Facts and Tips
Several important facts and tips can help you achieve success during game play. Below are some of the most critical items you need to remember in order to put yourself into positive situations and to figure out the correct play in case you forget any particular basic strategy move.
Tips to set yourself up for success:
- Playing with perfect basic strategy, you can get the house edge down to between 1 and 0.13 percent in some games.
- As a general rule, have a bankroll that is at least 20 times whatever your maximum bet will be and stick to tables that have minimums that you are comfortable playing with.
- Depending on your goals and playing style, you can maximize your playing time while reducing your total wagers by playing at crowded tables since they will be slower; however, conversely, you will get to play more hands per hour at tables that are not crowded.
- Tables with shuffling machines can be nice if you prefer more fluid play since you do not have to wait during shuffling breaks. Alternatively, though, you will likely play a few more hands per hour at these tables.
- Be aware of the effects of drinking on your play. Although the free drinks are often a great benefit, alcohol consumption can cloud judgment and lead to mistakes, which can throw off a great game.
- Never let emotion, intuition, superstition, pressure from other players, stress, or any other factor change your play. Stick to basic strategy if that is what you are using.
- Do not vary your bets too much (unless you are counting or using another professional technique). Doing so increases the house’s effective edge over the long term.
- Always set a limit for how much you are willing to lose in a sitting. Never exceed that amount. You can always play later.
- Do not play with the mentality that you need to win back your money for a sitting. If you lose too much, leave.
- Casinos have certain average bet requirements for you to qualify for comps. Ask a pit boss about the comps before you start playing so that your wagers can count toward bonuses early on.
Tips to help you make good decisions:
- The dealer is highly likely to bust (40%+ chance) on a 4, 5 or 6 upcard
- The dealer is highly unlikely to bust on an Ace (17% chance)
- Players are highly likely to bust (70% chance) on hard totals of 17 or above
- Never take insurance; in every scenario, the odds are against the player
- Always split pairs of Aces or 8s
- Some basic strategy actions are meant to mitigate losses rather than make money. For instance, split 8s to avoid having to hit a 16, which has a very high bust rate. Alternatively, other strategy actions are meant to maximize betting on areas of significant player advantage or dealer weakness.
