Popular Blackjack Strategies Worth Trying

Blackjack isn't just about hoping for the best; it's one of those brilliant games where your decisions actually matter. Every move you make, whether you hit, stand, double down, or split, can influence the outcome of your hand. That's where strategy comes in.  

In this guide, we're breaking down the most popular blackjack strategies players use, from the foundational basics to more advanced approaches. Whether you're new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, here's what you need to know.

Understanding Your Four Core Moves 

Before diving into different strategies, it's worth understanding the fundamental actions available to you. These four moves are your toolkit at the blackjack table. 

Hitting means requesting another card. You'll typically hit when your hand total is low and you're trying to get closer to 21 without going over. 

Standing means you're satisfied with your current hand and don't want any more cards. Generally, you'll stand when you've got a strong total or when the risk of busting is too high. 

Doubling down lets you double your original bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card. It's particularly effective when you've got a strong hand like 10 or 11 and the dealer shows a weak card. 

Splitting comes into play when you're dealt a pair. You split them into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Aces and eights are almost always worth splitting, while tens generally aren't - why break up 20? 

Mastering when to use each of these moves is what separates casual play from strategic play. If you want to dive deeper into the language of the game, our blackjack terminology guide breaks down all the key terms you'll encounter at the table.

Basic Strategy: The Foundation 

If there's one strategy every blackjack player should know, it's this one. Blackjack Basic Strategy is a mathematically proven chart that tells you about the optimal move for every possible hand combination you might face. It factors in your cards, the dealer's upcard, and serves up the statistically best play in that moment. 

The beauty of Basic Strategy is that it's not about memorising endless rules; it's about following a clear guide that's already done the hard work for you. Hit on 16 when the dealer shows a 7. Stand on 17 or higher. Double down on 11. These decisions become second nature pretty quickly. 

While it might look intimidating at first glance, start with the basics and practise a bit. Suddenly, you'll be making moves with real confidence. The key takeaway? Basic Strategy significantly reduces the house edge, giving you a solid foundation at the table.

Card Counting: The Reality Check 

You've probably seen it dramatised on screen, complete with disguises and secret signals. Card counting involves keeping track of which cards have been played to estimate whether the remaining deck favours you or the dealer. When the count is in your favour, you increase your bets. When it's not, you play conservatively. 

Here's the reality: card counting works in brick-and-mortar environments where physical decks are in play. In online blackjack, the game uses random number generators and the virtual deck resets between hands, which makes traditional card counting ineffective. 

Still, it's a fascinating demonstration of how mathematical thinking can be applied to games. Just not one that translates to the online casino.

The Martingale System 

The Martingale System is one of the most well-known progressive betting strategies. The concept is straightforward: double your bet after each loss. The idea is that when you eventually win, you'll recover all previous losses plus make a profit equal to your original bet. 

Sounds brilliant in theory, but here's the catch: you need a substantial casino bankroll to weather losing streaks, and most tables have betting limits that can stop the system in its tracks. A few consecutive losses can quickly escalate your required bet beyond what's comfortable or even allowed. 

If you use this system, do so with caution and always within your budget. It's more about bankroll management than changing the fundamental odds of the game.

The Paroli System: Riding the Wins 

The Paroli System flips the Martingale approach; you double your bet after wins instead of losses. It's designed to capitalise on winning streaks while keeping losses manageable. 

Here's how it works: start with a base bet. When you win, double it. Win again? Double it once more. After three consecutive wins, return to your base bet and start the sequence over. If you lose at any point, go back to your base bet. 

Many blackjack players prefer this approach because it’s thought to be less risky and doesn't require as deep a bankroll. You're essentially playing with the house's money during winning streaks, which keeps your own funds more protected.

The 1-3-2-6 System: Pattern Play

Here's one that might surprise you with its simplicity. The 1-3-2-6 system is a positive progression strategy where you adjust your bets following a specific pattern based on consecutive wins. 

Start by betting one unit (for example, if your unit is £5, you'd bet £5). If you win, your next bet is three units. Win again? Drop back to two units. One more win? You're at six units. If you win all four hands, you start the sequence over. If you lose at any point, back to one unit you go. 

