• How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Card Game
• How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Poker
• How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Games
• How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Casino

The 1-3-2-6 blackjack betting strategy is not as exciting as the Martingale strategy, and that's a good thing. This betting strategy doesn't require a huge bankroll and is a lot more suitable for. To get into a hand, you place a minimum qualifying bet. The dealer begins by dealing one card face down to every player at the blackjack table in a clockwise fashion, then one card to himself. The blackjack then deals a second face-down card to each of the players, and finally deals himself a second card facing up.

Knowing where to sit at a blackjack table may be the difference between waiting for a seat at a packed table and getting stuck into a table with only a few players.

While sitting at a certain seat doesn’t have any mathematical advantage, for new players and card counters, certain seats are crucial for game play.

Blackjack table seating positions

Before we get stuck into where we should sit, we need to know what these positions are called in blackjack lingo. Each are termed according to their position and what advantages players have said they have sitting there. However, statistics prove all seats are equal for the basic strategy player, but they do have certain advantages and disadvantages associated even though they don’t have anything to do with the odds of the game.

While blackjack tables at brick and mortar casinos can feature up to six or seven players, only three positions are prominently named with two of them discussed more so than the other. Additionally, blackjack tables aren’t always full so these seats may not always be taken.

Blackjack first base – The first seat on the far right facing the dealer is known as the first base position. This is because cards are dealt by the dealer to this position first from the dealer’s left player to right player and this first base positioned player will get the cards first, as well as being in the position that enables them to be the first to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender on their hand.

Blackjack third base – While many blackjack players mistakenly think third base is the third or middle seat, they’ll find they are incorrect. The third-base position is actually the last seat from the right or the first seat on the left. This position is sometimes referred to as the anchor and sees the player receiving the first two cards dealt by the dealer last, as well as being the last player to decide and act on what they want to do with their hand.

Shortstop position – This one isn’t as commonly mentioned as the two above as it doesn’t come with as much responsibility, which we will discuss below. This seat is located in the middle of the table and can actually prevent other players to the left of them from joining the table.

Which is the best seat at a blackjack table?

Statistically, it doesn’t really matter where you sit, unless you plan to count cards. Many state third base is the best seat, while we recommend it as the worst seat for the new blackjack kids on the block. It has been suggested that the third base seat has the advantage of whether or not the table as a whole wins or loses, however this is not mathematically correct.

This theory has come about because the third base player performs their action just before the dealer. If this player who sits at third base hits instead of stays when basic strategy recommends them to do so, this can see players blaming the third base player if the table loses. This is exactly why players who are new and do not know how to play basic strategy should not sit at third base, as it could result them having a negative experience and being mistakenly blamed for the tables loss, despite the theory not being mathematically correct.

Similarly regarded is the first base position which not only offers the entire view of the table, but the discarded pile as well meaning you can keep an eye on what cards have been drawn and what cards haven’t. However, this position is second in line to receiving glares from other players if they lose – so be prepared for the responsibility.

The shortstop position, on the other hand, gives a good view of the table. But it’s not as good as first or third, but is said to stop players from sitting at third base if the seat is open, meaning less players and more chances to put on an extra bet.

Depending on the amount of players, other seat positions aren’t usually mentioned. However if you want to view other players and their moves, fourth position (to the left of the shortstop position) offers a view of the entire table. Although statistically speaking other player’s moves do not affect your gameplay as they can ultimately both hurt and help your hand, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on players who are on a winning streak. You may be able to pick up some handy strategy hints this way.

Additionally, if you do not like the responsibility of being dealt the first and last cards of a hand we recommend to sit in the second or fourth seats depending on how many players there are at the table. If there is only the third or first base position available when you join the table remember that statistically it doesn’t affect the table’s odds at all so try to enjoy the experience.

How to pick a good blackjack table

At land-based casinos you will find there are multiple blackjack tables available to join, some fuller than others. With so many available it can be hard to know what to look for in order to pick a good table. We have made it a lot easier for both new and experienced players when it comes to picking a good blackjack table.

Betting limits – Keep an eye out for the minimum and maximum table limits which are displayed on the signs next to the table. For experienced gamblers, keeping an eye out for land-based casinos which colour code their signs can make it easier and quicker to pick and choose where you sit. For example, red equals a $5 minimum bet, while black equals a $100 minimum bet – corresponding to the colour of chips, making this easier to remember. The best way to figure out your betting limit is to set a bankroll and divide by 20. For example, if you have set yourself a $100 bank roll, then you should play at a table with a minimum betting limit of $5.

Blackjack dealers – Blackjack dealers can effect your overall experience whether you are a new blackjack player or a professional. We recommend standing back and watching the dealers to see how fast they deal, see if they provide help (important if you are a new player) or see if they let you know how much you have in a hand as they are dealt. These features will ultimately come down to what you want in a blackjack dealer as an experience player doesn’t want to be told basic tips, while a new player does.

Seating positions – Although we did say all seats at a blackjack table are considered mathematically equal, in terms of players it can be different. As we recommended standing back from the table with blackjack dealers, we recommend doing this if there are a few players seated so you can monitor their behaviour. If you notice a few players eyeing off the third base player after a loss it might be better to find a new table. If you are an experienced blackjack player however and you plan to count cards, the seating position is said to be incredibly important.

Best seat for blackjack card counters

Card counters actually have an advantage when it comes to the seating position. These players are recommended to sit in the third base position to give them more time to keep an eye on the table, as well as count, and of course bet last.

