Tips For Casino Blackjack Play

Tip 1:  Distractions

When you walk onto the casino floor to begin your gambling session, it is important to keep your perspective.  The flashing lights, the cornucopia of colors and the incessant sound of the slot machines mesmerize many gamblers.  This is what the casinos want.  Don’t fall for it.  Stay cool and keep a clear head.

Walk around the casino floor for five or 10 minutes before sitting down to play.  Mentally review your objectives for this gambling session while you observe the games and the gamblers.

Tip 2:  Table Selection

For most gamblers, this is an ad hoc decision.  They choose the first table they come to with an open seat or space and which offers a minimum bet they are comfortable with.  But the table selection decision is an important factor in your chances of ending up a winner in this session.  I recommend reading and studying and using the tips below.

Our TARGET 21 Winning Blackjack Course contains 21 logical factors that point to winning tables.  The most important of these is evidence of the players winning like stacks of chips in front of them.

For example if you’re evaluating a $5 minimum game for table entry and notice players’ chip stacks that appear to exceed the average buy-in of $100, this is a good sign if you estimate the majority of players to exceed the average buy-in.

Another good sign is a majority of players betting more than the table minimum bet.  Most players increase their bet when they are winning.

This winning activity may be created by a non-random shuffle, which engenders winning cycles for both the players and the dealer.

Tip 3:  Table Entry

Picture yourself sauntering through the blackjack pits casually observing the tables, the players and the chips on the table.

All of a sudden you notice a table with multiple stacks of chips in front of the players, everyone betting in multiple units, players tipping the dealer, the dealer’s chip rack with a lot of open space, and the players applauding a dealer breaking hand.

What do you do?  Run, do not walk, and grab any open seat at this table.  You are probably entering the best of all games – a Dealer-breaking Table!

Although these tables occur infrequently, you should always be on the lookout for them.  In normal games, the dealers will break about 28% of the time.  In Dealer-breaking tables, I have seen dealers break 50 to 75% of the hands throughout the entire shoe.

These games are called “dumping tables” by casino personnel and for good reason – the dealer is dumping chips to the players!

Perhaps you have experienced the pleasure of playing in “home run” tables like this one.  The clue when searching for these winning games is CHIPS:  chips in front of the players, in the betting circle, players tipping the dealer, and open space on the Dealer’s chip tray.

It is beyond the scope of this report to explain why player winning cycles such as these occur at the blackjack tables, but I can refer you to Chapter 6 in my book Casino Gambling.

Tip 4:  Tables to Avoid

Just as you are drawn to tables at which “the Christmas Tree Lights are flashing,” take care to avoid the obvious losing table where players exhibit few chips, are making single-chip bets, and exude a morose attitude.

You will find more table selection factors in both of my books and all 21 in the TARGET 21 DVD Course.

For further information, read  Blackjack’s Winning Factors on Page 73 in Casino Gambling – a description of four important factors that indicate winning activity and, thus, the possibility of your winning in this game.

In my book Blackjack: A Winner’s Handbook, on page 158 you will find an interesting idea for playing and winning in a shoe game with an automatic shuffling machine.

Tip 5:  Basic Strategy

OK, you’re in the game, now you’ve got a decision to make on each and every blackjack hand:  hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or take insurance if the dealer shows an ace.

These decisions, giving the players some control over the outcome of their hands, is what makes blackjack one of the most exciting and popular casino table games.

There is a mathematically correct way to make each of these decisions; it’s called Basic Strategy.

You can learn the basic strategy for playing each hand against any dealer up card in either of my books – Blackjack: A Winner’s Handbook and Casino Gambling.  Each contain decision tables for hitting your hand, standing, doubling your bet and taking just one more card, and splitting a pair of like cards and playing two hands.

Use the learning drills, memory aids, and practice drills in Blackjack: A Winner’s Handbook to learn basic strategy and become a smart player.  Basic Strategy reduces the house odds down to about 1% instead of the 5 or 6% you would otherwise confront.

Tip 6:  Regarding the Insurance Decision

Any time the dealer shows an ace, insurance is offered – you can bet up to half of the bet on your hand that the dealers has the blackjack or the 10-value card as the hole card.  If the dealer has the blackjack, you are paid 2-to-1 on your insurance bet with the dealer picking up the losing bet on your hand or giving it back to you for the insurance pay off.  If the dealer does not have the blackjack, you lose the insurance bet.

I do not recommend taking insurance unless you have a blackjack, in which case you get paid 1-to-1 either way – if the dealer has a blackjack, you push on your hand and get paid on the insurance bet; if the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet but get paid on your blackjack.

If you wish to make the best percentage play, do not take insurance on the blackjack

In 1962 Edward Thorp this time using computer technologies calculate and published in his book Beat The Dealer not only the basic strategy of playing but also card counting. Thorp states that blackjack differs from roulette, craps and other games of luck, the result of every hand in blackjack depends on the previous dealing – it really matters which cards drew back form the game and which remained in the pack. Most of the stuff calculated by Thorp is still precise, but all the serious modern gamblers should read this book only for historical interest.

