Blackjack basic strategy provides the optimal play for every possible hand versus the dealer’s upcard. It’s based on mathematically sound principles that maximize your chances of winning. However, many recreational players don’t take the time to learn it. They make emotional decisions that reduce their odds and give away the house edge. Just by following basic strategy, you can reduce the house advantage to under 1%.
Some common basic strategy mistakes include:
- Hitting when the book says to stand
- Standing when the book says to hit
- Splitting improperly
- Not doubling down in advantageous situations
- Misplaying soft hands
Unless you have an eidetic memory, it’s advisable to refer to a basic strategy chart when playing. A little study goes a long way to improving your overall EV.
Taking Insurance
When the dealer’s upcard is an ace, most casinos like LevelUp Casino allow you to make an insurance bet up to half your original wager. If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance pays 2:1 and recoups your initial bet.
However, the house has around an 8% edge on insurance wagers. Even card counters only take insurance in rare +EV situations. As a casual player, you should never take insurance. It’s a bad proposition that will chip away at your bankroll over time.
Chasing Losses
It’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing your losses at the blackjack table. You lose a few hands, so you start betting more aggressively, often straying from basic strategy in hopes of a quick profit. But this is a surefire way to dig yourself into a deeper hole.
When card counting, there are times when you’ll vary your bets based on the count. As a casual player, you should keep your bets consistent regardless of whether you’re winning or losing. Stick to your predetermined bankroll management system. Never chase losses by throwing strategy out the window.
Standing on Hard 17 vs Dealer 10
Many blackjack players mistakenly stand on hard 17 when the dealer’s upcard is a 10 or ace. While the logic seems reasonable on the surface, it’s the wrong play. The dealer will turn over blackjack around 30% of the time with a 10 or ace showing. Standing gives them a free chance to beat you.
Instead, you should hit hard 17 against a dealer 10 or ace. Yes, you might bust. But the odds favor improving your hand and you avoid handing wins to the dealer. Use basic strategy as your guide when deciding whether to hit or stand based on your total and the dealer upcard.
Betting Too Much Per Hand
Managing your bankroll is vital in blackjack if you want to extend your playtime and have a better chance of coming out ahead. A general rule of thumb is to wager no more than 5% of your available bankroll per hand. This allows you to withstand normal variance in results.
Of course, betting $5 when you have $100 is fine according to this guideline. But if you’re playing with a $500 bankroll, $25 bets leave little margin for error. Scale your wagers based on the size of your bankroll or risk running out of money prematurely.
Not Varying Strategies By Table Rules
All blackjack games are not created equal when it comes to the house edge. Table rules like the following impact basic strategy and your expected return:
- Number of decks
- Dealer hits or stands on soft 17
- Double down limitations
- Surrender availability
- Re-splitting aces
For example, standing on hard 17 is correct when the dealer stands on soft 17, but you should hit if the dealer hits soft 17. If double after splits is not allowed, splitting certain hands becomes less profitable. Learn multiple basic strategy charts accounting for different table rules.
Misreading Dealer Upcard
It’s easy to misread the dealer’s upcard when first looking at the blackjack table and make strategy errors accordingly. Their upcard is arguably the most vital piece of information influencing correct basic strategy. An ace should be treated much differently than a 5, for example.
Slow down and double check the dealer’s upcard before deciding your play. If you misread a 4 as a 5, you might stand when the book says to hit. Or hit instead of standing if you confuse a 6 for a 5. One small mistake can drastically impact that hand’s outcome.
Not Learning Card Counting If You Want to Win Long Term
While basic strategy helps minimize the house edge, blackjack still has an inherent casino advantage built into the rules. The only way to overcome it is by counting cards to vary bets and playing efficiency. A 1-2% player edge is achievable with proper card counting and bankroll management.
But keep in mind that precise counts require substantial mental stamina over hours-long sessions. If that sounds unappealing, basic strategy offers a solid framework for casual play. Just don’t expect to beat the house long term by flat betting and not accounting for the cards left in the shoe.
Not Knowing When to Walk Away
All successful blackjack players know when to call it quits, whether card counter or casual player. If you’re having an off night where the cards just aren’t cooperating, you start playing on autopilot or emotions take over sound strategy, consider stopping play.
The cards will be there next time. Protecting your bankroll on unfavorable nights allows you to live and fight another day. Even the best counters have losing sessions. It’s the total long term bottom line that matters, not single playing sessions. Know when to walk away with bankroll intact.
Conclusion
Avoiding common blackjack errors helps reduce the house edge and keeps more money in your pocket. Learn basic strategy for the table rules you face and follow them consistently. Don’t chase losses or increase bets when losing. Only vary strategy if you count cards precisely. Otherwise, flat bet and master the optimal decision for each scenario. With practice, these tips will become second nature and improve your bottom line.