I’ve been playing blackjack for a while now, but I’m always looking to up my game. Any good tricks for blackjack that you’ve found helpful? Whether it’s something for live tables or online games, I’d love to hear what works for you.
Also, if you’ve got advice for avoiding common mistakes, I’m all ears.
Hey @OP, no real “tricks” but solid strategy is key. Basic strategy cuts the house edge to about 0.5%, and if you’re counting (which casinos hate) you can push it further.
Biggest mistake? Playing on instinct.
Seen way too many people hit a 16 against a dealer’s 6 just because they “had a feeling”. Stick to the math — it’s there for a reason.
Trick? Yeah, don’t be dumb🎭 You got people playing blackjack like it’s a guessing game, then whining when they lose.
Wanna win more? Quit making bad plays. And for the love of all that’s holy, STOP taking insurance
The best way to improve your game is learning when to bet more and when to hold back. Even if you are not a card counter, you should be aware of hot and cold shoes. If a table has a long streak of small cards being dealt, it is more likely that high cards are coming. That is the closest thing to an “easy trick” you will get without actually counting. Of course, never bet more than you are comfortable losing. Casinos want you to feel confident so you make bigger bets — it does not mean you will win.
watch dealers hands mate sometimes they flash cards by mistake
seen a king once that way won big
I love that people still think blackjack has “tricks”. No @OP there are no magic shortcuts. There is skill, math, and discipline. If you actually care about improving, memorize basic strategy until it’s second nature. Then understand deviations — yes, sometimes you should hit 16 vs 10 but only when the count is right. And speaking of counting, if you’re really serious, learn a basic system like Hi-Lo. It’s not hard but it takes focus
Common mistakes? Chasing losses, playing at bad tables, and, oh yeah - believing that “gut feelings” matter. Your gut doesn’t shuffle the deck.
I’ve seen way too many people walk into a casino, throw chips down without knowing a thing, and then wonder why they lose. wanna win more? Put in the work. Otherwise you’re just a donation to the pit boss.
lol @malekinnn tell them how you really feel🤣 But facts. “Tricks” don’t exist. The only trick is not playing like an idiot. Also, if you’re playing online and they offer auto-split or auto-double options USE THEM if you don’t know strategy yet. Better to trust the algorithm than your vibes
@malekinnn Okay, I get it, you know your stuff, but maybe don’t make people feel like idiots for asking? There’s a way to be helpful and not, you know, a blackjack gatekeeper
@Hector99 If they’re here to learn, great. If they’re looking for some “secret trick” that doesn’t exist, I’d rather be blunt than let them waste money. Anyway, no hard feelings. Some of us are just less patient than others 
@HammerTor mate u sound like u know ur stuff seen u post here before u ever play live tables?
@buddyTed I mostly play online, but i have played live a few times. The pace is very different, and honestly I prefer the control of online games. In live settings you have to deal with slow players and people who don’t know strategy. Not my favorite.
That said, live tables do have some advantages. You can sometimes get a read on the dealer, especially if they’re inexperienced. If they deal consistently fast they might be less aware of small mistakes like flashing cards when checking for blackjack. Inexperienced dealers also sometimes give away subtle cues about their hole card without realizing it - watch their reactions when they check under an Ace. It’s not a foolproof strategy but it’s one of the few ways to get an edge without counting
Ugh @HammerTor the worst is sitting next to someone making terrible plays and then watching them blame you when they lose. “You hit on 12 and ruined the table!” No buddy, YOU lost because you played like idk😆
@lilymojo Exactly. The worst part? These people never learn. They just keep makin the same bad plays and then act shocked when they go broke. And if you say anything? You’re the bad guy 
Had a guy at my table once who doubled on soft 18 against a dealer’s 10. Dealer showed 20, he lost. Then he actually turned to me and said “You jinxed it, bro.” Like, no, my guy, you just made a garbage play. The only “jinx” was your own terrible decision making. People love to blame others instead of learning.
@lilymojo @malekinnn Okay, I know bad players can be annoying but maybe dial it down a notch? People don’t magically become good overnight. Besides, we all started somewhere, right?
@Hector99 Fine, fine. Consider me “dialed down”
Maybe😏
we all got opinions but blackjack’s a good game lads. lets just play smart and enjoy it
Agreed. Let’s keep it about the game. If everyone plays smarter, we all win in the long run.