The clever bit? This system is designed with the goal to protect your winnings while giving you the chance to capitalise on hot streaks. It's structured, straightforward, and keeps things interesting without requiring a mathematics degree. 

Bankroll Management: The Unsung Hero 

Here's a strategy that doesn't get nearly enough spotlight: bankroll management. It's not flashy, but it's essential for enjoying blackjack responsibly and sustainably. 

Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Decide how much you're comfortable spending on entertainment - because that's what this is - and never go beyond that amount. Divide your bankroll into sessions and know when it's time to step away. 

It's also worth setting win limits. Decide in advance how much profit would make you happy to walk away, and honour that decision when you hit it. This keeps your experience positive and ensures you're always playing within your means. 

We're serious about play, and part of that seriousness means creating a safe space where you can enjoy yourself responsibly. For more guidance on playing within your limits, check out our responsible gambling resources.

Soft Hands vs Hard Hands: Know the Difference 

Understanding the difference between soft and hard hands can sharpen your decision-making significantly. 

A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11. For example, Ace-6 is a soft 17. The beauty of soft hands is their flexibility - if you hit and bust, the Ace can revert to being counted as 1 instead of 11. 

A hard hand either doesn't contain an Ace, or the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting. For example, 10-7 is a hard 17, as is Ace-6-10 (where the Ace now counts as 1). 

This distinction matters because Basic Strategy treats these hands differently. You'll generally play more aggressively with soft hands because there's less risk of busting on the next card. 

Understanding Blackjack Side Bets 

When you're learning how to play blackjack online, you'll likely encounter various side bets that add an extra element of excitement to the game. Blackjack side bets are optional wagers placed alongside your main bet, offering different payout opportunities based on specific card combinations or outcomes. 

One of the most common side bets is insurance. When the dealer shows an Ace, you'll be offered insurance - a side bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. It costs half your original bet. 

Here's the thing: insurance is generally not a favourable bet in the long run. The odds don't work in your favour unless you're counting cards and know the deck is rich in tens. For most players, it's thought to be better to skip insurance and stick to your main strategy. 

The exception? If you're playing for fun and want to protect a particularly strong hand, go ahead. Just know it's more about peace of mind than statistical advantage. 

Other popular side bets include Perfect Pairs (betting that your first two cards will be a pair) and 21+3 (combining your cards with the dealer's upcard for poker-style hands). While these can add variety to your gameplay, remember they typically come with a higher house edge than the main game.

Practice Makes Progress 

The wonderful thing about online blackjack is that you can practise these strategies at your own pace, in your own space. You're not under pressure from other players or dealers, and you can take your time to think through each decision. 

Whether you're playing on desktop or on the go with the Virgin Games mobile app, start with Basic Strategy, get comfortable with the fundamental moves, and then experiment with different betting systems to see what feels right for you. Every player develops their own style over time, and that's part of what makes the game so fun. 

Looking for the perfect game to put these strategies into practice? Check out our best mobile casino blackjack games for a range of options designed for seamless play wherever you are.

Finding Your Approach 

At the end of the day, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to blackjack. Some players swear by Basic Strategy alone, while others enjoy mixing in progressive betting systems. The best strategy is the one that helps you play confidently, make informed decisions, and - most importantly - enjoy yourself. 

These strategies aren't about guarantees or shortcuts. They're about understanding the game better, making more informed choices, and giving yourself the best possible foundation for an enjoyable experience at the table. 

So, pick your approach, set your limits, and see where it takes you. At Virgin Games, we've got a range of blackjack games designed for secure, seamless play, so you can focus on the strategy and enjoy the thrill of the game. 

Because we're serious about play, and that means playing smart, playing responsibly, and making every hand count.

Put your blackjack strategy into action at Virgin Games. Play live and online blackjack with real dealers, seamless gameplay, and HD streaming - all in a safe, social, and fully licensed environment. Join today and experience the thrill of every hand, wherever you are.

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing but may be subject to change.