There is a very good reason why serious gamers play online blackjack and poker. The reason for this is ‘expected value’ or what we call EV. Since the advent of these games online, the principles of EV have been seriously challenged, perhaps more so in poker, but the concept still applies to all online gambling games where at least some skill is required.

The basic concept of EV is, that the more practice we have in these games, the better the long-term outcome will be. In other words – practice makes perfect! The reason why playing online games of blackjack or poker seriously challenges the principles of EV, is because of time factors involved. The outcome for success is no longer long-term as players use strategy cards and multi-tabling techniques to massively magnify their exposure, and therefore practice-hours in this game.

It is intrinsic to human nature for us to assume we are good at what we do, in particular when we gamble. Justification is a popular reaction when we lose, we don’t put it down to lack of skill or knowledge, we often put it down to bad luck. Nothing could be further from the truth when playing blackjack, either online or off, because if a player uses at least ‘basic strategy’ – preferably ‘basic strategy plus’ – we are told by the experts that this game is impossible to lose. It is also one of the most popular casino table card games played world-wide, because it features one of the lowest house edges.

There are obviously a number of skills required to become a prime blackjack player. Although simply avoiding obvious mistakes can turn a loser into a winning player. So, it pays to be aware of the most popularly made mistakes. For example, ‘psychic powers’ do not feature in playing online blackjack, even though it might work for the slots there is no such thing as playing ‘by feel’. Pro players do not split tens because they ‘feel’ it is the right thing to do, they do this because the cards on the table, tell them this is the right thing to do, so, therefore knowledge is key. Always play according to what the blackjack strategy card tells you to do; this is a calculated formula and bring the card to the table, online it doesn’t matter no one can see, in the casino, don’t be shy, its allowed.

Not doubling down enough, taking out insurance and remembering you are never ‘due’ to win are also important. No-one is ever due for a win, players only win at online blackjack by playing their cards right. It also does not matter where you sit at the blackjack table – it has no influence of the outcome of the cards you are dealt or the game. This is not poker where being on the button counts!

There are many do’s and don’ts for players of this very simple game. But playing online for small stakes will see your EV improve far more quickly, than getting to the casino once or twice a month and playing for much higher stakes.