It is no wonder that blackjack is considered one of the most popular casino entertainments. After all, players appreciate this card game thanks to the fairly low odds in favour of the house as well as the easy to follow rules. Throughout the years it has established itself as one of the main sources of entertainment for casino lovers.
The popularity of the card games is also a reason for many virtual casinos to offer different variations of the game on their websites. With the launch of live casino games, there are even more blackjack versions that virtual players can enjoy in the comfort of their own homes.
Since the game has plenty of fans among both virtual and land-based players, it is only natural that a lot of people will be interested in learning different wagering systems and methods that can help them play in the smartest and most lucrative way.
Although there is no guarantee that every game of blackjack that you play is going to be fruitful, there are some systems and wagering methods that the majority of seasoned players like to utilize while playing. If you want to take your blackjack experience to the next level, you can always rely on some of the betting strategies that most blackjack enthusiasts swear by.
The great thing about learning different blackjack systems is that you can pick one that you think works the best for you and utilize it even when you are playing at a virtual casino. After all, the games available online use the same random pattern that land-based casinos do. This means that the various blackjack wagering methods can be applied even when you are playing in your home or on your mobile device.
Is it Worth it to Use Blackjack Systems
When it comes to gambling strategies, there are always mixed opinions. This is probably because these betting systems cannot be used in the real meaning of āstrategyā. Since these methods work only as guiding tools for players and they cannot help to achieve a lucrative outcome every single time, a lot of players refuse to follow any type of a system.
However, there are plenty of blackjack fans who claim that using certain wagering methods can change the way they play and affect the outcome in a positive way. Although no betting system is foolproof, there is definitely a way to control how much you lose or win. Depending on the wagering strategies that you are using, you can definitely influence the game and even improve your betting balance.
Often people say that the thing that differentiates professional blackjack players from rookies is the fact that seasoned players know how to control the dynamics of the game by using certain strategies.
It should be noted that even if the player is making the smartest move, the odds are always in favour of the house. There is no way to overcome completely this obstacle when playing blackjack. The only positive effect of utilizing a betting system is that there is a chance to lower the house edge percentage significantly.
When it comes to blackjack systems and wagering strategies there are actually many different ways to change the outcome of the game and combine your luck with more advantageous odds. You can follow the so-called liberal rules, be aware of when to hit and when to stand, track the value of the dealerās cards and many other moves that will allow you to tweak at least a little the outcome of the game.
Since blackjack is like any other casino game, players can mainly rely on their luck. What is even more, you will not find a table that will allow you to turn the odds completely in your favour. This is why many people believe that blackjack systems are just a waste of time. However, it will not harm if you are aware of the different methods that you can incorporate into the game. Who knows? Some of these strategies might actually work out pretty well and bring you lucrative payouts.
Variations of Blackjack and Their Rules
Before you start utilizing different blackjack systems, you should always be aware of the type of blackjack you will be playing. Since there might be different rules, multiple decks, and payouts arranged in favour of the house, you have to know which method may actually bring out positive results. Players who know what to look for in a game can find a blackjack variant with the lowest possible house edge. This way they will win bigger payouts or at least lose less money.
The number of decks plays a big role in determining the blackjack variation which is the best choice for players. If you are playing a standard game of 21, then the payout is 3 to 2, the dealer stands on soft 17, players are allowed to double down on any two cards and the splitting on four cards is allowed as well. In this case, the house edge will differ according to the number of decks the game is using. A single deck blackjack will have a house edge of -0,03%, two decks will result in +0,25% casino advantage. Four decks mean a house edge of +0,38%, while six decks will contribute to a house advantage of +0.42%. Last but not least, eight decks will make the house edge of the game +0,44%. As you can see, under the aforementioned rules, it is more advantageous to pick a single deck game.