Thorp’s system called “10 count system” was meant for one pack game which enjoyed great success in all casinos of Nevada. It was extremely difficult for learning, so most of the gamblers gave it up. However, Nevada’s casinos restricted some rules, for example, doubling down only on 11 points. The media told the whole world about it, and Thorp with his book became known all over the world and the casinos that showed themselves to disadvantage had to return former rules. Realizing that under such circumstances crowds card counters would be trying to beat the house, operators of gambling houses introduced two procedures – shuffling after withdrawal of the trim card and multi-packed games.

Thorp’s systems was very difficult to use in practice. But for the computer conference in Las Vegas in 1963, the game would remain on the same level. On a whim, the conference organizers decided to include a Panel Session on “Using Computers in Games of Chance and Skill.” It was just a whim of the organizers to include a section “Using computers in games of chance and skill”. Thorp was designated as Chairman of the Panel and experts on the various casino games, including blackjack, roulette and baccarat. The room filled up and overflowed with computer gamblers. Hundreds of conference attendees were pushing and shoving to get into the room.

The crowd, of course, had been drawn by Thorp. They were expecting revelations on the game and anticipated using his imparted wisdom immediately following the session to make a killing at the blackjack tables.

After one or two more presentations that mainly corrected and modified Thorp’s system, Harvey Dubner was introduced. He described the approach. Dubner kept a count of remaining high cards (10,J,Q,K,A) and low cards (2,3,4,5,6) as the cards were played and divided its difference by total cards left to play. He called the result the High-Low Ratio. His presentation was enthusiastically received by the standing room only crowd and he was given a round of applause at its conclusion. Here at last, many were saying, is a system that is practical, that can actually be used in the real world of casino play. Thorp incorporated “high-low” system into the second edition of Beat the Dealer published in 1966 and since then over 100 professional books on blackjack, team games, hidden computers, shuffle tracking and sleepless nights for casino securities all over the world.

Edge Ticket – This describes a ticket where all of the numbers marked are on the edge of the ticket.

Exacta — A keno ticket that is good for two games, sometimes offering a special bonus payout on certain numbers or outcomes.

Free Play — A keno ticket that gives you the chance to play again rather than a cash payoff if you win a certain kind of selected play.

Group — A collection of spots that are circled on a ticket.

Hit — A number marked on a ticket matching that of a drawn number.

Inside Ticket — This is the name for a ticket that has been marked by the player and turned into the Keno window. The ticket is “inside” while the player is waiting for the verified computer print out of his or her selected numbers.

Jackpot — The amount of “bonus” money, that is paid off as the top prize in a progressive game of keno.

Keno Board — Also known as the “Big Board,” it is the display that shows the numbers drawn for each game of keno. It can be found in various locations in the casino such as the keno lounge, the casino, lobby, bars and anywhere else that players might be found.

Keno Lounge — This is a centralized area where participants can sit, relax and watch the casino’s computer or apparatus divine the winning numbers. games. In the lounge you will find all the necessary things that you need to play the games such as brochures, blank keno tickets and crayons.

Keno Writer – This is the nickname the “clerk” who accepts the wagers, pays off the winners, prints the tickets, and interacts with the customers and the keno runners.

King — One single number that is circled on a keno ticket.

Left-Right Ticket — A ticket where the player bets on whether numbers drawn will be on the left side or right side of the ticket.

Multi Game Keno Ticket – This is a ticket, which can be used for a number of keno games, sometimes as many as a thousand.

Paybook — This is a brochure that explains the rules of the games as well as the casino’s payout structure. It is usually found in the keno lounge or at the keno windows and counters.

Payoff — The amount of money a player gets paid when he wins.

Pay Table — A printed or posted schedule detailing the payoffs for each individual winning scenario.

Progressive — A game where the top prize is not automatically won at the conclusion of each game, but instead continues to increase in value until that ultimate prize is won.

Quick Pick — A ticket where the player chooses the option of having the casino’s computer generate the selection of numbers, as opposed to the player himself making those selections manually.

Random Number Generator – A program designed to select numbers at random for a keno game.

RNG Game — A keno game that uses a random number generator to draw the numbers.

Runner — An employee that picks up wagers and pays winnings to people who are sitting in areas of the casino other than the keno lounge.

Spot – A number that is marked by the player on a ticket.

Top-Bottom Ticket — Type of ticket where the player bets on the top 40 numbers or bottom 40, and gets paid depending on how many of them hit.

Video Keno — Keno, which is played on an electronic machine, and is governed by a random number generator.

Wager — The amount the player decides to put at risk in a keno game.

Way — Another method of betting on a keno ticket, usually the product of grouping two or more numbers or spots on a combination ticket.

Way Ticket — A ticket, which allows for many different wagers – groups or combinations of numbers – creating a number of different “ways” a player can win.

