Introduction to poker

Without a doubt that the main reason poker became and remains so popular is because of its social aspect. In contrast to many other popular card games (for example, blackjack), in poker, you play against other people. Some poker tables can comfortably seat up to 10 players. Therefore, it makes it the perfect game to play against friends. And it’s great for tournaments too! You can gain many important life skills from playing pokers, such as patience, focus, concentration and emotional control. It will also bring out your healthy competitive side as you showcase your poker skills in games. It can take time and effort to become a great poker player and reading this guide on strategies is a great place to start. There are many different poker strategies that you can implement to give yourself the best possible chance of winning. So without further ado, let’s check them out… 

Poker Strategies

Needless to say, even if you memorise and implement these strategies (listed below) into every poker game, it does not necessarily mean you will win. Even professional players will lose games from time to time. However, learning these strategies will certainly increase your chances of winning and improve your poker skills. They will help you with any poker game, whether you’re playing online, at a live casino poker table or in tournaments. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our favourite poker strategies… 

1. Start by playing one table

This first strategy is for beginners. We want to start with this one because it’s VERY important. Regardless of whether you believe you know the poker rules thoroughly, or you are very confident that your poker skills and strategies are excellent – always start by playing one table first. If you haven’t played poker before (or have but not much) ease yourself into the game slowly. Why rush? rushing into playing multi-tabling straight away is the recipe to quick financial losses. Concentrate on learning effective poker strategies and putting them into practice to find out which one works best for you. There’s plenty of time to move onto multi-tabling when you’re ready. Most professional players turn to multi-tabling because they believe they can increase their profits significantly per hour. But it takes a certain level of poker skill and experience to be winning on different tables simultaneously. 

2. Learn poker odds 

Let’s take a look at the mathematical side of poker – don’t worry maths haters, it’s not as daunting as it sounds. It’s basic maths and like everything, it will become much easier with practice! Learning the poker odds is extremely important because it essentially gives you an idea of whether or not you have a winning or losing hand. It’s how poker players can access the current game situation. And when you have this information, it’s much easier to plan your next move (on logic, not emotion). Also, you need to know the poker odds that you have in order to hit the winning hand. If you don’t understand how the poker odds work, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to create a profitable plan. So, learn how the odds work and how to calculate them!

3. Count your outs

Counting your outs is a very important poker strategy and you should ensure that you execute this skill from the get-go. The ‘outs’ refer to the cards you will need to hit in order to improve your winning hand. Please note: the hand that you have will affect how many outs you have. Counting your outs is also the first step to calculating your odds. Knowing how many outs you have will help you work out your odds. Which in turn, will make your next move (whether to call, raise or fold) a much easier decision. Study charts beforehand if you’re not good at maths – no excuses. 

4. Think about your opponent’s cards

Needless to say, it’s impossible to know your opponent cards. But this doesn’t mean it’s not important to try to think about what they might be. You need to ensure you’re making calculated poker decisions and not deciding your next move on a whim. Learn to put your opponent on the range so you can calculate your next move more easily. There are many factors to take into account which may give you an idea of what hands your opponent could be playing. First, you need to think about your opponents’ current position and what possible hands he could play from there. Many other factors will help you decide, such as their post-flop action, betting or checking (which can indicate strength or weakness), the time they take to make decisions and more!

This isn’t an easy strategy! In fact, it’s fairly complex and difficult, so beginners should study simplified step by step guides of how to put their opponents on range. Once you understand this, you can move on to a more advanced guide with higher accuracy. The more you practice, the more naturally it will come. Give yourself the best possible chance at winning by making a more educated decision. 

5. Think about ranges, not hands

Many poker players make the mistake of trying to put their opponent on a specific hand. A ‘range’ refers to the complete spectrum of poker hands that a player can obtain in a particular poker circumstance throughout the game. Such as a flush, middle pair, top pair, ace-high etc. You’ll find that beginner or inexperienced players will tend to put a player on a specific hand. But an experienced or professional player will always put a player on a range instead. Why? because it’s far more realistic and effective to put them (and yourself of course) on a range after each move. Not only will it give you much more accuracy when calculating the pot odds. Don’t just trust your ‘gut feeling’, use the tools and strategies you’ve learnt to work it out. With strong technical knowledge of poker, you can use the information to build the opponents range.

