How to Beat the Dealer in Blackjack: 5 Expert Methods
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill can reduce the house edge, giving you a genuine chance to win. By mastering basic strategy, you can lower the house edge to 0.5%, and advanced techniques can even tilt the odds in your favour!
Updated October 30, 2024.
In this article
5 Expert Methods for Beating the Dealer
Mastering Basic Strategy to Win at Blackjack
Bankroll Management for Winning Blackjack
Expert-Approved Betting Systems for Blackjack
Show More
Blackjack stands out from many casino games because skill and strategy can significantly enhance your chances of winning. Unlike games that are purely based on luck, blackjack allows you to reduce the house edge substantially.
Using basic strategy can reduce the house edge to about 0.5%, and skilled card counters can even gain a 1-2% edge over the casino. The MIT Blackjack Team famously used these techniques to beat the odds, as detailed in "Bringing Down the House."
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5 Expert Methods for Beating the Dealer
- Basic strategy mastery: This mathematical guide dictates the optimal action (whether to hit, stand, split, or double) based on your hand and the dealer's upcard.
- Card counting: This technique involves tracking high and low cards to determine when the deck is more favourable to you.
- Shuffle tracking: This method involves observing and tracking the movement of clumps of high or low cards during the shuffle process.
- Hole carding: The practice of catching a glimpse of the dealer's hole card (the facedown card) to make more informed decisions.
- Ace sequencing: A highly advanced technique where you track aces as they are shuffled and attempt to predict when they will be dealt.
» Delve deeper with these additional blackjack tips for bigger wins chances
| Criteria | Basic Strategy Mastery | Card Counting | Shuffle Tracking | Hole Carding | Ace Sequencing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage | Minimizes house edge to about 0.5% | Allows increase of bets when deck is favorable | Predicts when high-value cards will reappear | Increases advantage by adjusting based on exposed cards | Enhances chances of hitting a blackjack |
| Skill Level Required | Beginner to intermediate | Advanced | Expert | Expert | Expert |
| Potential Increase in Odds | Reduces house edge to approximately 0.5% | Provides a 1-2% edge over the casino | Can provide a 1-2% edge, depending on shuffling | Can increase edge by up to 10% | Can increase advantage by up to 5% |
| Risks or Drawbacks | No inherent risks; straying can increase house advantage | Casinos use countermeasures; risk of being banned if detected | Complex patterns or automatic machines hinder accuracy | Rare to find exposed cards; risk of being banned if caught | Difficult to master; effectiveness may diminish with shuffle machines |
| Legality and Casino Policies | Legal; casinos expect its use to maintain fairness | Legal but undesirable; players may be banned if caught | Legal but frowned upon; players risk being banned if caught | Not legally cheating, but considered a rule violation by casinos | Legal but unwelcome; players can be banned if caught exploiting it |
» Get clear on the basic rules of blackjack first
Mastering Basic Strategy to Win at Blackjack
To improve your chances of winning at blackjack, mastering basic strategy and maximizing hits is the easiest and most logical approach for beginner and intermediate players—which can clearly be seen in the comparison table of blackjack strategies.
Key elements of basic strategy involve making optimal decisions based on your hand and the dealer's upcard. These decisions are rooted in blackjack probability, which helps reduce the house edge and increase your chances of winning over time.
You should know when to:
- Hit
- Stand
- Split pairs (especially aces and 8s)
- Double down on favourable hands (such as 11 against a dealer's low card)
- Surrender (if allowed)
» Learn about surrendering in blackjack so you know when to use it
Adapting Strategy to Game Rules
You should adjust your basic strategy based on the specific rules of the blackjack game you’re playing. For instance, if the dealer hits on a soft 17, you should be more aggressive with doubling down.
In games with fewer decks, strategies like splitting and doubling become more advantageous. If surrender is an option, use it especially when facing a dealer’s strong upcard like a 10 or ace.
» Interested in learning to deal? Start with blackjack dealing 101
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Bankroll Management for Winning Blackjack
Proper bankroll management is essential for long-term success in blackjack. It safeguards you from major losses and helps you handle the inevitable ups and downs of the game. Without effective management, even the most skilled players can run out of funds during losing streaks.
Bankroll management strategies include:
- Setting loss limits
- Betting only a small percentage (1-2%) of your bankroll per hand
- Avoiding emotional betting after wins or losses
- Dividing your bankroll into sessions and adjusting bets based on favourable situations, like a positive card count
» Learn more about responsible gaming to keep your play enjoyable and within limits
Expert-Approved Betting Systems for Blackjack
While betting strategies determine how you play each hand, betting systems can help you manage how you place your bets based on previous outcomes or game situations.