Well, the great thing about casinos especially the real ones is that they mix money with other forms of luxury and amusement. At least, you can divert your attention to many other things just in case you need to get over your losses. You may not win the game, but you can experience the casino lifestyle even if it is only for a few days or hours. Yes! Your casino experience can burn out only in a few hours if things get wrong or luck is against you. In Casino Gambling, you can turn into a millionaire or a bum in an instant. Of course, it’s a different thing when you have gambled more than the money you can afford. In that case, it will be too difficult for you to forget or run away. Not even a luxurious and thrilling experience can take away such a nightmare. That’s why you need to control your gambling.

It is understood that most people would like to win the jackpot. You want the pot of cash, right? The truth in Casino Gambling though is that not all are able to win the money. A casino whether real or online is where the wealthy and poor mix together. It is where people end up as either winners or losers. It is where you can turn yourself into an instant millionaire or someone poorer than your current status. In order to boost your chances of winning, you definitely should know the rules of the game.

In Casino Gambling, your key to winning the entire game is discipline. In other words, control, control, and control. You should always keep this important factor in mind. Whether you are playing in a real casino or simply inside your home, you should know when to stop. Discipline keeps you ahead in any game. Of course, the task is more difficult when you are in a real casino since you can be carried away by the flow of excitement. Needless to say, the same control is needed whether you are gambling inside or outside your home. If you’re losing the game, don’t attempt to recover your losses by trying out other games. This is a risky option and it doesn’t work most of the time. When you start to feel and think it’s time to stop, then decide to stop immediately. Casino Gambling is certainly fun, but don’t be caught up by its allure. If you want to play more, then you need to save again before you go for the next game.

If you are a fan of video slots then this section is a great place to get some free playing tips and strategies to increase your playing time and stretch your bankroll further. With more and more video reel based games being released each year it is clear that video slots are the future of slot gaming.

Tip 1 : Before You Play

Rather than just sitting down, inserting some cash and hitting max bet we highly recommend spending a few minutes becoming familiar with the machine you are about to play. You can do this by reading the pay table or pressing the “Help” button that appears on most modern day games. The help screen or pay table will show you if max bet is required for the bonus games and other important info.

Tip 2 : Play Max Lines

Seeing as all video slots have at least five lines we suggest that you always play max lines. There is nothing more annoying and disappointing to line up a big winning combination on a line you did not bet on. Saving a few cents on playing less than maximum lines can be a costly error.

Tip 3 : Do you need to play Max Bet?

There is a key difference between max bet and max lines. Most modern day games allow you to bet more than one coin per line. This can quickly add up to some serious money even at the penny coin size. For example a 20 line penny slot that allows 25 coins per line costs $5 per max bet spin (20×25=500). Unless there is a reason to play max bet you often don’t need to.

Tip 4 : Don’t chase the bonus features

With most new games offering some kind of bonus game it is important to not chase the features. While may games offer huge pay outs on the bonus rounds they are also designed to keep you playing longer in the hope of reaching the bonus. I have seen many players lose a nice bankroll because they decide they will play until just one more feature hits.

Tip 5 : Its all about having fun

The whole purpose of video slot machines is to increase the ways you can be entertained by playing. All of the great animations and flashing lights are in place to make the games fun to play but also to keep you playing. Remember that all slot machines have a payout percentage of less than 100% so over the long term it is unlikely that you will be ahead. The key is to get as much fun as possible for the least amount of money

The house edge percentage reaches the amount of 5.26% and for one specific bet this value is of 7.29%, which is very high. The above mentioned betting types include six inside bets (red, black and green areas), and five outside bets (the white areas). One of the main strategies you need to take into consideration is that the roulette wheels with single zero are more advantageous than those with double zero, where the house edge is higher. The particular Roulette strategies serve for giving a piece of advice regarding the methods which should be followed in order to increase your odds of winning, so that you can set the most appropriate limits for win and loss. One of the oldest and most popular betting systems is the ‘Martingale’ or doubling-up system. However, many gamblers make a mistake by applying this betting option.

This type of wagering is a risky one, as it work in such a way that the gambler starts with one bet and if he wins, he starts it over with another one. But, in case he loses, he always doubles his last lost bet. In addition, when the player wins, all of his lost bets are recovered, plus he will also benefit of one extra chip. Using the Martingale system is at your own risk, as it may happen that you run out of money or reach the house limit and then you can lose your money for good and never recover your losses. Above this, another strategy you can apply is the one that rolls around the bankroll management. For instance, a player starts betting with the amount of $100. In order to save his placed bet, he defines a $100 loss limit, which is his full bankroll in the same time. This means that in case the player looses, he cannot return to the playing session. You can also specify a win limit, and if you reach to it, you can stop playing; this way the risk of loosing your winnings will be reduced.

When playing Roulette for several times, gamblers will have their own system of playing. This is why it’s advisable for you to get used to these strategies by playing just for fun at first, and then when you feel that you have gained experience, you can give it a try and bet for real cash.