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Whether you're sitting at one of the blackjack tables in a land-based casino or playing blackjack from the comfort of your home, the goal is the same: beat the dealer without going over 21. But for both new and experienced players, avoiding common blackjack mistakes can make all the difference between winning consistently and burning through your bankroll.
What Shouldn't You Do In Blackjack: Blackjack Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s a breakdown of the most common blackjack mistakes—and the right moves to avoid them.
1. Ignoring Basic Strategy
Not using a basic strategy chart is one of the most common blackjack mistakes. Blackjack is not just a guessing game; there’s math behind every correct play. Computer simulations show that sticking to a basic strategy reduces the house edge to as low as 0.5%.
Learning the right moves for every possible hand is necessary to be a basic strategy player. For example, always split aces and eights and never split tens.
Ideally, you want to assume that one or both hands will become a blackjack. However, it’s a common mistake as there’s a higher chance the dealer wins. Keep in mind that they will have a higher house edge. It’s always better to stand on a solid 20.
These choices aren’t just suggestions—they’re statistically the correct strategy for long-term, profitable play.
2. Taking the Insurance Bet
An insurance bet might sound like a safety net when you see the dealer’s ace, but it's usually a sucker bet. The odds are rarely in your favor unless you're counting cards. In fact, when you take an insurance bet, it is one of the most common errors you can make.
Most casinos offer it, but taking insurance increases the house advantage. Even experienced players avoid it unless they have a solid read-through card counting.
3. No Proper Bankroll Management
Poor bankroll management is a fast way to end your blackjack session early. Whether you're at a land-based casino or playing online blackjack, having a defined budget is crucial. Set limits for wins and losses, and never chase bad luck with bigger bets.
Avoid the temptation to go all-in after a losing streak. For example, one common mistake is to wager on side bets to win more. However, side bets can only cause you to lose more.
Stick to a steady bet size relative to your bankroll and avoid exceeding the table maximum unless your strategy calls for it.
4. Playing Without Understanding the Rules of Blackjack Games
Not all blackjack games are created equal. From Atlantic City blackjack to blackjack switch or other blackjack variants, the rules can vary. Some tables may have the dealer hit on soft 17, others where the dealer stands. These rule differences impact the house edge.
Always review table rules before you start playing. The same goes for online casinos—read the game description and paytable carefully.
5. Splitting Tens
Splitting tens is an expensive mistake made by players chasing more money. While it may seem tempting to turn a strong hand into two winning hands, you’re likely reducing your chances of winning overall. Two tens is a 20—one of the best hands in the game.
Splitting pairs is part of the basic strategy—but splitting tens rarely is. Don’t overthink a good hand.
6. Failing to Adjust to the Dealer’s Upcard or Blackjack Dealer Mistakes
One of the biggest blackjack mistakes is ignoring the dealer’s upcard. A weak card like a 4, 5, or 6 means you should stand more often—even with a soft hand—because the dealer is more likely to bust.
Conversely, when the dealer shows a strong card like a 9, 10, or ace, you need to play more aggressively. Double downs and hitting become more favorable. Always base your decisions on the dealer’s hand—not just your own poor hand. Also, when you see a mistake from the dealer, especially with the cards dealt, always inform the pit bosses so they can make necessary adjustments.
7. Not Doubling Down When You Should
Failing to double down when it’s the correct play leaves money on the table. Double downs can be some of the most profitable moves in blackjack, especially when you have a total of 10 or 11 against a dealer’s weak card.
Many blackjack players avoid doubling down out of fear of losing more, but it's a key part of the blackjack strategy that can significantly improve your chances of winning.
8. Not Understanding Soft Hands
Soft hands involve an ace that can count as 1 or 11 without busting. They offer more flexibility, but many players misplay them. For instance, with a soft 18 (Ace-7), the correct play changes depending on the dealer's card.
Knowing how to play soft hands properly—whether to hit, stand, or double—is vital to reducing the house edge and making the correct play.
9. Playing at the Wrong Blackjack Tables
Some blackjack tables are configured to give the house a higher edge. Games that only pay 6:5 on blackjack instead of 3:2 significantly reduce your expected return. Similarly, tables where the dealer hits on soft 17 or where doubling is limited tend to favor the house.
Seek out tables—both in land-based casinos and online casinos—where rules support the player. Choosing the right table is a form of strategy in itself.
10. Relying on Myths and Hunches
Blackjack is a game of skill and math, not gut feelings. Believing that a table is “due” for a win or that bad luck will turn around soon can lead to irrational play. Similarly, thinking you're hurting other players by making a certain move—like hitting on 16—has no basis in reality.
Ignore superstitions and stick with statistically sound decisions backed by correct strategy.
11. Playing Blackjack Online Without Research and Blackjack Strategy
Many people play blackjack online without checking the site's reputation or reading the rules. Always look for the best online casinos with verified licensing, strong reviews, and fair payout systems.
Also, take time to explore live dealer games, which offer a more authentic experience. These games also allow you to learn by watching other players and blackjack dealers in action.
12. Not Learning Different Blackjack Variants (Atlantic City Blackjack or Blackjack Switch)
Focusing only on one version of the game can limit your gaming experience. Whether it's Atlantic City blackjack, blackjack switch, or European rules, learning different blackjack variants can sharpen your skills and open up more favorable opportunities.
Just make sure to review the rules and adapt your basic strategy accordingly before jumping in.
13. Overestimating Card Counting
While card counting can reduce the house advantage, it’s not easy—and most casinos actively watch for card counters. It takes intense practice, excellent memory, and perfect execution to be effective.
Moreover, it only works in certain conditions and is virtually useless in online blackjack games where decks are shuffled after every hand.
Avoid These Mistakes and Play on the Best Online Casinos
Avoiding the most common online blackjack mistakes isn’t just about learning how to play blackjack—it’s about learning how to play it well. Stick to basic strategy, stay disciplined with your bankroll, and choose the right tables and rules to lower the house edge.
Whether you're seated at a land-based casino or playing the game online, making the correct play consistently is the key to long-term success. Focus on strategy, not superstition, and you'll improve your chances of winning more money—and enjoy the game a lot more in the process.
FAQs
What is the unluckiest hand in blackjack?
The unluckiest hand in blackjack is a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10. It’s the worst position statistically—hitting risks, busting, and standing gives the dealer strong odds to win.
What is the 777 rule in blackjack?
The 777 rule in blackjack refers to hitting three sevens (7-7-7), which some games treat as a bonus hand with special payouts. However, relying on this rare combo is one of the common blackjack mistakes—players should always focus on basic strategy, not chasing unlikely hands.
What should you never hit on in blackjack?
You should never hit on a hard 17 or higher in blackjack. Doing so is among the common blackjack mistakes because the risk of busting is high. Another frequent blackjack mistake is hitting a soft 18 against a weak dealer card, which can cost you in the long run.
