Many Canadian players immediately start learning the ins and outs of Basic Strategy when they want to play blackjack. However, there are plenty of little blackjack tips and tricks that you should pick up before you start diving into complicated blackjack strategies. On this page, CanadaOnlineCasinos.com will take a look at some of the more straightforward and easy to grasp tips and tricks that should become familiar with before you wager real money on blackjack at Canadian online casino sites.
Before You Begin
It is important that before you begin playing blackjack for real money, that you have a sound grasp of the basics. Playing the game for free is an excellent way to get started. Once you understand how standing, hitting, doubling down, and splitting works, you have enough of a base knowledge level to start moving on to the other crucial elements.
These can include learning how to manage your bankroll, knowing when to quit, and how to identify the perks in each different blackjack variant. Only once you have a good understanding of these basic concepts should you consider making the jump to learning the elementary tips and tricks displayed on this page.
We will assume that you already know the ins and outs of basic blackjack, so let’s move on…
Top Blackjack Tips and Tricks
Unlike Basic Strategy, Conservative Strategy or betting systems like the Martingale, or Reverse Martingale, none of the information below forms any one strategy. Instead, they are a collection of tips and tricks that you should try and incorporate into your game. These are the most basic blackjack tips and tricks that you should familiarise yourself with…
- Avoid 6:5 payouts: Try to avoid playing blackjack games which have a 6:5 payout. Games which pay 3:2 is more beneficial to players, even if it does feature more decks.
- Fewer decks: If you can find a blackjack game which pays 3:2, then the fewer decks it has, the better. If you find two or more games with the same rules, but different decks, opt for the game with fewer decks.
- Favourable rules: Ultimately, you want to find a game which has favourable rules, or as close to that as possible. Games where the blackjack dealer must stand on a Soft 17 are ideal, and if you play with 6 to 8 decks, it won’t hurt to play a game which offers the Surrender rule.
- Avoid Insurance bets: Never take an insurance bet. It may be tempting, but don’t do it. There is just a 30.8% chance of the dealer having blackjack, so it is not worth it. This goes doubly if you are playing with a blackjack strategy.
- Do’s and don’ts: If the dealer has a 5 or 6 on display, they are likely to avoid going bust, so avoid doing anything silly here. Moreover, don’t stand on your own Soft 17s. This is a hand which cannot bust, so you may as well double or hit.
- About surrendering: While handy in 6-8 deck games, it is important that you don’t overuse the Surrender option. Surrender in blackjack when you have 16, and the dealer has a 9, 10 or ace on show, or surrender a 15-point hand if the dealer has a ten on display. Otherwise, there is little point overusing it.
- Never double 4s: If you have a pair of 4s, it is not worth doubling it. Hit if the dealer has a 5 or 6, otherwise split, but there is no reason to double a pair of 4s.
- Avoid going all-in: Again, this is tempting, but you should always have reserves to split or double down if you get a favourable hand. Imagine your horror if you pile in all your chips, only to be dealt a pair of aces. Always leave yourself some wiggle room.
- Stick to your strategy: If you have committed to a strategy (especially a betting strategy or Basic Strategy) do not tinker with it. Stick to your plan, or you could really mess things up.
Why You Should and Should Not Blackjack Tips and Tricks
Some Canadian players find blackjack tips and tricks useful, and some don’t. Here are two reasons apiece for why you should and shouldn’t put much stock in tips and tricks.
Reasons to Use the Blackjack Tips and Tricks
- They can often be used alongside Basic Strategy
- You can use as many or as few of these tips/tricks as you like
Reasons to Avoid Blackjack Tips and Tricks
- Tips may be specific for one blackjack variant and not useful in another
- It is easier to forget some tips and tricks than to forget a proper strategy
Should I Use These Blackjack Tips and Tricks to Play Online?
Ultimately, it is your choice whether you find blackjack tips and tricks useful to use in your game. However, you may want to memorise them and study them. This way, if you find no use for them when betting on blackjack at Canadian casinos, you don’t need to use them. However, if you stumble across an occasion when they may be useful, you will at least know how to take full advantage of them in that situation.
