Ever feel like you’re “almost” winning at the blackjack table but can’t figure out what’s going wrong? You’re likely making a few common blackjack mistakes that quietly increase the house edge and drain your bankroll. The good news: most errors are easy to fix with a few simple habits.

Top Blackjack Mistakes Beginners Make

Most players lose not because the game is unbeatable, but because of avoidable decisions. Below are the most impactful blackjack mistakes—and how to correct them.

1) Skipping Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. Without it, the house edge can jump from about 0.5% to 2%–4% or more.

  • Fix it: Use a basic strategy chart for your exact rules (number of decks, dealer hits/stands on soft 17, surrender availability).
  • Practice at home or in free apps until choices become automatic.

2) Taking Insurance When You’re Not Counting

Insurance looks like protection, but it’s a separate side bet with negative expected value for non-counters. Over time, it costs more than it saves.

  • Fix it: Decline insurance unless you have a proven card count that justifies it.

3) Misplaying Soft Hands (Especially Soft 18)

Soft hands (A counted as 11) are often mishandled. A soft 18 is strong against weak dealer cards but needs aggression against stronger ones.

  • General guide (multi-deck, dealer stands on soft 17):
  • Stand with A-7 vs dealer 2, 7, or 8; double vs 3–6 (if allowed), otherwise hit; hit vs 9, 10, A.
  • Fix it: Memorize soft-hand rules first—they’re frequent and high-impact.

4) Splitting 10s or Not Splitting Aces and 8s

Two 10s make 20, a top-tier total—don’t split it. Always split Aces and 8s to improve weak starting positions.

  • Fix it: Never split 10s or 5s. Always split Aces and 8s. Split 2s/3s vs 4–7 (rules-dependent), and 9s vs 2–6 and 8–9 (but not 7, 10, A).

5) Standing on 12 When You Should Hit

Many players fear busting and stand on 12 against dealer 2 or 3. That mistake gives the dealer too many ways to beat you.

  • Fix it: With multi-deck common rules, hit 12 vs dealer 2 or 3. Stand on 12 vs 4–6.

6) Poor Bankroll Rules and Chasing Losses

Emotional betting can erase hours of good play in minutes. These bad habits turn a manageable low edge into a big loss.

  • Fix it: Set a session bankroll (e.g., 50–100x your minimum bet), use a flat bet or small, preplanned variation, and set stop-loss/stop-win limits.

7) Overplaying Side Bets

Many side bets carry higher house edges than the main game. They’re exciting, but they are often losing strategies long-term.

  • Fix it: If you play side bets, keep them tiny and occasional.

8) Ignoring Table Rules (3:2 vs 6:5)

A 3:2 payout for blackjacks is far better than 6:5. The 6:5 rule alone can add over 1% to the house edge.

  • Fix it: Favor 3:2 tables, late surrender, dealer stands on soft 17, and double after split allowed.

9) Doubling Down Incorrectly

Doubling is a big edge booster when done right. Many players under-double or double in bad spots.

  • General guide (multi-deck, dealer stands on soft 17): double 10 vs 2–9; double 11 vs 2–10 (hit vs Ace if you’re unsure); double soft 13–18 vs 4–6 (adjust to your table’s rules).

10) Playing Too Fast

Rushing increases errors. The casino doesn’t mind—mistakes favor the house.

  • Fix it: Take your time. If unsure, ask the dealer for a moment. Slow and correct beats fast and wrong.

Quick, Step-by-Step Fixes for Common Blackjack Mistakes

  1. Pick a good table: 3:2 payout, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split, surrender if possible.
  2. Print or save a basic strategy chart for your exact rules.
  3. Drill soft hands, pairs, and doubling rules first—they move the needle most.
  4. Use disciplined bankroll rules: flat bet or small, planned variations only.
  5. Avoid insurance and keep side bets minimal.
  6. Review one “leak” after each session and fix it before your next visit.

Real-Life Example: Fixing Misplays in One Weekend

On a Friday night, my friend Erica lost about $200 despite getting decent cards. She took insurance twice, split 10s once “for fun,” and stood on 12 vs a dealer 3. Classic misplays.

Saturday morning, we reviewed a strategy chart and practiced 20 sample hands. That evening, she skipped insurance, never split 10s, and doubled correctly. She still had swings, but her losses were smaller—and she even left ahead one session. The change wasn’t luck; it was better decisions.

Rule Variations Matter

“Best move” can change with rules. Multi-deck vs single-deck, dealer hitting or standing on soft 17, surrender options, and double-after-split all affect optimal play.

  • Ask the dealer about rules before you sit.
  • Use the right chart for those rules—not a generic one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common blackjack mistakes?

Skipping basic strategy, taking insurance without counting, misplaying soft hands, splitting 10s, ignoring table rules like 6:5 payouts, and poor bankroll management are the biggest leaks.

Is insurance ever a good bet?

Not for non-counters. Insurance is a separate wager with negative expected value. Only skilled card counters with a strong count should consider it.

Should I always split Aces and 8s?

Yes. Splitting Aces and 8s is standard basic strategy across most rule sets. It improves weak starting positions and increases your long-term results.

How does 6:5 blackjack affect my odds?

6:5 payouts significantly raise the house edge—often over 1% compared to 3:2 tables. Avoid 6:5 if you want better odds.

What bankroll rules should I use?

Bring 50–100x your minimum bet for a session, use flat or modestly varied bets, and set firm stop-loss and stop-win limits to control variance.

Conclusion

Blackjack rewards solid decisions. Eliminate key blackjack mistakes—skip insurance, use a rule-specific strategy chart, manage your bankroll, and choose 3:2 tables—to keep the edge as low as possible.