When it comes to casino games, there are few that offer odds as good as Blackjack. The house edge in the classic card game ranges between 1% and 2%, which is incredibly generous. But, according to experts, this house edge can be slashed down to just 0.5%, assuming that you stick to a few basic strategic tips.

Make no mistake, however, advanced Blackjack is not a game for casual players. It requires a fair amount of studying, learning, and making the right move at the right time. In other words; this is not a game for those who aren’t prepared to use their brain.

Here are a few essential tips for those that are new to this excellent puzzle of cards.

Ignore Experts

First and foremost; many out there, including friends and family, may claim to know how to play. Indeed, they might have a few interesting insights. But the simple fact of the matter is this; you need to learn how to play the right way.

This means paying attention to what really matters, ignoring superstitions and other poorly thought out guides, and sticking to what really works. There are many ‘experts’ out there who claim to know a secret trick to success, but there really is only one secret to success; understanding the game.

The Basics

Firstly, understand the most integral aspect of Blackjack. The goal of the game is to get closer to 21 than the dealer, it is not to get as close to 21 as possible. This means that if you stand on 13, and the dealer goes bust, you win. Simply chasing 21 is an almost certain road to bankruptcy.

In order to get a good idea of where the dealer is in terms of a good hand, there is always a face up card dealt to the house. This face up card gives extremely important clues as to what may occur once the face down card is revealed. In fact, winning is largely determined by the dealer’s face up card, and the potential that it holds.

Make no mistake, however, Blackjack is still a game of incomplete information. This means that a certain amount of losing is inevitable.

Memorise The Right Decisions

As far as Blackjack is concerned, it simply comes down to making the right move at the right time. This, in a nutshell, means memorising potential hands, and acting accordingly.

Yes, this requires a certain amount of effort, and not everyone is up to the task. But as is largely accepted, there is no payoff for zero effort. Here are a few key pointers to get started with.

• It is best to hit on A-6
• Double the bet on an 11 versus the dealer’s 2-10
• Stand on 12-16, when the dealer has 2-6.
• Split Aces and 8s
• Hit on 12-16, when the dealer has 7-A

Of course, memorising the right move and understanding why the move is made are different things. Level of investment is a personal choice.