Live Blackjack Strategy and Tips

Samuel Kiprop
Written bySamuel KipropWriter
Fact checked byClara McKenzieFact Checker

Like most other casino games, live blackjack is a game that relies a lot on luck. No matter how much of an expert you are at playing live blackjack, if you are having a bad day, you might end up losing every game you play that day.

With that said, you should always try to make use of strategies that improve your chances of winning. If you play a game of Blackjack willy-nilly without thinking about your moves, you will definitely lose more often. To help you with that, here is our take on the best strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning at live blackjack.

Live Blackjack Strategy and Tips

Follow the Basic Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack is one of the most popular gambling games. You may have seen blackjack being played in a movie or somewhere else on TV. If you have seen a game of Blackjack on TV or in person at a casino, you might have noticed that it is a relatively fast game.

Each player on the blackjack table might seem to know their next move, and they execute without thinking twice about it. There is a reason for this speed. Players actually know what their next move is because they follow the "basic Blackjack strategy."

The basic Blackjack strategy is a mathematical strategy that spits out your move based on what your hand is and what the up-card of the dealer is. Many people consider Blackjack a "solved" game because of this strategy. Despite that, a ton of players make the mistake of completely ignoring this strategy.

If you want to improve your chances of winning, you must follow the basic Blackjack strategy. The strategy is based on math. You can not go wrong with it, nor is there a better or simpler strategy. Take your time to learn the basic Blackjack strategy (It's not that difficult) and use it in your next game of Live Blackjack.

The Blackjack Cheat Sheet

While the basic blackjack strategy is simple to understand, it is hard to memorize. The basic blackjack strategy requires you to perform certain moves based on the cards you have and the dealer's card. However, each combination of your cards and the dealer's up-card has a different move according to the strategy. It is not easy to remember all of those combinations.

The good news is that you can get access to a cheat sheet. This cheat sheet tells you the precise moves you must use in a game of blackjack. All you have to do is find your cards and the dealer's card on the sheet and see what move is suggested for that particular combination.

Opening a Cheat Sheet During a Game of Blackjack

What you would be surprised to learn is that even physical casinos allow players to bring a cheat sheet with them and then use it while playing blackjack. Some may not allow it, but it's a small minority.

If you are having trouble memorizing the basic Blackjack strategy, you can always pull up an image from the cheat sheet in a new window right next to the browser window you are playing a game of Live Blackjack on. With a cheat sheet next to you, you will significantly improve your chances of winning.

Establish Betting Boundaries

It's essential for players of all levels, from novices to seasoned experts, to establish daily betting limits. Practicing moderation in wagering is a vital tactic in all casino games, including blackjack. Adhering to the specific bankroll and bet units you've predetermined before starting your blackjack session is fundamental for achieving success, both in immediate gameplay and over the long term.

Stay Focused on the Cards & the Table

When you play a game of blackjack, you have two key pieces of information at your disposal. It includes the two cards you are holding in your hand and the up-card in the hands of the dealer. All other cards and information stay hidden from you. However, those two pieces of information are precisely what the basic blackjack strategy is based on.

If you have looked at the basic blackjack strategy, you probably know how important it is to keep an eye on your cards and the up card. It is also important to keep an eye on the table. However, it is surprisingly common for people to take their eyes off both of those things.

While playing live blackjack, keep your attention on the cards and the table. It is not only required for you to use the basic blackjack strategy, but you will have much better odds of winning than if you don't pay attention to the game.

Find the Best Table

When you enter an online live casino and search for live blackjack, you will see a ton of games (tables) available for you to choose from. The best part is that you don't have to look around like you would need to at an actual casino. All you need to do is scroll a bit, and you will find other live blackjack games.

The thing about different tables for live blackjack at an online casino is that they will have different rules most of the time. One of the most important rules you need to look into is the house odds or the payouts. Most Live Blackjack games offer payouts of 3:2. However, some tables have payouts of 6:5.

