Rookie Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and for a good reason – it’s simple to learn but has a lot of depth for experienced players. However, as with any game, getting the hang of it for the first time is not easy. And rookies tend to make some mistakes that can cost them dearly. That’s why we’ll explain some of the most common mistakes made by Blackjack rookies so that you can avoid them and improve your chances of winning.
Hitting and Standing in the Wrong Moment
One of the most common errors made by Blackjack rookies is not knowing when to hit and when to stand. Hitting means taking another card from the dealer, while standing means keeping your hand as it is. The general rule of thumb is that you should hit if you have a hand value of less than 17 and stand if you have a hand value of 17 or more.
However, this rule is not set in stone – experienced Blackjack players will often deviate from it, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a low card (between two and six), you may want to hit even if you have a hand value of 17, as there is a good chance that the dealer will bust. On the other hand, if the dealer’s upcard is an ace, you may want to stand even if you have a value of 16, as there is a good chance that the dealer will get blackjack.
Playing at a 6:5 Table
Another mistake that Blackjack rookies often make is playing at a table with a poor payout. In most casinos, the standard Blackjack payout is three to two – if you bet $100 and get blackjack, you will win $150. However, some casinos have started offering a six to five payout instead. This may not seem like a big difference, but it greatly impacts your chances of winning in the long run.
Splitting 10s
Splitting 10s is also a mistake that rookies tend to make. When you split two cards of the same value, you turn them into two separate hands. This can be a good move if you’re splitting aces (as you will almost always want to hit on each hand), but it’s generally not a good idea to split any other pairs. If you split two tens, for example, you effectively give up the chance to get blackjack (which pays out at three to two).
Taking Insurance
Last but not least, taking insurance is a mistake that rookies should avoid. Insurance is a side bet you can make when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. If the dealer does indeed have blackjack, you will be paid out at two to one – however, if the dealer does not have blackjack, you will lose your insurance bet. Not only that, but taking insurance decreases your chances of winning in the long run, as it is a negative expectation bet.
So there you have it – some of the most common mistakes made by Blackjack rookies. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be well to becoming a successful player. The next time you sit down at a Blackjack table, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll surely give yourself a better chance of winning.