Card counters also have the same perception for first base. Additionally, these seats are recommended to avoid being detected as you have the vantage point of viewing the whole table without having to movie your head.

Unfortunately for card counters, they can’t do so online and really the entire concept of seating positions in blackjack goes out the window when we play blackjack on the Internet, but there is one exception.

Online blackjack seating positions

This is where new players are best suited. If you are new to the game and seem to always end up sitting at the third base position only to receive horrible stares that make you want to opt out it might be best to go online until you are confident to play at a land-based casino.

However, there is an exception when playing online and this involves the live dealer blackjack variants. When you sign up for an online casino, we recommend doing so at our suggested online casinos due to their reputation, and make a deposit you can access the live dealer lobby where you will see blackjack as an available variant.

Here, you are able to pick the seat which you would like to sit at, provided the table isn’t full. This can give you the experience of picking a seat, and if the chat function is available you will be able to read players reactions as to where you are sitting. Any vulgar or inappropriate content is not tolerated at our recommended online casinos so it is the perfect place to practice sitting at third base.

Practicing Blackjack: This Is How to Become a Better Player

We’ve all heard the house always wins. If that wasn’t at least usually the case, they’d go out of business! But of almost every game that one has the opportunity to turn the tables on the house, blackjack might well stand on top.

The problem is that the game, while easy to understand, is not an easy to master. Learning how to win at blackjack takes time and a sharp mind.

So how do you get started? Practicing blackjack of course! Join us as we share some expert tips on how to get that edge you need to hopefully start winning big.

Tip 1: Learn the Rules and Variants

Look, unless money is just burning a hole in your pocket, at least learn the rules of the games you’re playing. Practicing blackjack properly requires you at least understand things like splitting and insurance. If you’re just a casual player, these rules may not come up very often, but they matter a lot if you want to master the game.

If you actually want to become a blackjack master, memorize all the rules, including any variants the casinos you intend to visit offer. It’s not very exciting or flashy a tip but it’s probably the most important. A gambling pro needs to know every option available to them at all times.

Tip 2: Insurance is a Bad Bet

Now that you’ve memorized the rules, you may have already stumbled upon an interesting fact: Insurance is a bad bet.

Unless perhaps you’re a master card counter or downright cheater (and they are different, even if both can get you ejected), the simple truth is that the dealer is going to have blackjack less than a third of the time.

To condense some of the math of the situation, insurance bets mean you are going to lose money, on average. And remember, you’re studying and practicing blackjack to win. Real winners know the odds.

Tip 3: For Real, Know the Odds

One of the biggest mistakes new gamblers make is betting for any other reason because either the rules of a game require it or because the odds are in their favor. Betting for almost literally any other reason is just asking to lose money.

This is why blackjack is fairly popular among expert gamblers; the odds are only slightly in favor of the house (which is the best you can hope for in a casino game).

However, that all assumes you’re playing correctly. If you don’t know the basics of when to hit and stay, you’re going to lose money and fast.

New gamblers often hit and stay based on how they feel. They bet random amounts of money too, rather than betting methodically so as to have the best chance of coming out richer rather than poorer by the day’s end. They basically just hope they’re they will be the equivalent of a local lottery winner making it big.

You’re not here to win the lottery (and if you are, maybe adjust your expectations). If you want to play blackjack, learn how to bet! You’ll make more money (or at least lose less) and get to play much longer.

Tip 4: Bet What You Can Lose

You came to this article because you want to get better at blackjack and intend to do some practicing. Hopefully, this means you can admit you’re not likely to be winning more than losing, at least for now.

While it is incredibly obvious to some, this tip still needs to be highlighted. You must only ever bet what you can lose.

How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Card Game

This isn’t just what separates gamblers from casual players; it separates healthy players from gambling addicts. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun but you need to know your cut off point.

Along similar lines, don’t think when you lose big that suddenly you are going to become better at blackjack if you just bet more. A big newbie mistake is trying to overcorrect with big bets after a loss; this behavior can just dig you deeper into the hole.

Things aren’t all as deadly serious when it comes to knowing what you can lose though; many gamblers put money from early wins aside so they at least have something when they leave, which is alright.

How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Poker

At the same time, bigger bets also mean bigger wins. Exactly what you’re comfortable losing depends on your own situation. It is just a good idea to have a set amount in mind and not gamble any more than that, even if you have a bad night and lose it quickly.

Tip 5: Have Fun But Stay Focused

Casinos can be full of spectacle. Dealers are dressed fancy, alcohol is usually available, and there can be something of a “party” atmosphere.

This can all be great fun but it doesn’t help you win. Unsurprisingly, being drunk does not help you win blackjack. Meanwhile, onlookers might make you feel supported but they can also distract you from actually knowing when to hit and stay.

How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Games

It’s certainly possible to stay focused and win in this atmosphere, you just need to be mindful. You can also try a live online casino for a fun experience at home that may make mindful playing easier!

Whatever you do, don’t just make moves or bets because you feel pressured to from outside forces like a crowd or dealer’s smile. A true gambling pro knows how to zen out and focus on smart plays. That will give you the best chance of winning big.

Start Practicing Blackjack Today

Truly playing and practicing blackjack takes some real dedication if you want to start winning. It often requires a person to really start to look at gambling almost like a sport, rather than the fun diversion amateurs often see it as.

How To Be Really Good At Blackjack Casino

If you’re interested in other gambling content, we’d love for you to check out more of our articles! We’ve also got plenty of other pieces in a variety of subjects if there’s anything else you’d like to check out too.