6. Play tight but aggressive

This strategy is very straightforward – aim to play a few hands as possible and play them aggressively. There are many benefits to adopting this approach, such as an advantage over the loose-aggressive player in terms of cost. Playing fewer hands means spending (and losing) less money because mistakes will be less costly, which means more profit, cha-ching, cha-ching! Also, it’s very common that taking this approach will lead to a significant increase in other players errors. How? because you are constantly forcing them to react to your aggressive actions. This can throw them off guard and lead to errors, depending on the level of experience of the poker player of course. Playing all hands aggressively will also help you disguise the strength of your actual hand. There’s one thing for sure, it makes you a tougher player to be up against.

7. Fold when you’re unsure

Deciding to fold when you’re unsure is a major difference that lies between a good and bad poker player. It may sound very simple to fold when you’re unsure but actually, it goes completely against human instinct. We have naturally curious and competitive brains which consequently make it difficult to fold. Not only are you surrendering your chance to win the pot but you also won’t be able to find out what your opponent had. Therefore, many (bad) players ignore uncertainty and try to think positively that it will go in our favour and they will win. You’ll find that the professional players will possess a great ability to fold if they believe they are going to be beaten. So, if you’re feeling very unsure about whether to bet or raise, it’s time to fold. Know when to cut your losses. 

Another special Casinos Jungle tip – just like all strategies you choose to adopt, make sure you pay special attention to the details of each hand when you fold. This will help you in future games on whether or not you’re making the right decisions and extend your knowledge. 

8. Pay attention to signs of weakness in your opponents and attack

This sounds rather aggressive as a strategy! But in clearer terms, we mean when a poker oppotonent is showing signs of weakness, it’s time to get your bluffing game on and take adavantage. You should figure out the weak players at the very beginning of the poker game. There are many immediate signs to look out for that could potentionally detect a weaker player, such as under-betting, limping, one-tabline and mini-raising. It’s important to study what actions indicate weakness and strenght. Remember, some players will be trying to disguise their weaknesses and they will be much less easy to spot. Use your strategies and skills to decide how/when to attack weak players. Doing it every time could make your moves more predictable too, so choose your attack times wisely. Don’t ever let the weak player be you! 

9. Don’t bluff too much

This strategy is simple, do not bluff at every possible opportunity. Whilst bluffing is a very important skill in poker, it’s also common for players to bluff too much. And some players don’t bluff enough! The skilled players have typically mastered finding a great balance. Beginner players will frequently overuse the skill of bluffing to the point where it becomes obvious and other players have an advantage over them. However, with practice, your judgment for when to bluff will improve. In the meantime, we suggest bluffing when the stakes are low and practice convincing your opponents that you have a good hand. Of course, you won’t always be successful but you can most definitely become a better bluffer by understanding the when, how and the right times to bluff.

10. Only play when you’re in a good state of mind

This is SO important for all players regardless of their experience or skills in poker. You must always remind yourself that playing poker is supposed to be an entertaining, fun and enjoyable experience – this goes for the professionals too. If you’re in a bad state of mind, you’re much more likely to make poorly informed decisions that could negatively affect the outcome of the game. And the last thing you want is to make your state of mind any worse by being reckless in poker. Also, you are less likely to handle your losses well. Like in everything, you’re going to perform best when you’re happy, feeling yourself and your mind is clear. Bring the best you to the poker table so you have the best chance at increasing your profits. Poker can be mentally intense, so you must ensure you playing in a clear and good state of mind.

We feel it’s important for each player to imagine losing all of the money that they’re planning to spend in the casino before playing. If you’re trying to avoid that thought or simply won’t be about to handle it, PLEASE do not play. Also, if you feel any anger or frustration building up whilst playing, it’s time to quit and take a break! Come back when you’re feeling good.

11. Leave your ego at the door

There is no place for the ego in poker. If you stick to playing better players, you will end up losing. It’s really as simple as that. Trying to feed your ego when it comes to poker will cost you (literally!). You need to choose a table to play at that you believe has weaker players than you. The general aim should be to be better than at least 50% of the players at the table. Don’t let yourself be the weakest player and just play against better poker players – that’s a quick way to lose your cash.

