For as long as I can remember, I have been enamored with the infamous casino game of 21. Or better known to most as BlackJack. The objective is simple: Get as close to 21 as possible without going over, while beating the dealers’ hand. If the dealer busts, you win! If dealt an Ace and any Ten value card – *BAM* Blackjack! Automatic Winner (unless the dealer gets the same hand, of course) . Left and right, its WIN! WIN! WIN! The game sounds so simple that it makes you wonder why there aren’t more people playing. The game is so easy to win, right? Well, not really. Let me explain…

Blackjack is a game that requires a combination of luck and skill. Now, the reason why Casino’s LOVE having this game around is because, “most people don’t know how to play the game smart.” Most people that play Blackjack overestimate the games’ simplicity. I have come to the conclusion that these people either go for fun and dont care if they lose money, or they enjoy throwing their money away! Despite that, statistically, Blackjack is the only game in the Casino where we have a fighting chance at winning…yet we still lose. Why? And how do we start enjoying the game WHILE winning?

Your loss is THEIR gain. Cha Ching!!! $$$

Blackjack is a game that has emptied the pockets of SO many, but it has also stuffed the pockets of a very fortunate few. In order to be part of the few percentage of Blackjack players that actually win, you have to practice. Like the very first time you rode your bike – Were you good at it? Probably not, but the more you practiced the better you became. Same work ethos goes for Blackjack. If you want to play well, you are going to have to practice.

Where to practice

You can start yourself off with the vast library of online programs that teach you how to play the game; learning the basics of gameplay and familiarizing yourself with Blackjack. Or, sometimes the casinos offer lessons where the dealer explains to you the rules of the game and how to play. Personally, I recommend reading an actual paperback, something tangible that I can put my hands on. One book that I recommend reading is Betting on Blackjack: A Non-Counter’s Breakthrough Guide to Making Profits at the Tables by Fritz Dunki-Jacobs. It gives the average player advice on what they can do to play better Blackjack.

The main message in the book that resonates throughout, “…in order for you to get better, you have to be Patient and Disciplined. Above that, practice!” Good advice for anything that you do in life, really. But what do you need to practice Blackjack? Surely, it can’t be going to the casinos and putting my money up?! That would make me broker than ever!

Not having stacks of cash or an infinite bankroll would probably prevent most wannabe Blackjack players from heading out to the casinos for practice. So what’s the next best thing? Practicing at home. Getting the proper “tools” is as simple as buying a deck of cards to practice with. You get to practice on your own time, there aren’t too many distractions, and best of all, it will only cost you the price of a deck of cards.

Tools of the Trade

Well, there are a few things you need to get in order for you to have a really solid practice area. First, are the decks of cards. Preferably, a set-up for every Blackjack scenario that is in the casinos. They are single-deck, double-deck, six-deck, and the eight-deck. Got ‘em? I just picked up a truckload of playing cards at my local card shop. What next? A dealer shoe. Essentially, something to hold the cards in as they are being dealt out. Amazon usually has good deals on Blackjack Shoes. And that’s usually all you need to get things started. If you want to take it one step further, make your set-up one-step closer to Casino-status, purchasing the Blackjack layout mat, poker chips, and maybe a table would get you there. All that’s left are the cocktails!

You know what, come to think of it…having all this makes for a pretty decent set-up already. I should have me a Casino Night! Anybody want to come over and play some cards???

Practice, practice, practice

After purchasing all the tools necessary to play the game of Blackjack, the next thing to do is – Practice. It really does “make perfect.” Knowing what to do in various “cards dealt” scenarios and knowing when to bet what amount will help build confidence when you play. And CONFIDENCE will help you become a better Blackjack player. Have fun folks and may the lucky Blackjacks and 21’s rain down on you!