How to Practice Blackjack Basic Strategy
One of my earlier posts covers learning how to practice counting cards, but you really need to practice basic strategy first. After all, it's the key to winning more often. Over the years, I've found some great ways to practice this strategy so I can overcome odds and win more while playing for real money.
Mastering basic strategy is the key to success no matter which game you play. With some time and practice; anyone can learn how to play any hand in the game with the best possible results. By always making use of basic strategy, the player advantage increases. Every successful and experienced blackjack player starts with learning the basic strategy of the game.
Blackjack strategy is not an easy thing to master. It takes time and patience, but this is time well spent. When employing basic strategy with every hand that's played, it's possible to reduce the house edge at the casino. This will result in more paying hands and fewer losses, extending your bankroll so that more hands can be played.
I've come up with three great ways in which I practice basic blackjack strategy and these have all been beneficial. None of them have any monetary cost, so I often use them when looking to develop a stronger game or to brush up on basic strategy.
1. Get a Strategy Card
Strategy cards are the most important tool that can be used when playing blackjack in a casino or online. These cards can be purchased at land based retail locations or they can be accessed for free online. As a beginner player, I immediately found a strategy card online and printed it. This was my go to guide whenever I played blackjack online. The cards are easy to understand and after using them a few times, I began to memorize the charts for future hands.
Strategy cards will inform you of how to play any hand in the game. It will depict all possible dealt hands and will then tell the player what decisions to make. Using the basic strategy with blackjack may not always guarantee a win, but it will drastically reduce the house edge. When using optimal strategy, there are more chances of collecting returns on the wager that's been placed.
You'll find a great deal of information on these cards, so I always keep it handy when playing online. It can take some time to memorize, and the best way to do this is to always refer to it when playing.
After some practice, certain things will be remembered and soon enough, the card won't have to be referenced when playing. Strategy cards often contain the same information, though it may be presented in a different way. In short, these useful tools will aid any player as a beginner and should always be the main reference when playing any hand.
2. Make Use of Free Games
Free games are the most useful tool offered online. Almost every online casino will offer some of the game variations for free, and this is how I was able to master basic strategy in a short amount of time. With free blackjack games, there's no monetary risk, so mistakes can be made at no cost. The basic strategy card can be used with these games to provide an opportunity to learn how to play optimally.
One of the great things about free blackjack is that there's no pressure. The games have no time limits and most other players are new and adjusting to the game as well. These games are the best way to learn variation rules, practice strategies and develop skills that will be of great use when you play real money games.
Blackjack is not a game that consists of decisions made on a whim. To beat the house and be successful the best strategy must always be used. The information on these cards has been designed to deliver the best chances of winning.
Since the cards are loaded with possible hands and outcomes, it can take some time to memorize them. This is where free games come in to play. You can't slow down real money games without upsetting other players at the table. Free games provide the chance to take all the time you need to employ the right strategies for the best outcomes.
3. Access a Blackjack Trainer App
Another useful tool is a blackjack trainer app. This can be downloaded to a computer or mobile device or it can be accessed online. With a trainer, a free game is played with a tutorial offered. This can provide all the information needed to help make the best choices. The trainer app should not be used alone. The best results will come from making use of the strategy cards or charts along with the trainer app. This helps the learning process move much faster.
These trainer apps offer a great way to learn and employ basic blackjack strategy on numerous game variations. As a player, I often access different game titles, so these trainers have come in handy in preparing me for these various games. When they're accessed, you play a hand and are guided through every step. Some trainers will provide a list of options and will indicate whether the correct one has been selected. It'll also explain why that option is the best or worst choice.
Apps are useful in helping memorize strategy charts and prepare for real money action. Combined with the ability to play for free, this is one of the great ways to learn and practice basic blackjack strategy and start developing the skills needed for blackjack success.
Conclusion
You don't have to jump into a seat at the real money blackjack tables to practice your skills. If you learn how to play the best blackjack basic strategy you can reduce the house edge to less than 1%.
By using the strategies and tools covered above you can quickly and inexpensively learn basic strategy and give yourself the best chance to have a winning session every time you play. Even if you plan to play at your local casino or in Las Vegas, you can still use these methods to practice for free at home before your trip.
