Six tips
- Learn the rules of the exact variant. A blackjack table that pays 6 to 5 on a blackjack instead of 3 to 2 adds about 1.4 percentage points to the house edge.
- Practise for free. Demo versions let you learn without spending.
- Set a bankroll and a bet size. 1% to 2% of the session budget per hand.
- Watch a live table first. See the pace and the dealer's routine before you bet.
- Keep a record. A note of each session shows what you really spend.
- Keep betting simple. Flat bets beat progression systems, which raise your risk without changing the odds.
Card games compared
| Game | Skill matters? | Best bet or play |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | Yes | Basic strategy, 3 to 2 tables |
| Baccarat | No | Banker bet |
| Casino Hold'em | A little | Follow a simple call/fold rule |
| Three Card Poker | A little | Play Q-6-4 or better |
| Video poker | Yes | Full-pay tables, correct holds |
Common mistakes
- Taking insurance in blackjack.
- Backing the tie in baccarat.
- Playing side bets for the big payouts.
- Chasing losses with bigger bets.
More on blackjack is in our basic strategy guide, and on video poker in our Jacks or Better guide.