Gamblr is a favourite among online sportsbook gamblers in many countries. You can join today, make your first deposit and bet on your favourite competitions, teams, and players. But did you know Gamblr is also the home of exciting online casino gaming? Players can play the latest big-name slots with eye-catching jackpots or try their luck on the most popular table games, including roulette.
A major attraction that always draws a crowd and keeps players coming back for more is Gamblr blackjack. Combining skill, strategy and nerves of steel, blackjack appeals to players of all levels and experiences. If you’re a capable blackjack player, you can prove your skills on the casino tab of the Gamblr website and mobile app now.
If you’re open to the idea of learning more about blackjack and learning the ropes, this article is aimed at you. Our online betting writer Frank Monkhouse offers his hints and tips to improve your game. You’ll be playing like a pro in no time.
5 basics of blackjack
Every successful blackjack player has a simple strategy they stick to, allowing them to deal with all eventualities. Knowing what you have and your next move based on the dealer’s hand ensures you remain composed and in control at all times.
- A simple plan that’ll produce more profits than losses is sticking when you have between 12 and 16 in your hand and the dealer’s visible card shows between two and six. You’re now in a good position, with a strong chance that the dealer could go bust trying to better your score.
- When your hand is between 12 and 16, and you can see the dealer has a good upcard, usually a seven or higher, it’s time to consider taking another card. Hitting from this position might seem a tad risky, but it ensures you’re competitive regardless of what the dealer has.
- One hard-and-fast rule shared by some of the best blackjack players is always to split when you’re given a pair of aces or two eights. Splitting aces puts you in an enviable position, having two 11s working in your favour. You now have a solid chance of hitting 21 or getting very close. When sitting with two eights, you can take your chances on a risky 16 or split the pair and hope for a better result.
- Suppose you check your cards and have 11, and the dealer’s card is between a two and a ten. Many struggle with what to do next, and indecision can be costly. It’s a bold idea to then double your stake, but it’s a strategy that could see you win big. Doubling gets you an additional card, ramping up your chances of hitting 21.
- Finally, if you have an ace accompanied by a card with a value of between 2 and 6, hitting or doubling your stake opens up more opportunities. Depending on your next card, you can then count the ace as a one or an eleven, whichever suits you best.
Keep a close eye on your bankroll
Regardless of whether you’re betting on poker, slots, blackjack or your favourite sports, such as English Premier League football, having a bankroll and a budget is essential. Deciding on and sticking to a bankroll automatically increases your chances of making a long-term profit from betting. You must stick to the plan whether you’re winning or losing.
The easiest way to set a budget is to decide how much cash you’re comfortable losing to gambling over the course of a game, day, week, or month. When you have your daily bankroll, divide it by the number of hands you’d like to play. Hopefully, it’s not the case, but if you imagine the gambling gods are against you and you’ll lose most hands, you’ll then have a better idea of your budget.
Lastly, never bet when you are angry, sad, frustrated, or emotional, and don’t adjust your budget to chase losing bets. Remember, above all else, gambling should be fun, or it’s dangerous.
Don’t rely on the safety net
When the stakes are high in a tense blackjack faceoff with the dealer, you may be tempted to use insurance bets, especially when your opposite number has a strong upcard, such as an ace. Statistics show this approach carries a negative expected value over an extended period, such as a year.
Many respected blackjack players and writers believe it’s best to give insurance bets a wide berth altogether. Stick to learning the basics, and you’ll have a readymade solution for whatever comes your way.
Play to learn rather than to win
If you’re new to blackjack or you have some experience, but want to relearn the basics, I’d advise keeping your stakes low in the early days. You can raise the risk as your skills and experience improve, but don’t try to run before you can walk. Play to learn rather than to win. That means if you lose it doesn’t hurt quite as much as you’re only dropping a small amount.
There’s a flipside to keeping your stakes low, and it can undo all your hard work and effort. Some bettors land a winning hand when playing off small stakes and instantly regret not going higher. Instead of being happy with a £20 profit, for example, they’re upset they didn’t pull in a £200 profit. That’s a natural thought process for some, but it can be dangerous and can quickly get out of hand. Make your stakes match your experience.
If you’re a relative newbie, bet small. If you’re building experience, let your stakes reflect that. Only when you’re playing at an expert level should you think about risking big bets.
Play blackjack at Gamblr
Ready to put these lessons to the test? Create an online betting account at Gamblr or log in. Click on the casino tab, select table games, and then hit the blackjack link. There’s classic blackjack and a range of interesting alternatives available to play on your laptop or mobile.
New players joining Gamblr today automatically qualify for a welcome bonus. Make your first deposit up to $5000, and Gamblr will match it with free bet funds. You’ve now doubled your balance and are ready to target a profit.