If the standard rules are changed, this will affect the house edge of the different blackjack variants. If the dealer hits soft 17 this will increase the percentage of the house advantage on every blackjack variation that uses a different number of decks. If the player can double only 9-11 this will also increase the house edge. Changing the rule to allowing doubling only for 10-11 will boost the odds of the casino even further. If the dealer doubles on 17 the house edge is the same as when the standard rules apply and the most disadvantageous scenario is if you play blackjack that pays 6 to 5. Despite the fact that most changes of the general rules are in favour of the house, if you find a game that allows resplitting aces, you can actually enjoy a game with lower house edge than usual.
Most players are fooled that playing a blackjack game that allows side bets is more rewarding. However, you should always keep in mind that there are no casinos that will give players a bigger advantage. This is why side bets in the game of 21 lead to pretty high house edge percentage. The additional betting options can make every game more exciting but also riskier. This is why playing variants such as 21 Madness (+23,00%), Bonus Blackjack (+24,00%), Super Sevens Blackjack (11,70%) and other blackjack variations that offer side bets might be quite devastating for your budget.
House Edge on Blackjack
As it was mentioned earlier, no matter what type of wagering systems and strategies you are using, you will not be able to find a casino that will offer blackjack with the odds in favour of the players prevailing over the advantage of the house.
Furthermore, there are certain rules that may even further increase the house edge and players should avoid blackjack variants that utilize such disadvantageous features. If you are looking for a lucrative or at least more favourable game of 21, you should stay away from versions that offer side bets or allow doubling down only on 10 and 11. If the dealer hits a soft 17, there are more decks, the payout is 6 to 5, doubling down after splitting is not allowed and neither is resplitting aces, the game should also be avoided.
The blackjack versions that offer a lower house edge include games with fewer decks (single deck is the best option). The best blackjack options also allow doubling down on any two cards, offer a payout of 3 to 2, allow resplitting the aces and the dealer stands on a 17.
It should be noted that the size of the bet that you are making does not affect the house edge. However, the amount that you will win or lose by making a bet, differs depending on how big is your advantage or the one of the house.
Even though the odds will always be in favour of the house, skilled players know how to take into consideration the casino edge percentage and choose the game that will bring them the highest payouts or more reasonable losses.
Some of the Best Blackjack Systems and Wagering Methods
There are several systems that are popular among the blackjack community and there are plenty of players who rely on them in order to conduct a more profitable gambling experience. Even though the dealer and the player do not share the same odds of winning, there are some ways to tip the balance in your favour.
Flat-Betting Method
A lot of gambling fans prefer this wagering method since it is fairly easy to be used. The concept of flat-betting is that you wager the same amount every hand. This will lower the risk you are making every time and also allows more control over oneās gaming budget.
The size of the bet you will make depends on your budget and your prior plan about how many hands you would like to play. If you stick to your original idea, you will have no issue with controlling your blackjack game and avoiding getting into excessively risky situations.
This method allows players to avoid overspending and the only situation when they might not stick to the original plan is if they have an opportunity for a perfect double-down. The great benefit of using flat-betting is that you can limit your losses. The only downfall, however, is that there might be plenty of missed chances for a great payout during a winning streak.
| Hand # | Bet Unit | Hand Outcome | Net Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 2 | 1 | Win | 0 |
| 3 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 4 | 1 | Win | 0 |
| 5 | 1 | Win | +1 |
Positive-Progression Wagering
The idea behind the positive-progression betting is that blackjack players may actually utilize their winning streaks to the fullest and earn the best payouts possible. Although this system may have some flaws it can actually boost the profits that a player might gain during winning streaks.
You probably have already grasped the idea of this method from its name. The main idea behind the positive progression wagering is that every time you win a hand, you should increase the size of your bet. If you are on a winning streak, you increase your wager until you lose a hand. Once this happens, you return to the original bet you first started with.
You should stick to your initial bet until you hit a winning streak again and start increasing the size of your wager on every win. This cycle of increasing lasts until your next loss. The positive-progression wagering allows players to boost their wins but it also prevents major losses once the winning streak is over.
The thing you should be careful about is choosing how much you will increase your bets once you start winning hands. It is also vital to know when to stop playing and avoid getting too invested in the game. If you manage to stop playing while you are on a winning streak, this wagering method can help you boost your budget significantly.