12. Adopt consistent strategies

And last but not least, adopt a consistent strategy! You need to ensure that you put different strategies into practice and find out which one works best for you. And what’s bringing you the most wins of course! This will undoubtedly help you to minimise your losses and maximise your winnings. You’ll find that the best poker players usually apply the same winning strategies each time. 

Poker Variations

There are many variations of poker and no doubt, new variations will continuously be created. All variations will come under three main categories: draw poker, stud poker, and community card poker. (explain what each one is). Variations of poker include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven-card stud, Five-card draw, High Low Chicago – these are the most popular variants. Less popular variants include Queen, Countdown, Criss Cross Poker, Double Cross Poker, Billabong and Shanghai, Five-O poker, Kuhn poker. And many more!

Final thoughts

This guide is created with love and expertise from Casinos Jungle. In the hope of offering you some simplified but extremely effective poker strategies. Strategies that can be implemented by poker players of all levels, beginners or experienced. We often find that many players make the mistake of assuming there are years of experience and skill-building between them and the professionals. However, this is in fact untrue. The gap isn’t as wide as you may think! Professional players have simply just perfected their winnings strategies.

Initially, you should try out different strategies to see what works for you and make adjustments accordingly. But after reading this article, doing your research and playing a few games, you should have a good idea of what strategies work for you. It’s important to view poker in a logical way. And you’re much more likely to make decent wins! One thing we can guarantee is that something ALL highly successful poker players have in common is a consistent and effective winning strategy. 

Introduction to baccarat

Baccarat was first established in Italy during the 1400s. It is thought that an Italian man named Felix Falguiere, created the game ”baccara”. It still keeps its pronunciation today but when this game became popular in France they added the silent ”t” on the end and this spelling stuck around the world. Its direct translation to English is ”zero”, which is due to all of the tens and face cards being worth zero during the game. Players often refer to them as ”nothing” too. Baccarat has risen in popularity worldwide and has become one of the most popular casino card games. Why? because the rules are simple, it’s easily accessible and highly enjoyable. It’s also an ideal game for all types of players at the casino, high rollers, lower rollers, beginners, experienced etc. Despite the common misconception that it’s only suitable for high rollers. 

So, if you’re looking for a straightforward card game without having to learn complicated bets and memorise many rules – baccarat is the game for you. There is also a high chance of winning (44.62% to be exact) which needless to say, players love. If you haven’t played baccarat before, the aim of the game is to get as close to 9 without going over. You will make a bet on either the player or banker. And of course, this is completely dependent on the cards that they are dealt. So, let’s get one thing straight, baccarat is 100% luck like many casino games. However, there are certain strategies and skills you can adopt to give yourself a much better chance of winning. Therefore, we Casinos Jungle experts have created a list of the top 10 strategies you can use when playing baccarat.

Baccarat Strategies

First things first, before we take a look at the best baccarat strategies, we need to remind you to learn the rules first. This may sound extremely obvious but you’ll be surprised by how many people jump into baccarat because they hear the rules are simple and assume they don’t need to do any research beforehand. Not only will this be frustrating for other players around the table but it will slow down your gameplay as you work things out whilst playing. You need to ensure you know how the table works, the betting options available, odds and more. The truth is that the first step to winning any game is learning and understanding the rules first. Oh and of course, read this page on strategies first and you’ll be off to the best start in playing baccarat. So without further ado, let’s take a look at these strategies… 

1. Find the games with fewer decks

Playing with fewer decks in baccarat means the house edge will be smaller and lower variability of the potential cards. Therefore, the game will not have as large of an advantage over you. However, it can be difficult to find casinos (land-based and online) that offer one deck games of baccarat. If you’re playing online, it will be significantly easier to find the smaller deck games. You will find that in most casinos the typical amount of decks is eight. However, it’s also common to find three, four, five or six decks as well. Do your research and hunt for the fewer deck baccarat games to give yourself a better chance of winning.

