Mistakes New Players Should Avoid with Basic Strategy
Lesson description
Basic strategy helps you play smarter but its advice can sometimes jar with your intuition. Mr Blackjack reveals the most common mistakes players make when learning basic strategy.
What this lesson covers
- Scenarios when inexperience makes you ignore basic strategy
- False tricks some blackjack players promote
- Bad betting habits players should avoid
Episodes
FAQs
Is blackjack based on luck or skill?
The answer is both. You can’t control when you have a hot or cold streak, but you can decide to play games with favorable blackjack rules. You can also apply skills like card counting to your game.
I’ve heard strategy mistakes can upset other players at the blackjack table. Is this true?
Some players claim rookies’ strategy errors cause them to lose money in blackjack. In the long run it has little difference on a player’s expected value, plus their behavior goes against blackjack etiquette.
Why do most people lose in blackjack?
Most people lose because they do not apply basic strategy and card counting to their gameplay. If you’re serious about becoming an advantage player, you need to learn these skills before you can progress to advanced topics, such as blackjack deviations.
Why shouldn’t I trust my gut feeling in blackjack?
Part of a gut feeling is based on past experience. If you are a new player with limited experience using basic strategy in blackjack, then you can find yourself making decisions that are not based on the math.
Is there any occasion when I should make a Hail Mary bet?
Some players will make Hail Mary-style wagers when they’re down to their last dollar. If you can afford to lose the money and are playing to have fun, then these bets can be exciting. However, we’d never recommend players use this approach as a serious strategy to win at blackjack.
What if I never bust in blackjack?
If you avoid busting on any hand in blackjack, you will find yourself wagering on weak hands that are unlikely to win. Basic strategy highlights the opportune moments when busting is worth the risk.
I’ve heard of ‘no bust’ blackjack strategy. Does it work?
Essentially, no bust strategy tells players to hit on hands under 11 and stand on hands worth 12 or more. That way, you never bust. It’s appeal lies with its simplicity for new players. We do not recommend players use this strategy, as it doesn’t take the dealer’s up-card into account.
