Blackjack is a game that is played with several people around a table. Like any game, you can use different tricks to achieve your goal. However, these are notoriously difficult to master. However, there is a simple way to win that does not require any special training. It’s all about choosing the best seat. How do you choose your seat at the blackjack table?
Seats to avoid at the blackjack table
In Blackjack, there are many strategies that give you an edge over the dealer. But most of them are very complex and therefore difficult to master. As a result, it is not always easy to apply them. However, you don’t necessarily need to use these strategies, as your position at the blackjack table greatly influences your victory.
A blackjack table has 7 slots and can be played with up to 7 players. You have a choice of 7 seats. Of these, there is one that you should definitely avoid: the seat to the left of the table. It is actually just before the dealer’s seat. In this position, you are responsible for the card drawn by the dealer. Therefore, you influence the odds of winning for the entire table.
The best seats at the blackjack table
The best seat at the blackjack table is the one in the middle of the table. This is the best position because it allows you to use a method that is often effective. This is called “front-loading”. This is a tactic that involves glimpsing the dealer’s hole card as he places it under the open one. You can also use another variation of this method which is called ‘first basing’. The principle is the same, but this time the angle is different. You stand in the first seat, i.e. the one furthest to the right of the dealer.
Other strategies for winning at blackjack
As mentioned above, there are other blackjack strategies you can use. Even though they are difficult to understand, their effectiveness cannot be denied. And with regular practice, you can master them to perfection.
Card counting
Card counting is a popular strategy in blackjack. It’s a very simple strategy. All you need to do is understand it and pay attention. To do this, you will need several practice sessions.
The strategy is to count the cards already played to determine which ones remain in the shoe. In this endeavour, you must assign a number of points to a card or group of cards and then subtract or add as the cards come out of the shoe. The counting and tallying are done mentally, all the while remaining focused on the game. The result of these different calculations will give you an idea of when to increase the bet to your advantage.
Split, Double, Discard
These three actions are among the most popular strategies in blackjack. By using them, you are assured of better game management.
The first “Split” means that you have two cards of equal value. You then decide to split them to form two specific hands. So you make a new bet and the dealer deals you a new card. This card will be added to the hand you want. To use this strategy, wait until you have a pair in your hand. This way you create an extra hand and maximize your chances of winning.
“Doubling down means that you want to acquire a new card. To do this, it is necessary to make an additional bet. Let’s say you have a 3 and a 7 in your hand, your total is 10 points. By making an extra bet, the dealer immediately understands that you intend to double down. This technique is important when you have a total of 10 or 11 points and the dealer’s total is 6 or less.
Finally, you can opt for the “Surrender” strategy. This strategy allows you to limit your losses. If you already have 15 points and the dealer has a jack, your hand can be lost if your new draw is too strong. So it’s best to surrender, which gives you the chance to get half your original bet back.
Insurance
In the middle of a blackjack game, you can take out insurance. This is a survival strategy. It is risky but effective.
It is important not to use this technique at any time. Insurance is only necessary in case of danger, i.e. when the dealer draws a Jack or an Ace for example. It also comes at a high cost as you have to pay the bank half of your bet. Thereafter, three situations can arise:
- The dealer makes a blackjack – You lose your original bet, but you receive insurance;
- You win the game – the insurance is lost, but you receive your original bet;
- The dealer doesn’t blackjack, but you lose too – in this case, you lose both your bet and the insurance. This is the worst-case scenario for a player.
In blackjack, the seat to avoid is the one to the left of the dealer. The favourable seat is in the exact middle of the table. Apart from this strategy, which allows you to control the table, you can bet on other strategies such as card counting, splitting, doubling, surrendering, or insurance, which is basically your own game.