2. Set a budget and stick to it 

This won’t help you with winning, but it will certainly help to cut your losses. Like any casino game, you need to go into it prepared for the worse outcome – losing all of your money. If this thought frustrates or angers you, you should not be playing. Don’t expect to win every time, as we all know this is rarely the case. Setting a budget and sticking to it will help you control how much money you could possibly lose beforehand. So you will not leave feeling overly disappointed. And any winnings will be again! Do not ever use the money that you need for important things, this is a very dangerous road to go down. You should only use disposable income that you can afford to lose. Take the losses in your stride. Sticking to a budget will also make it easier to pick baccarat games that correlate with your means.

3. Make sure you’re always having fun

Remember that baccarat was created to be a fun and entertaining game. If playing is becoming stressful and frustrating you need to take a break and step away from it for a while. Continuing to play whilst feeling these negative emotions is not a responsible way to play. Do not let your emotions get too involved whilst playing, it should be a lighthearted form of entertainment. If you play baccarat with the right mindset (there are potential gains but they’re not guaranteed) then you will have a much better time and take the wins and losses in your stride. 

4. Don’t waste time card counting

The truth is card counting in baccarat isn’t really worth the time or effort. It’s common for many beginner baccarat players to believe that counting the cards will give them a great advantage. But experienced players will tell you, it’s a waste of time. Yes granted, it will give you a small advantage but the time, effort and practice spend learning to count cards would be much more beneficial to put into other strategies. Also, it’s very unlikely that you will get a count good enough to change the return until much later in the game. And at this point of the game, you probably won’t want to risk enough to get a count that will make a small difference. Therefore, it’s much more advantageous to focus on other strategies. Use your time wisely. 

5. Never wait for ”cycles” to finish

This is a common mistake made by many baccarat players, usually the less experienced ones. Many players believe that you should wait for the banker or player to lose before you enter the pot. Why? because they think it will boost your odds of winnings. This strategy is always implemented by the players that believe in winning or losing streaks. But as we all know, baccarat is based on luck and this theory has no factual evidence to support it. There is absolutely no point waiting for an imaginary ”cycle” to end and will simply just be wasting your time by waiting.

6. Ignore baccarat fallacies

For most casino games, there are many fallacies out there. And baccarat isn’t any different! Do not make the mistake of believing them all, despite how common they are and how long they’ve been around. Do your research first and base your strategies on evidence. The biggest mistake a player can make is believing all the fallacies that come from no factual evidence and are simply unproven theories. A popular baccarat theory is the ”“illusion of control” a theory that gives many unproven conditions to follow that will hugely influence the outcome of the game. However, we must always remember that baccarat is based on luck. Technically, the only thing you can control is how you react to the unpredictable gameplay and the skills that come with each.

7. The tie bet should be avoided

Ignore the tie bet in baccarat, it isn’t important and placing a bet on it is never a good idea. Why? first of all, the house edge for betting on a tie can be as high as 14.5%, much higher than banker and player bets. Many players make the mistake of betting on the tie to simply liven up the gaming experience and make things more interesting. And course, with huge hopes that the game will go in their favour and it will be a tie. Whilst this is likely, it’s much more unlikely. Play safe and give yourself the best possible chance of winning a return. The bottom line is that betting on a tie will give you a MUCH lower chance of winning. 

8. There is no best bet, choose the best bet for you

 Contrary to belief, there is no ”best bet” that you can make in baccarat because no one knows the outcome of each game. You should way up the pros and cons by yourself first and decide what type of baccarat player you want to be. Many players choose to bet on the banker because the house edge is always higher. Whereas others always bet on the player because you can earn more winnings. The choice is yours! There is no best bet or ”right choice”.

9. Don’t double your bet after losses

If you’re a regular casino card game player, then it’s extremely likely that you’ve come across this strategy before. It’s more formally known as the ”Martingale Betting System” and many players implement it into their gameplay, predominately in roulette, blackjack or baccarat. Essentially, this strategy requires you to double your bet after every loss. Sounds risky, huh? Players do this in the hope of when (more like IF) they win, it will be a big enough amount to cover the previous losses. This is in fact extremely risky and completely dependent on the fact that you are guaranteed to have a win after losses or a losing streak. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case and just to remind you once again – the outcome of the game is based purely on luck. Therefore, adopting this strategy can be a quick way to lose all of your money. There are much safer strategies to implement a higher chance of winning.

