Blackjack has been around since the 1700s and has greatly progressed since then. Most casino games are heavily stacked against the player (e.g. they have a high house edge), but Blackjack is a game that has potential to be beaten in the short term due to its lower house edge. Luck is still a big factor though.

You can reduce the house edge on blackjack with the utilization of feasible, mathematical techniques – and these can lead to potentially substantial winnings. You need to know a few things before playing.

Set your blackjack limits – Set cash spending limits to reduce your losses. Have a maximum amount you can afford to lose. Also set a maximum and realistic amount you are going to win (20% to 30% improvement on your original bankroll is a good target). Setting blackjack limits ensure you’ll lose less on a losing streak, and will ensure that you also take any winnings when you make them.

Know your blackjack rules – You can’t make money from blackjack if you don’t know the game rules. Only play blackjack game rules that have rules that are in your favour. It’s a good idea to only play 3/2 blackjack payout games, and look for games that let you split any hand more than once and give you the ability to double down after a split etc. Every rule in your favour helps you get better long term results.

Learn blackjack mathematics – You must beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Make sure you understand basic maths and learn basic strategy, so that you don’t take unnecessary risks and go bust more often than you need to. Going bust gives your money to the casino / house. Probability, odds, numbers and chance all decide blackjack outcomes much more than sentiments and guts do.

Learn to count cards – This is not for everyone, and many blackjack games are no longer countable. If you can find a countable game, with good rules, then do it. You can move the odds of the game to your side. Really. Most casinos eventually ban card counters – they don’t like giving their money away.

I recommend that you study the game of blackjack well before you invest any cash in the game. A prepared blackjack player has a better chance of winning or at least protecting their wallet of cash at the blackjack tables. Blackjack can be a fun game to play – but always stay within your cash / spending limits.