To the untrained eye, the odds of 6:5 might seem great because 6 is a larger number than 3. However, the odds of 3:2 will give you $300 for betting $200 and winning or $750 for betting $500. On the other hand, odds of 6:5 will get you only $600 for winning and betting $500. While playing Live Blackjack, you should always look for tables with the best payouts.

Avoid Tables with Gimmicks

It is clear that tables for live blackjack at an online casino have different rules. Another thing you should know is that tables have unique gimmicks as well to attract players. For example, one of the most popular gimmicks you will see at Live Blackjack tables is that they show both the cards that the dealer has.

You might be thinking that gimmicks would be great for players. Since you get to see all the dealer's cards, you should have an advantage. However, the problem with these gimmicks is that while they do appear to provide you with some advantage, they compensate by changing some other rules of the game which you probably won't notice while joining the game. For this reason, if you want to get better results from a game of Live Blackjack, avoid the tables that have gimmicks.

Keep Your Head Clear

When your money is on the line, the levels of stress are higher than if your money wasn't on the line. You are much more careful in your decisions. However, a mistake that a lot of people make in these situations is that they start to overthink stuff. If you are playing a game like Blackjack, where intense focus is required, overthinking is not something that will help you.

When you start overthinking, you start making decisions that don't seem rational. You think of multiple unnecessary possibilities despite the decision being very clear. If you want to improve your chances of winning a Live Blackjack game, you should always enter the game with a clear head. If you start to overthink everything, you will reduce your chances of winning.

Avoid Side Bets

A lot of times, certain Live Blackjack tables will offer some extra bets you can place. Some of the most common side bets include Lucky Ladies, Super Sevens, and Insurance. The thing about these side bets is that they usually offer some insane returns. However, this is a blatant red flag suggesting that the probability of you winning these side bets is quite slim.

When you place a wager on top of the bets you are making while playing Live Blackjack, you are actually reducing the overall probability of the game resulting in a positive outcome for you.

For example, getting heads on one coin might be easy because it's a fifty-fifty chance. However, getting heads on two coins is a completely different story. If you want to improve your chances of getting a positive outcome from a game of Live Blackjack, always avoid side bets.

Avoid Placing Insurance Bets

Insurance bets in blackjack, placed on the possibility of the dealer having blackjack, are typically not recommended. This side bet, amounting to half of your original wager, only pays off if the dealer's hand is a blackjack (an ace and a ten). Winning an insurance bet simply means you break even, recovering your initial bet without any extra profit. Due to the significant house edge associated with insurance bets, it is often advised to steer clear of them altogether. The optimal strategy usually involves not placing an insurance bet at all.

Make Smart Decisions on Hand Splitting

In blackjack, players can split their hands to form additional ones, a decision that requires careful consideration. The rule of thumb is to always split Aces and 8s, while other pairs should be split based on the specific situation at hand.

For instance, it's generally unwise to split a pair of 10s, as their combined total of 20 already positions you strongly to win. Conversely, splitting a pair of Aces is highly recommended due to the increased flexibility and potential for better hands this move provides.

Avoid Distractions

Currently, casinos have tons of distractions you have to deal with. Other games of Blackjack or Roulette might be running near you, or distracting music might be playing inside the casino. Maybe a sports game might be running on the TV. The benefit of Live Blackjack is that you don't have to deal with any of that.

However, a lot of people play Live Blackjack while sitting in a busy location. If you do that, then you will have to deal with the same, if not more, amount of distractions that you would have dealt with while playing in an actual casino.

These distractions can influence your decisions a lot, which may lead you to making some moves that cost you the entire game. Always make sure that you are playing Live Blackjack in a place with the least amount of distractions.

About the author
Samuel Kiprop
Samuel Kiprop
About

Born in Nairobi, Samuel Kiprop expertly marries the world of online casinos with the pulse of Kenyan life. Fusing urban flair with cultural wisdom, he's a name to know in East African digital gaming.