1. Flat Betting
This strategy involves wagering the same amount on each hand, regardless of previous outcomes or card counts.
- How it works: Keeps betting consistent to avoid emotional decisions and bankroll depletion during losing streaks.
- Pros/cons: Limits large wins but reduces risk and maintains a steady approach.
2. Progressive Betting (Positive Progression)
This strategy involves increasing bets after a win and decreasing them after a loss.
- How it works: Capitalizes on winning streaks by raising bets, and minimizes losses during downswings by reducing bet sizes after losses.
- Pros/cons: Boosts profits during winning streaks but does not change the fundamental odds.
3. Martingale System
This strategy involves doubling your bet after each loss to recover losses with a single win.
- How it works: After a losing hand, double the bet until you win, covering previous losses and securing a small profit.
- Pros/cons: High risk—extended losing streaks can deplete your bankroll or hit table limits, making it unsuitable for long-term play.
Common Blackjack Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
1. Relying on Intuition Instead of Basic Strategy
Many players make the mistake of relying on intuition or superstition rather than sticking to basic strategy. This often leads to poor decisions, such as hitting or standing at the wrong times. To avoid this, memorize or use a basic strategy chart to guide your decisions, ensuring you consistently make statistically favourable moves.
2. Overvaluing Insurance Bets
Another common mistake is taking the insurance bet when the dealer shows an Ace. Many believe it’s a safety net, but insurance actually increases the house edge and is rarely a good choice. Unless you’re using specific card-counting strategies, it's best to avoid insurance bets.
3. Over-Betting After Wins
Players sometimes increase their bets too drastically after a win or a favourable situation, which can lead to large losses. Stick to a consistent betting strategy, increase your bets modestly when the odds are in your favour, and avoid making emotional decisions based on wins or losses.
4. Ignoring Rule Variations
Failing to adjust your strategy to match specific table rules, such as whether the dealer hits on soft 17 or restrictions on doubling down, can also hurt your chances. Make sure to understand and adjust your strategy for variations like the number of decks, the dealer’s behaviour, and available actions to optimize your chances of winning.
» Explore blackjack variations so you know when to adjust your strategy
Card Counting Blackjack Technique
Some blackjack players use techniques like card counting to further enhance their edge over the casino.
Card counting is a technique where you track the ratio of high to low cards in the deck to gain an advantage.
Here’s the basic strategy:
- Card values: Assign values to cards. +1 for low cards (2-6), 0 for mid-range cards (7-9), and -1 for high cards (10-Ace).
- Running count: Maintain a running count to determine when the deck favours high-value cards.
- Increase your bets: When the count is high, increase your bets to capitalize on better hands, such as blackjack.
» Master the essentials of card values in blackjack
To be successful with card counting, you need:
- Strong memorization skills
- Focus and quick mental math
- Discipline to avoid detection
- Familiarity with deck penetration and betting strategies
» Understand the legalities of counting cards in casino games
FAQs About How to Win in Blackjack
Is winning at blackjack more achievable than in other casino games?
Yes. Blackjack is unique because it blends skill with chance, allowing you to influence the outcome through strategic decisions. Unlike games like roulette or slots which rely purely on luck, in blackjack, you get to decide when to hit, stand, or double down.
Advanced techniques like card counting can give you an edge by tracking the ratio of high to low cards in the deck.
Can using basic strategy lower the house edge in blackjack?
Yes, when you use basic strategy correctly, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5%. This gives you some of the best odds compared to other casino games. Following basic strategy helps you avoid costly mistakes and keeps your chances of winning high over time.
What are the key elements of basic strategy in blackjack?
To master basic strategy, you need to know when to hit or stand, when to split pairs (especially aces and 8s), and when to double down. Your decisions should be based on the dealer's upcard and your hand.
Knowing when to surrender is also key, as it can help minimize your losses. These choices are guided by statistical probabilities to reduce the house edge.
What is the future of blackjack?
The future of blackjack is likely to involve more technological integration, such as online and live dealer versions. Casinos are expected to implement more countermeasures like continuous shuffling machines and multi-deck games, making it harder for you to use techniques like card counting. However, new opportunities may emerge in hybrid formats or online games where the rules could be more favorable to skilled players.
» Don't get caught out: Here's our basic strategy for 6-deck blackjack
» Learn these 7 basic blackjack tips for beginners to start winning more
Final Tips for Beating the Dealer
To up your blackjack game and beat the dealer, start by mastering basic strategy—it’s key to minimizing the house edge. From there, refine skills like card counting and maintain disciplined bankroll management. Stay calm, avoid emotional betting, and adapt to different game rules. With patience and practice, you’ll boost your long-term success at the table.
» Join a live blackjack table and put your new strategies to the test to see how your skills measure up in real-time action!