If you have control over the game, you can also avoid the dreadful big loss once the winning streak is over. It is always good to keep in mind your original intentions about how many hands you have decided to play and also stick to the budget you have set for yourself prior to playing the game.
Often there are different opinions when it comes to the efficiency of the positive-progression betting system. Although this wagering method has brought many players bountiful payouts, some experts claim that this system is not that profitable if it used for way too many hands. In fact, if players use the positive-progression style of betting for long playing sessions, they will actually come close to the result they would have enjoyed if they have stuck to the flat-betting method.
There is also one key factor that may be on your way to enjoying massive payouts and that is your luck. After all, the success of the positive-progressive betting depends on how many hands you will win and how consistent your winning streaks will be. If the luck is not on your side, this wagering system may actually fail you.
| Hand # | Bet Unit | Hand Outcome | Net Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 2 | 1 | Win | 0 |
| 3 | 2 | Lose | -2 |
| 4 | 1 | Win | -1 |
| 5 | 2 | Win | +1 |
Negative-Progression Wagering
The other popular betting format is the negative progression. Compared to the other betting system that uses a positive progression, this type of wagering method is quite risky due to the fact that players will actually need a big budget to follow the pattern of this type of betting. Since this type of betting is not suited for every type of blackjack player, those who are fairly new to the game prefer to stick to the flat-betting or the positive progression.
The idea behind the negative-progression wagering is that you should increase the size of your bet on the next hand after you have lost the previous one. You choose how much you will increase your wager in the next round. The goal of using a negative-progression system is that you will eventually win a hand and thanks to your high wager you will be able to restore a big part or the entire amount of your losses from the previous hands.
Once you win a hand, you go back to the original bet size you have started with. As long as you are on a winning streak, you stick to the minimum bet you have set for yourself. However, once you lose a hand, you start increasing the wager again you win again.
Even though the idea behind the negative progression is that it can restore the losses, if you do not have enough cash, the effect might actually be opposite and destroy your bankroll. This is why using this wagering system is suitable mostly for high-roller players.
Just like it is uncertain how long a winning streak can last, the same problem applies to the period of losses. Since players cannot predict when they will get lucky and hit a win, they might end up wasting all of their money in the hopes of a win that will restore the lost amount of money. This is why it is important to keep in mind that blackjack may not always be a profitable game and you should stop playing once you have reached your budget limit.
There is a common misconception that previous events can influence somehow the outcome of the hands that are currently played. Since all casino games, blackjack included, involve pure luck, there is no guarantee that any of the betting systems will bring you the payouts you are hoping for. This is why the general rule of setting a budget and sticking to it is always a good strategy to follow. Just like the positive- progression system, the negative one works perfectly when the luck is on the playerās side. Short losing streaks are the key factor that can lead to a fruitful blackjack betting. If everything works out perfectly, not only do players get back what they have previously lost but they can actually enjoy pretty generous payouts.
| Hand # | Bet Unit | Hand Outcome | Net Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 2 | 2 | Win | +1 |
| 3 | 1 | Lose | 0 |
| 4 | 2 | Win | +2 |
| 5 | 1 | Win | +3 |
Oscarās Blackjack Betting Method
Since both the positive and the negative progressions have their advantageous and disadvantageous sides, there have been many attempts to create systems that incorporate both of the methods in their gambling.
Despite the various strategies that players use, one has proved that it can help players enjoy a very rewarding outcome of playing the game of 21. It was published in 1965 for the first time by the mathematician Allan N. Wilson who decided to name it āOscarās systemā after the dice player who invented the method.
The main idea of Oscarās system is to win a single unit after a series of bets, after which they can start a new series of wagers. This means that if you are lucky enough to win on the first hand, you have completed the goal of Oscarās betting method and you will start a new series.