Send mail
More posts by Samuel Kiprop
All About Online Live Blackjack Dealers

All About Online Live Blackjack Dealers

If you love playing blackjack online, you have probably heard of live dealer tables. Those tables are perfect if you want to play a more realistic version of the game, instead of the robotic ones that are offered in the regular casino section.

Card Counting in Online Live Blackjack

Card Counting in Online Live Blackjack

Blackjack was and will remain one of the most played card games in both online and physical casinos. When playing blackjack, you should be lucky enough to get the best cards and win as much as possible. But you can increase your chances of winning by having a good strategy.

Do $1 Blackjack Tables Exist At Live Online Casino Sites?

Do $1 Blackjack Tables Exist At Live Online Casino Sites?

Blackjack has always been a star at casino tables, and its charm hasn't faded in the online world, especially in live dealer formats. As players seek the thrill of this classic game from the comfort of their homes, a question often arises: Are there $1 blackjack tables at live online casinos? This affordable stake level could be a game-changer for many enthusiasts. In this article, we discover whether these budget-friendly tables exist and how they compare to their higher-stakes counterparts. Join us as we explore the realms of online blackjack, where strategy meets luck at the turn of a card.

How to Play Soft 17 in Online Live Dealer Blackjack

How to Play Soft 17 in Online Live Dealer Blackjack

If you’re a seasoned casino player, then blackjack soft 17 is not an unknown term to you. Usually, players are confused between standing, hitting, and doubling down when they encounter this hand. So, this guidepost explains this blackjack strategy in detail and how to play it accurately.

Live Dealer Blackjack Money Management Skills

Live Dealer Blackjack Money Management Skills

Whether on land-based casinos or live online casinos, blackjack is indeed one of the most loved games. While some play it due to the excellent payout, others love it because of the entertaining gameplay and pressure from other players.

Live Slots vs. Live Blackjack - Which One is Better

Live Slots vs. Live Blackjack - Which One is Better

Have you ever questioned which game is better, between live slots and live blackjack, aside from the fact that live casinos are superior to land-based casinos? We can't tell which game is superior just now, so let's first talk in-depth about each of the game's pros and cons.

Myths about Online Live Blackjack That Need to Be Disproved

Myths about Online Live Blackjack That Need to Be Disproved

Live blackjack, with its blend of skill and chance, has become a cornerstone of the online live casino world. Its allure not only lies in the potential for big wins but also in the thrill and strategic depth it offers. However, as with any popular game, blackjack is shrouded in a cloud of myths and misconceptions. These range from beliefs about the game being rigged to misconceptions about card counting and the influence of new players. This article aims to dispel these myths, shedding light on the reality of online live blackjack, and providing players with a clearer understanding of what to expect at the virtual tables.

Online Live Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Online Live Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Blackjack is one of the most played card games on a global scale. Nowadays, with the growth of online casinos, you can enjoy blackjack using your desktop computer or even smartphone.

Online Live Blackjack vs. Traditional Blackjack

Online Live Blackjack vs. Traditional Blackjack

Over the past few years, live online casinos have become the new normal among online betting lovers on a global scope. But still, there are some of you who like playing in land-based casinos.

Private Blackjack

Private Blackjack

In the dynamic world of online gambling, private blackjack in live casinos has emerged as a distinguished experience, offering a blend of personalized interaction, exclusivity, and the classic allure of blackjack. As online gaming continues to mirror and sometimes surpass the excitement of physical casinos, private blackjack stands out for its tailored approach, catering to players who seek a more intimate and refined gaming environment. This article explores the nuances of private blackjack, a niche yet increasingly popular facet in the online casino landscape, appealing especially to those who value privacy, high stakes, and personalized gaming experiences.

The Pros & Cons of Online Live Blackjack

The Pros & Cons of Online Live Blackjack

Every gambling lover is aware of the fact that blackjack has one of the best odds of all casino games. If you implement a strategy for this game, you can even get a slight edge over the casino.