play the game.

Luckily all the hard work has already been done and players can simply use the research that has already been completed to play blackjack with the best odds. You can see our blackjack strategy chart which easily lays out different hand scenarios and recommends whether you should hit, stand, split or double. As a player all you need to do is reference the chart and you can play both online blackjack and standard blackjack using the optimal strategy.

When playing USA online blackjack you can have the chart right in front of you or pulled up on your computer on another screen. If your playing at a brick and mortar casino, you can use the chart as we have a printable version of the chart which is more pocket sized and easily referenced discreetly. While the dealer and pit bosses at brick and mortar casinos do not necessarily mind if you reference a strategy chart it is best to be a little discreet about it.

If you do want to play real money online blackjack, use any of our recommended USA online casinos which offer a great online experience. All online casinos accept USA players and also do a great job getting USA deposits approved. Also by using one of our links to visit the casino and sign up you will receive a bonus which is good for blackjack play. Combine the free money you receive via the bonus, and the optimal play provided by our blackjack strategy chart, and you can just about eliminate any casino advantage. Get even a small run of good luck and you can watch your chip stack grow quickly.

Get started playing online blackjack using our strategy chart and play with the best odds possible in your favor. Again all the online casinos we list and recommend accept USA players and all also do a great job getting USA deposits approved including credit cards. All casinos also have years of experience in the online gaming business and have solid track records for fair games and paying players quickly. BetOnline (our top online blackjack casino) for example has been in business since 2001. With over 15 years offering online casino games you can be confident they offer a great experience and treat their players well. Other wise they could not survive for so long in such a competitive industry.

Good luck at the tables, even though you will need a lot less luck by playing with the best odds and using the optimal strategy.