10. The positive progressive strategy

This strategy is simple. It follows the idea that after every win you make, you should increase the wager. It’s expected to increase your winnings in the hope of achieving a balance where your losses do not outweigh your winnings. Of course, it’s risky but just as risky as any strategy. Many players decide to implement it because when if they’re lucky enough to go on a winning streak, they can make some significant gains.

Variations of baccarat

As baccarat’s popularity has increased rapidly over the years, it’s no surprise that the variations of this game have too. Players can now choose from so many different variations available at land-based casinos all around the world or online. However, there are three variations that are undoubtedly played the most and have become the most popular – Punto Banco, Mini-Baccarat and Chemin de Fer. So, why not check them out and apply the strategies listed above? Let’s take a look at more details of each variant…

Punto Banco

The Punto Banco variant was born in Cuba in the 1950s! It has undoubtedly become the most popular variant all over the world. In this game, the players are referred to as ”punto” and the banker as ”bunco”. The name was created because players are up against the bank (”banco” means bank in Spanish). It allows up to 14 players around the table at the same time, which is the highest number of players allowed for any baccarat variation! So it’s a great social gaming option at casinos. In this game, 6-8 decks are used and distributed by the dealer. Another reason it is so popular among players is because of its accessible betting levels.

Mini-Baccarat

If you haven’t already guessed, this game is essentially a mini version of the original game of baccarat. Firstly, the maximum amount of players that can play is 7 in opposition to 8-10 in a usual game of baccarat (dependent on casino). This game is well-known for its low bet rates so it’s attractive to all types of players but mainly the ones who are simply playing for entertainment and looking for less serious gameplay with smaller returns. It’s somewhat viewed as a less intense and serious version of baccarat for various reasons. Such as there is only one croupier who acts as dealer and banker, instead of three in a normal game. This variant of baccarat is extremely popular in America and is in fact player more than the original game in land-based casinos and online. It’s perfect for beginners or small-time gamblers but it’s not uncommon to see experienced gamblers around the Mini-Baccarat table too.

Chemin De Fer 

The Chemin De Fer variant is a french version of the game. However, it undoubtedly came from the Italian version, with a few simple adjustments. In this game, you will use 6 decks of cards instead of 7. It has become so popular because players have much more active participation than in any other variant of baccarat. Players will get to be the banker during this game and take turns to shuffle and distribute the cards. This also gives players a higher sense of control over the game, although of course, never the outcome. Also, all cards are distributed face down instead of face up. The only other major difference is the player will be able to make the decision whether or not to draw the third card. Which player? the one that made the biggest bet.

Conclusion

This guide is created with love and expertise from Casinos Jungle. Ultimately, there are only three outcomes of the game – either the banker has a higher card, the player has a higher card or it’s a tie. And you should always remember that baccarat is a game of luck. As we’ve mentioned before, the house always has an edge however it’s very possible to earn money through playing. Understanding and implementing some of the strategies listed above will undoubtedly help minimise losses and maximum gains. It’s also important for players to try out different variations to also find the right one for you! Start off by learning the basic rules of whatever variant you’ve selected then test and practice different strategies to see what works best for you. Good luck! 

Introduction to slots strategies

Slots have undoubtedly become one of the most popular casino games and are found in land-based and online casinos all around the world. They have become popular for many reasons – they are simple to play, exciting, entertaining and can generate big returns. And anyone, regardless of experience, can be lucky enough to win some life-changing cash. Slots operate on Random Number Generators. So, yes, the outcome of every spin is completely random and purely down to luck. 

Whether you’re winning or losing on a slot, there’s no doubt that you are entertained. There are now more varieties of the game than ever before and more are being created every day. Each with unique game designs, themes, features and jackpots. In fact, it’s almost impossible for you not to find a slot game that suits your personal gaming preferences. There’s a game out there for every type of player! There are a limited number of slots at all land-based casinos, needless to say, there isn’t enough room for thousands of machines in every casino. However, if you’re playing online, you will have access to thousands of different slots. With the huge increase in popularity over the years, it’s no surprise that casino operators are opting to add as many slots to their portfolio as possible. 

