Play Your Cards Right: Strategies in Multi-Deck Blackjack

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What's the big deal about a bunch of computer-generated casino games of luck anyway? Nothing, that is, unless you enjoy having a great time, with loads of options, at the height of convenience.

Oh yeah, and there's always that chance to win some big money while you have a blast as well. Now that you are beginning to understand this sensation that is sweeping across nations all over the world, here are some of the top casino games that our online casino players frequent. Play them all, and you just might find your own favourites too.

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in history. You can play it in pretty much every casino out there, from online gambling sites to the top venues of Vegas.

The idea of the game is simple: you need to get a hand which totals closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. As you can imagine, new players are enticed by how easy this game is to pick up, whilst casino veterans like the opportunity it gives to show off a bit of strategic thinking.

Why use a strategy?

Although how you fare at the blackjack table has a lot to do with the powers of Lady Luck, it's not solely down to chance. Compared to other staples of the casino floor, like roulette, this is a game where applying a bit of brain power can seriously improve your chances of winning - hence the need for a strategy.

There was a time when a tactical bit of card counting (this is when you keep a running tally of all the high and low value cards already dealt out on the table, in order to determine what's likely to come next) was all the strategy you needed to walk away from the blackjack table richer than when you sat down.

But, obviously, casinos weren't too happy with card counters leaving them out of pocket. That's why most places have upped their house edge, and made it almost impossible for players to keep track of cards, by adding multiple decks to the shoe. Whilst you'll never be able to alter this raised 0.5% house edge, there are alternative strategies you can implement in multi-deck blackjack games to (hopefully) better your returns.

Progressive Betting

The first plan of attack you can try your hand at is progressive betting. When following the rules of this strategy, you adjust your bet according to the success of you last hand. In other words, you increase your bet after a winning hand, and decrease your bet after a losing hand. We know what you're going to ask next: 'How much should I increase/decrease my bet amount by'? Well, the general rule of thumb is to double your bet amount after a win, and half it after a loss. In theory (because, consider yourself warned, strategy outcomes can only ever be theoretical in blackjack), this should limit your losses and maximise your profits. And who doesn't like the sound of maximised profit?

Be careful though. After several wins, it's easy to get cocky and keep on doubling your bet size without really thinking about the hard-earned cash your risking. Don't be afraid to go against the system and stop upping your bet if you feel it has risen too high.

Regression Betting

If you've wrapped your head around progressive betting, you'll have no problem picking up this next strategy. Regression betting (also known as the Martingale system) is just the opposite. In other words, you decrease the size of your bet after a winning hand. And following a losing hand? That's right - you increase your bet. The thought behind this raised bet is to try and make up for your previous loss.

However, implement this strategy with caution. It's easy to get caught up in trying to make up for your losses without thinking about how big your bets are getting. By continuously upping your bets after repeated unlucky hands, you could find yourself quickly out of pocket.

Which is best?

In the case of both types of betting systems, the strategies work best when you're on a clear winning streak. If you're on no real streak (for example, you're winning one game, losing the next, then winning another and losing another), progressive and regression betting will, more than likely, see you leave the table with less cash than you rocked up with.

But if you want to try out which system works best for you, why not take a seat at one of the various blackjack tables available online? Play from the comfort of your home or even on the move, with games streamed directly to your mobile or tablet device.