Common Blackjack Mistakes Made by Beginners
Blackjack is one of the simplest casino games to learn — but also one of the easiest to play incorrectly. Beginners often make the same predictable mistakes that increase the house edge, drain their bankroll, and lead to frustration. The good news? Most of these errors are completely avoidable.
This guide breaks down the most common blackjack mistakes made by beginners and how to fix them immediately.
1. Ignoring Basic Strategy
The #1 mistake new players make is “winging it.” Blackjack isn’t a guessing game — basic strategy is proven by math.
Mistakes include:
- Standing on hands you should hit
- Hitting hands you should stand
- Splitting or doubling at the wrong time
Even following just half of the strategy chart dramatically improves results.
2. Always Standing on Totals Above 12
Many beginners think “12 or higher = too risky to hit.”
This is not true.
Examples of incorrect stands:
- 12 vs 7
- 13 vs 10
- 16 vs Ace
Standing in these spots loses money long-term because the dealer is too strong. When the dealer shows a 7 or higher, you must try to improve your hand.
3. Not Considering the Dealer’s Up-Card
The dealer’s up-card is one of the most important pieces of information in blackjack.
Beginners often:
- Only focus on their hand
- Forget that dealer rules force certain outcomes
- Misjudge how strong or weak the dealer’s position is
Basic rule:
Dealer 2–6 = weak. Dealer 7–A = strong.
4. Taking Insurance
Insurance is one of the worst bets in the casino, yet beginners often take it “just in case.”
Why insurance is bad:
- It is a losing bet long-term
- It does not protect your hand
- It only pays if the dealer has blackjack
- It increases the house edge
If the dealer shows an Ace, decline insurance every time.
5. Splitting the Wrong Pairs
Beginners misplay pairs constantly. The two biggest mistakes:
❌ Splitting 10s
A 20 is one of the strongest hands in blackjack. Don’t break it apart.
❌ Not Splitting 8s
16 is one of the worst hands — splitting improves your chances significantly.
Remember this simple rule:
Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s or 5s.
6. Forgetting to Double Down
Many beginners never double down because they’re afraid of risking more money.
But doubling at the right time is one of the most profitable plays in blackjack.
Examples of hands you should double:
- 10 vs 2–9
- 11 vs 2–10
- A7 vs 3–6
- A4–A6 vs 4–6
When you have the advantage, doubling down increases your long-term edge.
7. Playing at 6:5 Blackjack Tables
This is a quiet bankroll killer. Many casinos offer tables that pay 6:5 instead of 3:2 on blackjack.
Example on a $10 bet:
- 3:2 payout: $15
- 6:5 payout: $12
You lose $3 every time — and the house edge skyrockets.
Always look for 3:2 payouts.
8. Misunderstanding Soft Hands
Beginners often stand on soft totals like A7 because they think it’s “strong enough.”
But soft hands are flexible.
You can hit without busting.
Examples:
- A7 vs 9 → Hit
- A6 vs 5 → Double
- A2–A6 vs 7+ → Hit
Soft hands are often played more aggressively.
9. Overbetting the Bankroll
Even perfect strategy won’t help if your bet sizing is reckless.
Common money mistakes:
- Bet sizing emotionally
- Chasing losses
- Going “all in”
- Betting too large for the bankroll
Smart rule:
Bet 1–3% of your bankroll per hand.
10. Trying to Count Cards Before Learning Basic Strategy
Card counting only works if you’re already perfect at:
- Basic strategy
- Quietly tracking the game
- Bankroll discipline
- Acting naturally
Beginners often try to count long before they’re ready, leading to misplays, mistakes, and attention from the dealer.
Learn basic strategy first. Counting comes after.
Conclusion
Most beginner blackjack mistakes come from guesswork, fear, or misunderstanding how the game works. By avoiding these common errors — and learning a few simple strategy rules — you can immediately improve your results, reduce costly decisions, and play with more confidence.
Blackjack rewards calm, consistent strategy. Learn the basics, trust the math, and the game becomes much easier.
Kevin Collier is the founder of BlackjackBetter.com, where he helps beginners learn blackjack in a simple, stress-free way. After years of studying basic strategy and breaking down real gameplay situations, he created this site to help new players avoid common mistakes and understand the game step by step. His writing focuses on clarity, confidence, and smarter decision-making at the table.