Let us assume, however, that the luck is not on your side and you lose on the first hand. Then you place the same bet as your previous one. If you win this means that you have recovered your loss. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you should start a new series since you still have not accomplished the goal of a single unit profit. This is why you will need to add a betting unit in the next hand you play. If the third hand you play is a winning one, then you will be able to start the new betting cycle.
This is the whole point of the system. Players should keep a track of their wins and losses in order to be able to follow Oscarās pattern of wagering. The only thing that you should be aware of is not making a wager which will result in a profit of more than a single unit for a series. For example, if you have won a bet with 4 units and you need 2 more units to restore the losses, you do not have to make a 5-unit bet in the next hand you play. If the bet is successful, you will be able to complete the series by betting just 3 units.
This system manages to combine the positive side of both the negative and positive-progression methods. The difference is that players will be able to play longer if they are on a losing streak since they will not empty their bankroll by making higher bets after every loss. In the meantime, the wins that prompt bigger wagers will be able to bring players better payouts.
Even though Dr. Wilson has presented Oscarās system as a very lucrative betting method, players should always be cautious while playing blackjack. Although the chances of enjoying a game without any actual loss, there is still the possibility of an extremely long losing streak which will still cause you all of your money. This is why it is important to stop once you have hit the limit of your budget.
| Hand # | Bet Unit | Hand Outcome | Net Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 2 | 1 | Win | 0 |
| 3 | 1 | Lose | -1 |
| 4 | 1 | Win | 0 |
| 5 | 1 | Win | +1 |
The Martingale System
This type of betting system was created by a few unknown French casino enthusiasts around the 17th century. It is a variation of the negative-progression method and its main idea is to double your wager every time you lose but keep your bet the same when you win a hand.
The Martingale System is yet another method that many players find too risky. This is because the system proves to work mainly in cases where the player has quite the amount of cash available. Since doubling your wager during a losing streak can be quite exhausting for oneās bankroll, many players prefer not to utilize this system.
Even though a longer gambling session may not be very profitable for players who are losing constantly, there are still cases where the Martingale system can be tested on blackjack versions of a smaller scale. Instead of doubling your wager after every loss, you can opt for following this betting pattern once you believe your hands are looking quite promising.
Although many players like to use the Martingale System when they play blackjack, you are advised not to resort to it if you are not ready to lose the money you are betting. Do not forget that gambling is always a game of luck and although sometimes the chances of hitting a massive win or suffering from an extremely long losing streak are slim, that does not mean that either one of the scenarios is impossible.
| Hand # | Bet Unit | Hand Outcome | Net Winning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Win | 1 |
| 2 | 2 | Lose | 0 |
| 3 | 2 | Lose | -2 |
| 4 | 4 | Lose | -6 |
| 5 | 8 | Win | +2 |
Additional Tips You Can Use When Playing Blackjack
Even though the outcome of each hand on blackjack depends on your luck, you can keep in mind a few tips that can help you enjoy a more generous payout or at least make your losses bearable. One of the options of blackjack is to double down. It will allow you to double your bet and receive double the payout if you win. The condition, however, is that you will be dealt only one more card. If you want to follow a blackjack strategy, you must always double your bet if the total of your first two cards is 11 points.
Players of blackjack can also take advantage of the āsurrenderā option of the game. This way the losses can be cut down after the dealing of the cards. This way players can surrender when the cards they have been dealt are weak or the dealer has an ace or a card that worths 10 points. The exact moment when the player can surrender depends on the version of blackjack that you are playing. There is the option of āearly surrenderā which allows players to give up before the dealer checks his cards for a blackjack. Another variant that you may encounter while playing is the ālate surrenderā which can be done after the dealer checks whether he/she has 21 points.
Players can also buy insurance which will protect them from the dealer hitting 21. When the dealer is showing an Ace, you can bet half of your wager on whether his/her other card is a 10. If the dealer really has a blackjack, you will be paid 2 to 1 on your insurance bet. However, if the other card of the dealer is not 10, you will lose both your wager and your insurance.
There are also various card counting techniques that you may try study and apply while playing blackjack but you should never forget that the outcome of the game depends more on your luck than on the strategies you are using.
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