Why learn strategies if winning is based on luck?

You’re probably thinking if winning is all down to luck, why should I bother learning strategies? Well, you don’t need any experience to spin the reels, but of course, learning about slots first (and reading our strategies) will help you cut your losses. It’s never a sensible idea to go into any game without fully understanding how it operates, what to look for/avoid and how to be the best player you can be. So, Casinos Jungle have created a list of the top 10 strategies & tips to learn before playing slots. Check them out…

1. Choose the right slot game for you

First of all, it’s important to choose the right slot game for you – do your research first! You should consider many factors. Such as RTP, jackpot, minimum/maximum bet, theme, features, volatility level, bonuses, wagering requirements and any other factors that are important to you. Whether you prefer the classic 3 reel traditional slots or ultra-modern ones with the latest technology installed, there’s a slot for you. There are thousands to choose from! Looking for the release date can also be important. Needless to say, the most recent the release, the more modern and high-tech the game is likely to be. Also, check out which gaming software provider created the slot. It’s not the be-all and end-all, but it can certainly indicate the game quality. For instance, leading gaming software providers, such as Real Time Gaming, WGS and Betsoft are almost guaranteed to deliver the best possible gaming experience with their latest releases. But that’s not to say smaller providers can’t too! 

2. Read the reviews

Another great way to find out information and an indication of a slot performance is by reading online reviews. It’s one thing researching all of the factors of a game that the gaming software provider has specified, but you need to ensure it matches up with its performance. And what better way to find out than from real players that have played the game? They can offer valuable, trustworthy and reliable guides which will make it much easier to decide what slot game to play. You can find reviews on pretty much all slot games by a simple search in google. Casino websites, forums or Reddit usually have thousands of reliable slot reviews. The best place to read reviews is Casinos Jungle!

3. Try demos first

One of the biggest mistakes that new slot gamers make is not taking advantage of the demo mode. Demo mode is available for almost every slot game. There are so many benefits to playing in demo mode before depositing your hard-earned cash. Such as the opportunity to check its performance matches up to its description (volatility etc), no financial risk, becoming accustomed to the gameplay and so much more. Also, typically, you won’t have to register at a casino to play in demo mode, so it’s a great way of testing out which slots suit your preference before signing up. You can play free slots right here! Keep in mind that there are thousands of slots on offer online, so there will be a slot perfect for you! Plus if you’re playing purely for entertainment and fun, you will get just as much by playing demo mode.  

Recommended US Casinos for Slots

4. Always plan a budget before playing

Setting a budget before you play a slot will cut your losses because you will always be in complete control of the maximum amount of money you can lose. Never spend more than you can afford and make sure you’re using disposable income that you don’t need for important things, e.g. bills. It can be extremely easy to get caught up in the gameplay and continue playing for hours without realising how much you’re spending. Deciding on a budget beforehand will save you from walking away, after playing, feeling frustrated and disappointed.  It leaves no room for any nasty surprises (big financial losses) and puts you in control of your spending. 

5. Set a time limit

Whether you’re going to a land-based casino or playing online, it can become an open-ended trip and consume you for hours if you’re not careful. And the more hours spent, the more potential money lost. It’s very easy to get distracted and so immersed into the gameplay to the point that you completely lose track of time. Also, it’s well-known fact that most land-based casinos do not have clocks on display in the hope their customers get ”lost in the moment” and don’t pay attention to the time spent there. Stay ahead of the game and set a timer/alarm on your phone to alert you. Be in control.

6. Higher denomination slots will usually have higher payback percentages

This is true for slots at land-based casinos and online. For example, dollar slots give a higher payback percentage than quarter slots and quarter slots give a higher payback percentage than penny slots. If you’re just playing for fun and smaller wins, then this won’t matter too much to you. However, if you’re aiming for some bigger wins, this is worth taking into consideration before choosing which slot to play. But don’t just rush to play the dollar slots, there are also many other factors to take into consideration. It all depends on what’s important to you in a slot, is its entertainment value, features, theme? Always remember that playing higher-denomination slots comes with more risk. Also, higher domination slots do NOT necessarily mean that you will win more on a bet. 

