|
5Dimes Blackjack Tournaments
Blackjack Tournament Strategy
There are some basic things to consider in tournament blackjack, and having a decent strategy can significantly enhance your chances of winning.
Gaming, in and of itself, is about taking risks. It is important to have a strategy to help manage these risks, and we call this Risk Management. Managing the risks versus rewards is always a factor, and at some point or another, you’re going to have to make big decisions which will allow you to win or cause you to lose.
Tournament play blackjack, has as one of its most distinguishable features, players competing against each other to accumulate the most chips. Since you are winning or losing against the dealer, all players tend to have the same outcomes. For instance, if the dealer gets blackjack, then most likely, the table would have the similar outcome of a loss. Gaining ground on your opponent, having better cards, betting differently than your opponents, or making “hit now” decisions, is the difference in winning or losing
So, three things to consider in tournament play: #1 Have a Basic Strategy. #2 Use Risk Management strategy. #3 Know there are Similar Outcomes.
In tournament play, there are two kinds of approaches… conservative & aggressive. The old school approach of conservative betting may be a good play for some. Some believe betting small in the beginning is a sure-fire way of maintaining your chip pile and getting to the final rounds. Others believe the only way to succeed is to bet big in these tournaments and accumulate a stockpile of chips, making it hard for your opponents to catch up. Although the latter works, the player often busts and is eliminated early. Many strategists say the conservative approach is the best way to be successful early on.
As the conservative approach has become more commonly used, it has made play at the tables all the more strategic. As more players are betting conservatively, it’s important to mix both strategies. Choosing to bet big at the right times is as pertinent as knowing when to bet small. It’s usually a good practice to wait until the button has passed your spot to determine a large bet option because you can see the bets of all your competitors before you decide your bet size. This enables you to bet just enough to take the lead while not risking any extra chip amounts. To put it simply, you’ve brought more value to the chips you have risked.
Remember, similar outcomes as a rule. If the dealer pays out the entire table and you take the lead, then you’ve probably made a good and measured bet. On the converse, if you’re the leader and making minimum bets, then you are just giving your opponents the opportunity to pass you. It’s a better practice to try and margin yourself by making similar bets as your opponents to stay in the lead, if there, even though you risk getting poor cards. It is still a good strategy and may mean you have to make a medium-sized wager, but this will keep your opponents at arms length.
Again, one must always choose his battles when faced with the decision of a large bet. If you are down from the leader by a total maximum bet, this may be a good time to consider a large bet in order to take the lead. Remember, risk versus reward. You also have to consider how many hands are left in the round because this may be your last opportunity for taking the lead. Be sure and make a measured bet so you don’t risk unnecessary chips. But at some point, you may need to take the lead in this one hand. If it means risking your entire bank roll, then be prepared to make that decision.
To conclude, remember to enter the game with some basic strategy in mind. As each hand is played, the betting situation is altered. Know your strategies for betting conservatively, and be prepared to bet aggressively. Having the understanding that similar outcomes are consistent, you’ll recognize also that risk management is imperative to your long-term success.
Back to Top |
