Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games due to its low house edge compared to slots and roulette. When using the perfect basic strategy, the house only has a 0.5% advantage. But by implementing some advanced tips and tactics, you can legally shift the odds further in your favor and beat online blackjack at LiliBet and other online casinos.
Learn Basic Strategies to Perfection
Memorizing the perfect basic strategy is fundamental. This tells you the statistically best move to make in every possible situation based on your hand versus the dealer’s upcard. Some key basic strategy moves include:
- Always stand on hard 17 or higher
- Double down on 10 against a dealer 2-9
- Split 8s and Aces
- Hit soft 18 if the dealer has 9, 10, or Ace
Perfect basic strategy alone cuts the house edge down by 3-4%. Many basic strategy charts for blackjack are available online to guide your decisions.
Vary Your Bet Size Based on True Count
When card counting, you track the ratio of high to low cards left in the shoe to determine when the odds shift in your favor. This is called the true count. The higher it gets, the more you should increase your bets:
| True Count | Bet Increase |
| +1 to +2 | 1x base bet |
| +3 to +4 | 2x base bet |
| +5 or higher | 3x base bet or higher |
The greater the true count, the more you capitalize when lady luck is on your side.
Know When to Surrender
Surrender allows you to fold your hand and forfeit half your initial wager when the dealer is statistically favored. This helps mitigate losses when the odds are stacked heavily against you. Examples of surrender:
- 16 vs. dealer 9, 10, or Ace
- 15 vs. dealer 10 or Ace
Surrendering bad hands against the dealer’s strong upcards decreases the house edge by 0.4%.
Double Down and Split Wisely
Doubling down and splitting can shift the advantage in your favor when done properly. Examples:
- Always double hard 9 vs. dealer 3-6
- Split two 8s or Aces when the dealer has 2-7
But avoid moves like splitting 10s, which actually increases the house edge.
Take Insurance Selectively
When the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, you can take insurance by betting up to half your original wager. If the dealer has blackjack, you get paid 2:1 on the insurance to help offset your main bet loss.
But statistically:
- Taking insurance costs you money in the long term
- Only take if you have blackjack yourself to protect profits
Find Games that Allow Surrender and Doubling After Splits
Rules variations change the house edge. Seek online blackjack games offering:
- Late surrender (after dealer checks for blackjack)
- Double down allowed after splits
These options decrease the house advantage further when applied properly.
Practice Card Counting
Real card counting is not as complex as Hollywood makes it seem in movies. You mainly need to track a “running count” of high cards versus low cards. Assign values like:
- +1 for 2–6 cards
- -1 for 10, J, Q, K, A
The higher the running count, the more high cards are left to give you an edge to increase bets.
Implement Bet Spreading Techniques
When counting cards, don’t increase your bets consistently. Slotspeak software tracks dramatic bet spikes. Instead, use techniques like:
- Wong Halves: Only bet half as much per true count ratio
- Big Player: Back count and signal a big better to join when count is high
This helps avoid detection when winning lots of money.
Find Player-Friendly Blackjack Variants
Many online blackjack games add rules to increase the house edge. Seek variants like:
- Single deck blackjack: Fewer cards make card counting easier
- European Blackjack: Dealer stands on soft 17 instead of hitting
Every subtle rule change impacts the overall odds. Find the ones that give savvy players an extra edge.
Using advanced blackjack tips and tactics takes practice but can help you legally gain an advantage over online casinos. Start with our 10 strategies above to learn how to master online blackjack and beat the house more often. Check out our top-rated blackjack sites for real money to practice crushing today’s hottest virtual twenty-one games.