Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games due to its low house edge and the element of skill involved. By using mathematically proven techniques, it’s possible for knowledgeable players to gain an advantage over the casino and consistently win money over the long run. This guide will provide everything you need to know to beat the odds when playing real money online blackjack at such casinos as Kingmaker.
Learn Perfect Basic Strategy
The first key to winning at blackjack is to memorize the perfect basic strategy. This refers to the mathematically optimal playing decisions for every possible hand combination based on the dealer’s upcard. By following a basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge to around 0.5% in a typical blackjack game.
To learn basic strategy, start by printing out a basic strategy chart and keeping it next to you when you play online. Refer to it for every decision until the correct plays become second nature. You’ll need to learn different charts for different blackjack rule variations.
Some key basic strategy tips:
- Always stand on hard 17 or higher
- Double down on 10 or 11 vs. dealer upcards 2-9
- Split 8s and aces, never split 5s or 10s
A perfect basic strategy combined with some of the other tips below will give you your best shot at beating the online casinos.
Count Cards to Gain an Edge
If you take the time to learn card counting, you can actually gain a mathematical edge over the casino in certain online blackjack games. This means over time, you would expect to win more money than you lose.
Card counting involves keeping a mental tally of the high and low cards dealt from the shoe. When there are more high cards remaining, the player has an advantage. You can then bet more during these profitable situations.
The key things you need to count cards successfully:
- Learn a simple +/- card counting system like Hi-Lo
- Practice counting through decks until it becomes second nature
- Vary your bets between table minimum and maximum based on the count
- Have enough bankroll to withstand variance
By raising your bets in player-favorable counts, your wins will outweigh losses over the long run. Just be sure to learn proper count strategies for the specific rules of each blackjack variant.
Manage Your Bankroll and Casino Bonuses
Since blackjack involves a large element of chance in the short run, you need to manage your bankroll wisely. Set aside a dedicated amount for playing (such as $1,000) and bet small percentages of this per session (1-5%).
You can boost your bankroll further by taking advantage of online casino bonuses when signing up. Just make sure to read the bonus terms to understand wagering requirements before playing.
Other bankroll tips:
- Set win/loss limits for each session
- Have a stop-loss amount where you quit for the day
- Withdraw profits frequently
- Use blackjack side bets sparingly
By managing your money properly, you’ll be able to weather potential losing streaks until the odds work back in your favor.
Find Favorable Game Rules and Variants
Not all online new slot games are created equal. Subtle differences in the rules and payouts can significantly impact the house edge. Seek out games offering rules like:
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double down allowed after splits
- Blackjack pays 3:2 (avoid 6:5)
- Surrender option
You’ll also want to know the number of decks used, as fewer decks makes card counting more profitable.
Certain blackjack variant games also tilt the odds back toward the player:
- Single deck blackjack
- Double exposure blackjack
- Spanish 21
Do your research to find the online casinos offering the most favorable blackjack rules and variants. This will maximize your potential winnings.
Bottom Line
Mastering the skill of blackjack takes time and discipline. But for players willing to learn the proven winning strategies, it’s possible to overcome the house edge. By combining basic strategy, card counting, bankroll management and finding good rules, you can put yourself in a position to consistently beat online casinos. Just don’t get reckless when you have an edge, as the variance can swing the other way too. Stick to the proper techniques outlined here and over time, the odds will work in your favor.
