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Despite the myths that surround the game, blackjack is not a foolproof way to win money. It is a very, very good way to win, but if you don’t play your cards right, then you’re sure to lose. This is especially true with online blackjack, since strategies can be different than they are with casino blackjack.

We’ve thought long and hard about the biggest mistakes that online players make. Avoid these, and your chances of winning will increase dramatically!

5. Losing discipline
It happens to the best of us – we get caught up in the moment make foolish mistakes. The best way to win at blackjack is to stay focused, and to stick to a proven strategy that is based on odds and statistics. Playing this way means you will win some, and you will lose some, but no matter what happens, it’s important not to lose focus on the strategy. If you start losing several hands in a row, it can be tempting to make a stupid move and blow the whole thing. Discipline is key – stay focused!

4. Trying to be a card counter
Not everyone can count cards, especially out of a six-deck shoe. In fact, most people can’t keep up with a single deck, even using a basic High-Low system. New players often think that counting is the only way to win at blackjack, and they focus too hard trying to keep track of the deck, which only makes them lose focus on what’s really important – the dealer’s cards.

But the real problem with trying to count cards while playing blackjack on the internet is that the vast majority of online blackjack games actually shuffle the shoe after every hand, making counting absolutely worthless! We’ve seen it happen – players unaware of how online blackjack works try keeping count, only to wonder why they keep losing their hands. In the end, using a basic strategy table will get you much further than counting cards while playing online blackjack.

3. Fearing the bust
Nobody likes going bust because when it happens, you lose money. It seems only natural to try to avoid it at all costs, but this is a mistake that many players make. Players are often afraid to hit, even if the odds say they should.

Here’s an example – imagine you have been dealt a 16. It seems tempting to stop there and hope for the best. But if yo’’re playing a game where the dealer has to stand on 17, then the only way you will win is if the dealer busts. Your next action of course depends on the dealer’s hole card, but more often than not, it’s better to hit in a situation like this.

3. Playing to the streak
Winning streaks are the best feeling a blackjack player can experience. There’s nothing in the world like winning several hands in the row and watching your chips pile up. One of the biggest mistakes any player can make is to let the results of their last hand influence how they bet on the next one. If you want to put more money down, don’t do it because you’re winning. Each new hand is a blind bet, and has the same chances of winning or losing as all the rest. Instead, use that extra money to double down on a hand in progress where you know you have a better chance of winning with it.

2. Mimicking the dealer
In a way, it makes sense to do what the dealer does – unless you understand the ins and outs of blackjack. This is a mistake that is mostly made by beginners. They see the dealer winning more often than themselves, so they play as the dealer plays. What these players forget is that the dealer is bound to certain rules (such as “always stand on 17”). But more importantly, players have more options than the dealer does – they can split and double down which dramatically changes the way the game is played. It has been said that mimicking the dealer increases the house edge by 5.5% – so don’t do it!

1. Aiming for that magic number
Contrary to popular belief, the goal of blackjack is not to get as close to 21 as possible. Instead, it is to get closer to 21 than the dealer! The single biggest mistake any blackjack player can make is to play each hand in isolation, trying to reach that magical number. Instead, blackjack is a duel between the dealer and the player. To win at blackjack, don’t play your cards – play the dealer.