Rookie Blackjack Mistakes (You’ll Never Make After Reading This)

Everyone is new to blackjack at some point. When you’re just starting out, rookie blackjack mistakes can derail your chances of winning before the game even begins.

It doesn’t matter how experienced you are; almost every player trips over common blackjack mistakes at some stage, whether skipping strategy or forgetting the rules. Land-based casinos won’t give you a crash course on fixing those blunders, but we’ve got your back. Stick with us, and we’ll show you how to master the game while dodging common mistakes.

Money Management

One key aspect of a solid blackjack strategy that many players overlook is bankroll management. You should never play blackjack without a strict plan for your bankroll and bets.

Splitting aces or adding a side bet without considering your bankroll can be costly, regardless of optimal strategy. The rule of thumb is to only bet between 1% and 3% of your bankroll, including side bets. 

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Don’t Chase Losses

We’ve all been there. You’re on a bad luck streak, convinced the next round will turn it around. This is a very expensive mistake that many players make.

Your bankroll is your safety net. Instead of overextending your bets or abandoning strategy, set a loss and a win limit and walk away when you hit them. Avoid side bets or taking insurance to recover, as they often lead to even bigger losses.

Set Win/Loss Limits

You already know you should set a loss limit, but most players don’t realize you should set a win limit, too. Failing to do so is one of the most common blackjack mistakes. After you reach your win limit, get up and take a walk, pet your cat, water your plants, or attempt that weird yoga pose again. The point is that you bow out gracefully as a winner.

Play For Fun

While you can win amazing money in blackjack, the key is to remember to play for fun, not just for profit. When the focus is on a good time rather than a big time, you keep the pressure off and stick to your game plan. Then, practice bankroll management and follow simple blackjack tips to keep your wins steady. Easy does it.

Not Following Basic Blackjack Strategy

Ignoring basic strategy is a fast track to losing in blackjack games. Learning basic strategy is easy; it’s all done for you in a chart. It tells you the correct strategy for every hand so you always make the optimal move – no guessing required. Stick to the techniques that are proven to work.

Dealer’s Up Card

Many players focus on their hand and whether or not they should hit or stand to get closer to 21. While that’s part of it, don’t forget to consider the dealer’s upcard. It has valuable clues. Spotting a weak card, like a 4, 5, or 6, means you should stand with a hard 13, 14, 15, or 16. But if the dealer shows a 10 when you have a soft 17, you should hit.

Think Again About Insurance Bets

The insurance bet seems like a good idea because it’s a chance to recover your original bet if the dealer has a blackjack. However, this side bet favors the house because the odds of the dealer having blackjack are around 4.83%, meaning you lose the insurance bet most of the time. Stick to a basic strategy of regular moves instead of taking insurance, and you’re less likely to lose.

Splitting 10s

Splitting 10s is often considered the worst mistake even experienced players can make. The possibility of getting two twenties might seem enticing, but you already have one 20, and it’s a near-guaranteed win. Unlike splitting aces, which is almost always a good idea when casinos allow it, splitting 10s is a no-no.

Even Money Bets

An even money bet in blackjack is a type of insurance bet where you accept a 1:1 payout if the dealer shows an ace and you have a blackjack. Opting for the usual 3:2 payout instead of even money is mathematically better in the long run, as the dealer will not have blackjack more often than they will.

Not Hitting On A Soft 18

A soft hand is when your hand includes an ace counted as 11. One of the common errors many players make is standing on soft hands like 18. It feels like a good idea because it’s only three away from 21, but this is often a poor hand against a dealer’s strong card, like a 10 or an ace. The correct play is to hit, which improves your chances of winning, especially when the dealer has a 2 through 6.

Copying The Dealer

Some blackjack players assume copying the dealer, like standing on 17 and hitting below, will work in their favor. But remember: blackjack dealers follow rigid rules, not optimal strategy. This approach ignores key factors like your hand strength and the dealer’s upcard. The correct play is to follow a blackjack chart.

Not Understanding The Difference Between Single Deck And Multi-Deck Blackjack

A single-deck game is easier to count cards, and it can have the lowest possible house edge; however, that’s only if the table has a 3:2 payout instead of 6:5. Multi-deck games, like six-deck, eight-deck, or Pontoon 21, often have better rules but a higher house edge.

Understanding the difference between single-deck and double-deck blackjack can significantly improve your odds. 

Choosing The Wrong Table

Picking the right blackjack table is crucial to your strategy, and we’re not only talking about snagging a seat close to the cocktail server. Look for tables with favorable rules, like dealer stands on soft 17, 3:2 payouts, letting you split aces, and having fewer decks to reduce the house edge. Avoid tables with 6:5 payouts or excessive side bets.

3:2 Payouts vs 6:5 Payouts

At a blackjack table, the payout ratio can make or break your game. A 3:2 payout earns you more money with $15 for a $10 bet, while 6:5 only gives $12, increasing the house edge. Always choose blackjack tables with 3:2 payouts. It’s one of the smartest and easiest bets you can make to maximize winnings.

Whether Dealer Stands Or Hits On Soft 17

Whether the dealer stands or hits on a soft 17 greatly impacts the game. If the dealer hits, it increases their chances of improving their hand but also of busting. When dealer rules show they stand on soft 17, it reduces the house edge, and that’s always a good thing.

Improve Your Gameplay At Cafe Casino

Now’s a great time to start using your online blackjack strategies. Before you dive into the real thing, take the time to catch up on blackjack guides and review a chart. Then, sharpen up your skills for free, and that includes other table games, too.

We Have Practice Play On Offer

At Cafe Casino, you can practice blackjack without risking anything. Every variation of blackjack (except at the live casino) can be played in Practice Mode. You receive a “pretend” balance to play in the same setting as Real Play. That way, you can try out your strategies and see how it goes. When you get comfortable, stand up and switch to Real Play.

Most importantly, always snatch up a bonus before diving into a game. Invite a friend to play with you at Cafe Casino, and we’ll hit your account with a cash referral bonus.

If you’ve been making some of these common blackjack mistakes – don’t sweat it. They’re common, which is exactly why we put this guide together! Next time you’re playing blackjack, remember to pick a good table with 3:2 payouts, follow an optimal strategy chart, and tightly manage your bankroll. Would you say we’re splitting hairs here? Nah, we’re splitting hands…just not 10s.

Disclaimer: The information provided in our casino blog posts is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we discuss popular casino strategies and offer tips for various games, please note that no strategy can guarantee a win. Casino games are based on chance, and outcomes are unpredictable. We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and never bet more than they can afford to lose.