Common Blackjack Mistakes Among Beginners

Online blackjack is one of the best paying casino games to play. It’s fun, simple to play, and the odds are favorable. But to get something out of playing blackjack, gamers must use a perfect strategy. If you don’t have a proper plan in place, you can make a costly mistake that can deplete your bankroll in a heartbeat. So, what are the most common blackjack mistakes to avoid in 2021? Let’s find out!

#1. Choosing a table with unfavorable rules

Some blackjack tables have a set of rules that can make it difficult to scoop a win. Therefore, before going any further, pick a table with the best practices. Avoid paytables with 6:5 payouts and opt for a table with 3:2 or $15 per $10 bet payouts instead. That’s because a table with a 6:5 payout has an increased house advantage of 1.40%. In other words, you’ll only get $12 for a $10 wager. All in all, check the center of the table to know if it offers 6:5 or 3:2 payouts.

#2. Starting with the highest minimum bets

Before choosing a seat and a table, first, find out the minimum bet. This is usually available on the dealer’s right. So, if you’re a greenhorn, look for the lowest stake available. Typically, most blackjack games offer $10-$15 minimum bets, although some can drop as low as $3 or $5. The game plan is to start with those low bets before gradually upping your stakes.

#3. Showing off

It’s easy to get caught up in the vibe and flaunt your bankroll. Some players punch above their weights and make stupid mistakes simply because they want to gamble. Although online blackjack is a very winnable game, remember why you’re playing. Don’t make the mistake of impressing the strangers next to you, as you may end up losing all in an instant. As said earlier, keep the bets at a bare minimum if you’re a beginner.

#4. Not Doubling Down

Knowing when to double down is an intelligent move, especially if there are chances that the following card will push you close to 21. For example, it’s advisable to use the doubling down alternative if the total hand is 11 and the dealer has reasonable chances of hitting on a soft 17 hand. This rule applies to blackjack variants that use the S17 rule. Doubling down can be a winning strategy if the dealer doesn’t have an Ace. So, choose this move if the dealer’s card is a 5 or 6 and your hand total is a 9 or 10.

#5. Taking insurance at the wrong time

Most online casinos offer players insurance when the dealer has an Ace (10 in some games) as the upcard. But although it feels comforting to insure yourself against a dealer’s Ace, the chances that his/her hand is a blackjack is around 9:4. So, what may look like a mouthwatering deal may turn out to be a trick to increase the house advantage. Now you know why veteran blackjack players ignore this option.

#6. Trying to reach 21

By now, you must already know that beating the dealer is a sure way of winning at blackjack. However, most players think that they must reach close to 21 to complete this mission. While this is true to some extent, remember that you’re playing against the dealer instead of the score. For instance, if you have a 12 and the dealer’s up-card is 5, they must draw for a minimum of two cards to get a hard 17. Fortunately, they may bust due to many card combinations.

Conclusion

You’re bound to make several costly mistakes when playing blackjack online. However, learn from the mistakes, whether you’re a pro or a beginner. Look for a blackjack table with favorable rules, know when to double down, stop taking unnecessary insurance, among others. But most importantly, play on trusted and regulated online casinos.