Playing Smarter, Not Harder
While most casino games are based on luck, some table games involve an element of skill or strategy that can improve your chances of winning. By making mathematically optimal decisions, you can lower the casino's built-in advantage, known as the "house edge." This guide will cover some basic strategies for two of the most popular table games: Blackjack and Roulette.
How to Play Blackjack Optimally
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where player decisions directly impact the outcome. To play optimally, casino (Goldfish explains) you need to learn basic strategy. Basic strategy is a chart that dictates the most profitable move in any given situation, based on your hand and the dealer's visible card.
Simple Rules to Remember:
- Always Split Aces and 8s: Splitting two Aces gives you two chances to hit 21. Splitting two 8s turns a very weak hand (16) into two much better starting hands (8).
- When Not to Split: A hand of two 10s is a 20, casino (Goldfish explains) which is a very strong hand you don't want to break up. Two 5s make a 10, which is a great hand to double down on.
- Double Down on 11: With a starting total of 11, doubling your bet is the most profitable move in the long run.
- Stand on Hard 17 or Higher: If you have a "hard" total (a hand without an Ace) of 17 or more, you should always stand, as the risk of busting is too high.
By perfectly following basic strategy, you can lower the casino (Goldfish published a blog post)'s advantage to a minimum.
Minimizing Risk in Roulette
Roulette is a game of pure chance, and no betting system can change the odds or predict the outcome. But, you can use certain betting patterns to control your risk and structure your play.
The Safest Wagers:
These wagers give you an almost 50% chance of winning.
- Red or Black
- Odd or Even
- High (19-36) or Low (1-18)
They are low-risk, casino (goldfish.it) low-reward bets perfect for extending your playtime.
Pro Tip: Play European Roulette: Always choose European (or French) Roulette over American Roulette if you have the choice. This one small difference has a huge impact on your long-term results.
