Tag: blackjack strategy
Blackjack Tournament Strategy
In the previous article we have introduced you to blackjack tournaments – an exciting, advanced type of blackjack entertainment. Now, we will reveal more about the strategy that will help you stay ahead of your opponents in these events – because blackjack tournaments are all about winning more than anyone else at the table!
Keep your attention divided.
While in the regular games all your attention is on the cards and the dealer, in tournaments it is important to keep an eye on your opponents’ progress as well. Always be aware of your current standing in the game, and adjust your bets accordingly.
How to bet:
In the beginning, it is wise to bet cautiously and avoid unnecessary risks. Then, once you establish your “rank” among the players, adjust your wagers. If you are in the lead, place smaller bets that will still allow you to maintain the advantage. If you are falling behind, risk with larger bets – you can also try betting opposite of your rivals in an attempt to catch up.
There can be only one winner.
In a tournament, being eliminated in Round 3 is equally bad as being eliminated in Round 1. Sure, the longer you stay in the game, the better you will feel about your gambling skills, but in the end the material result will be the same. This means that you have to play more ambitiously than you would in a standard blackjack game – feel free to make some bolder decisions when you have nothing to lose, and especially if you are approaching the end of the round.
Finally, remember the basic blackjack strategy.
Don’t let the tournament sway you from the basics – always follow the rules of the basic blackjack strategy.
We hope that this will help you win a few tournaments and find even more fun at your favourite blackjack table!
Recommended Literature for Advanced Blackjack Players
Many books have being written on Blackjack – some of them aim at beginners, while others explore complex aspects of the game. Since finding the right piece of literature can be difficult in this sea of choices, we have put together a list of books that will help you master advanced strategy.
Modern Blackjack – An Illustrated Guide to Blackjack Advantage Play by Norm Wattenberger is an extensive guide that will guide you through various Blackjack strategies. And the best thing is – it’s a free online book!
The Theory of Blackjack by Peter Griffin is well suited for experienced players who want to learn more about mathematical aspects of the game. You can learn how card counting systems work, as well as perfect your understanding of mathematics behind the basic strategy.
Burning the Tables in Las Vegas by Ian Andersen – learn A to Z on advanced strategy from one of the top Blackjack players of all time! The book also offers tips on how to camouflage your advantage play in casinos.
Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong is a classic book and comes from a famous Blackjack theorist. Among many things, it extensively covers Hi – Lo card counting system. A great piece of literature for (aspiring) professionals.
The Big Book of Blackjack by Arnold Snyder covers a wide range of topics: from history to various strategies. Arnold Snyder is a renowned Blackjack player and author.
Blackjack Attack, 3rd Edition by Don Schlesinger is another favourite that covers statistical and mathematical aspects of Blackjack. The book is allegedly used by many pros as a Blackjack math guide.
Of course, these are not the only great books out there, so feel free to explore other recommendations as well!
Becoming an Advantage Player in Blackjack
If you have mastered the basic Blackjack strategy and feel ready to hone your skills to the point where you can call yourself an advantage player in blackjack, read on. Becoming a successful player is not easy, but knowing the fundamentals of advantage play will help you get on top of this game.
The essential requirement for every aspiring advantage player is discipline. This includes everything from keeping your head cool and betting big only when you have the advantage, to waiting patiently at the table even if the cards don’t seem to favour you. Panic, impatience and other big emotions are game killers.
Advantage play at Blackjack is not a trick or some sort of scheme that will make you miraculously rich in a blink of an eye. Instead, it relies on math systems that take a reasonable amount of effort and offer realistic advantages to dedicated players.
Speaking of dedicated players… Becoming really good at Blackjack takes time and practice, and a lot of it. Learning advanced Blackjack strategies is not enough â you need to practice them until you are able to use them flawlessly, regardless of distractions. Also, keep in mind that the longer you play, the faster you will become. Don’t push yourself too hard at the start.
There are excellent Blackjack software products that will help you master various advanced Blackjack strategies. The use of software is strongly recommended.
Negative variance happens. Sometimes you will lose some money. The cards won’t favour you; the dealer will have a lucky spell… This will occasionally happen regardless of your skill level. Make peace with the fact that negative variance happens and prepare your bankroll accordingly.
Remember these advices well and good luck on becoming a successful advantage player!
Blackjack Mnemonic Techniques – What are they and why use them?
Blackjack Mnemonic Techniques - What are they and why use them?
Before we explain how mnemonic techniques are used in blackjack, we need to first clarify what a mnemonic is and why they are useful to the individual.
What is a mnemonic?
A mnemonic (pronounced nem-on-ic) is simply a device that is used as an aid to memory. A good example of a simple mnemonic that everybody is aware of is the saying ‘Every Good Boy Deserves Football’ to indicate what notes the lines on a musical scale refer too.
How are mnemonic’s useful in blackjack?
To become a good blackjack player, you need to understand the Basic Strategy of the game. Indeed, many players would argue that understanding this key element of the game – which is based upon the odds of success, should any given set of cards be dealt to you or the dealer – is fundamental to long term blackjack success.
Unfortunately, for a new player learning the basics of the game, while basic strategy may be simple to understand, the sheer number of situations that can arise in a blackjack hand mean that remembering what to do in each of these situations – surrender, split, double or hit – can be a real task.
This is where mnemonic memory devices come to the aid.
The best mnemonic devices for blackjack, such as one readily available for download from the iTunes shop, offer the user a way to remember which action to take in a certain situation, by remembering a key rule, or rhyme.
Once these devices are learned, the player can then play blackjack using basic strategy to a decent level and increase the odds of them winning, or at least not losing too much money on a poor hand.
Are mnemonic blackjack strategies a guaranteed way to profit?
No, these strategies only help the player improve the chances of success, they do not guarantee it. The basic strategy of blackjack only helps keep the odds in your favour, it does not eliminate failure. You will still lose, but hopefully you won’t lose quite as often and when you win, you should hopefully win more!
All you need to know about Shuffle Tracking in Blackjack
What is Shuffle Tracking?
Shuffle tracking is the method by which a gambler identifies and watches groups of cards (called clumps) in multiple deck card games (such as Blackjack). By understanding where each clump of cards are in the pack and what cards are most likely to be in that clump, they can increase the odds in their favour by betting when the cards are more likely to give them a win, while making smaller bets when the cards in the clump are not in their favour.
Can I use Shuffle Tracking playing Blackjack online?
No â You can only use shuffle tracking techniques when playing in a real-world blackjack game with a dealer who shuffles the cards by hand.
In addition, if the casino uses a continuous shuffling machine, then shuffle tracking does not work.
Does Shuffle Tracking work?
Yes, but only if you are able and skilled enough to be able to keep track of several clumps of cards in a multiple deck game. This isn’t as easy as it sounds and does require some advanced card counting techniques and also the ability to clearly identify which clump of cards is where at all times.
If you can do this, and many experienced blackjack players can, then you can turn the odds in your favour when playing the game, but it is worth remembering that this is NOT a guaranteed method of success. It only increases your odds of winning, or of decreasing your losses. It is not a sure-fire way to win at blackjack.
How do you learn to Shuffle Track?
There are many websites which give users a detailed explanation of how to shuffle track during a game of blackjack. However, it is well worth honing your skills in private before attempting to take on professional croupiers in a casino.
Is Shuffle Tracking illegal?
No, but casinos are very adept nowadays at identifying people who are clearly using such techniques and this may result in you being evicted or even banned from a casino if discovered.
