Blackjack, or “vingt-un”, is among the most popular card games worldwide. The origins of the game are uncertain. The most accepted theory points to 1700s France; there’s a similar game mentioned in Cervantes’ Don Quixote.
In our days, blackjack also entered pop culture via Hollywood movies like Rounders (1998) and others. The game also received much attention in the 60s, when the mathematician Edward Thorp published his incredibly precise card counting strategy in his book “Beat the Dealer”. Thorpe details how to predict the next card and bypass casinos’ countermeasures in this book.
Counting cards is considerably more complicated now and truly impossible with the precision of the old days. Thorp’s strategy was based on the single-deck version of the game. Most online casinos now deal with two to eight decks. Yet, it doesn’t mean you can’t improve your game with some clever betting systems. Keep reading and learn more.
Popular Types of Online Blackjack
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Before you get to know how to win blackjack, it might be helpful to brush up on your knowledge and remind you of thebasics about the most popular versions. Although core rules remain the same, there are essential differences between them.
Classic
The classic version is still the most popular, hands down. The game’s primary goal is, to sum up 21 points or close to it without going over or “bursting”. This version is usually played with two to four decks of cards. You can also double your bet or split in this version.
Pontoon
In this version, the dealer starts with both hole cards facing down. As a result, the player has chances of a higher payout. The dealer also behaves differently with a soft 17: instead of standing, the dealer hits, winning over any ties.
European
The European version uses two decks of cards, but there are restrictions to when players can double down their bets. Here, you can only double down with a hand of 11, 10, or 9. Additionally, the dealer always stands in the case of a soft 17.
Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs look like the classic version of the game, with an added side bet. You can bet you’ll receive cards of the same value at the start of every hand. There’s a limit of five hands per round.
Top 5 Most Effective Betting Strategies
Your gaming strategies may vary from one version to another. However, some strategies don’t involve the game’s rules. Instead, they can guide your betting decisions on the table. In other words, they can help you manage your bankroll more consciously. The main goal here is to profit in the long run, even if you lose a few hands. Learn about them below.
D’Alembert System
The D’Alembert method is one of the most traditional betting systems. It was created by a French mathematician from the 18th century, and the main point here is to raise your bets after a losing hand.
First, you’ll need to decide on a “betting unit” or a basic value for your bets. Then, you’ll increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease after a win. This method gives you the chance to recover a previous loss by raising the bet on a winning hand.
Paroli System
The Paroli system can help you increase your winnings during a winning streak. It’s because, according to this method, you should double your bets every time you win. However, after a loss, you immediately return your bets to the base value. You should also return to your initial bet after winning three hands in a row not to overplay your luck.
Manhattan Strategy
The Manhattan strategy, also known as the “2-1-2 system”, is one of the most popular betting systems. It’s a conservative one, as wins or defeats don’t immediately embolden it. Instead of increasing the bet after a victory, this system advises reducing it in the next hand; you’ll only increase it again if you win two hands in a row.
Martingale System
The Martingale strategy tells you to double your wager after a defeat and to keep the same value for the next hand. If you win the second hand, you should decrease your bet by one unit. It’s a pretty aggressive strategy since you should keep doubling your bets even after losing. The main goal here is to make up for previous losses quickly, but you need to pay attention to your limits while applying this system.
Anti-Martingale System
As the name suggests, this method is contrary to the previous one. Instead of doubling after a defeat, it doubles the wager after a win, returning to the base value after a loss. This method is also known as Reverse Martingale. It’s a common choice for games with even odds.
The Last Hand
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Notice that none of those strategies can assure you any profits. Although they’re based on mathematical principles, they can’t affect the outcome of any game or guarantee you’ll recover your losses. Above all, be strict with your betting limits. Play responsibly and have fun!