7. If you’re playing progressive slots, make sure you bet enough to be eligible for the jackpot

Many slot players will see the huge continuously growing figure on a slot and are quick to make a bet and start playing. You’ll find that many progressive jackpot slot machines will require players to bet a certain amount before becoming eligible to win it. Some will even require you to bet the maximum amount to have a shot at winning it. For example, on a two-dollar slot machine, you will not be eligible to win the progressive jackpot if you bet just one dollar. If you are lucky enough to hit a jackpot combination on the one dollar, you will receive the progressive jackpot figure but rather a reduced amount. It will probably still be a great win but needless to say, check beforehand so you know what you’re capable of winning.

8. Do not automatically bet the max

This is a very common mistake that slot players make. Many will automatically assume that if they bet more money, they will win more money back or have a higher chance of winning. This is not true and is a complete myth! Whilst high-denomination slots tend to have higher payback percentages, this does not mean that the more money you bet, the more money you will win every time – it’s all down to luck! 

9. Take advantage of bonuses and promotions

There are thousands of online casinos to choose from, each offering different bonuses and promotions. Make sure you find a good deal and take advantage of what’s on offer! However, it’s very important to check the requirements of all bonuses and promotions beforehand. Many players get drawn in by the big deposit matches and free spins on offer. But unfortunately, you’ll find that many of these bonuses are not as great as they seem and require significant wagering requirements to activate. Also, make sure the bonuses can be applied to the slot games that you want to play before spending your money. Most online casinos will offer a rewards programme once you’ve signed up – check your inbox regularly so you don’t miss out on special offers. 

10. Scout for the machines that have a good track history of paying big and looking for near misses to win is a myth

It’s a very common myth that slot machines are ‘due’ payouts. This is a tough cookie to swallow for many players who like to think they are being tactical by ‘calculating’ when a slot is next ‘due’ a payout. The truth is, there is no calculating when the next payout will be and slot machines give payouts at complete random. Once players accept this, they can choose a slot game based on their preferences rather than the ones they think are due payouts. This will make playing slots a much more enjoyable experience. Don’t waste your time, money and enjoyment by chasing ‘due’ payouts that don’t exist. Always remember that ALL slots are controlled by the random number generator (RNG). 

11. How many different slot games are available?

The list of different slot games that are available to players is forever expanding and can almost seem endless. With the constant increase in their popularity, it’s not surprising that casino operators have opted to add hundreds of slot variations to their gaming portfolios and are continuously adding new ones! Gaming providers are always working hard to produce new slots games every month to ensure players are kept intrigued and excited. This means that there are always brand new slots with the latest technology and innovative designs, features and themes to choose from. Along with the classics too! So it’s practically impossible to run out of options. 

Needless to say, the number of slots available at land-based casinos will vary from casino to casino and is much more limited than online. If you want a huge variety to choose from, it’s much better to browse online. There are no reasons that you can’t find a slot game to align to your tastes with thousands on offer within a click of a button. There are so many different types of slots games – single-coin machines, multipliers, buy-your-pay machines, multiple payline machines, wild play machines, progressive machines and so many more! Do your research first so you can find out about each type and choose the one best suited to your preferences. 

What are the most popular types of slots? 

Classic slots

The ‘classic slots’ are usually the three-reel slots that are representative of the very first ones ever created. Many slot players prefer playing classic slots due to their simplicity. They usually have a smaller number of paylines and features, therefore they are much easier to understand. It’s a common misconception that just because slots are classified as ‘classic’ that they are ‘old’ too. However, gaming software providers continue to produce new classic slots so every type of player is satisfied. 

Five-reel slots

Five-reel slots are also referred to as ‘video slots’. They are now the most popular type of slots at land-based casinos and online. And this is undoubtedly due to the vast amount of themes and exciting graphics and animations that are included in them. They are completely digital and require players to push a button to start them. 

Progressive slots

Progressive slots are also a very popular type of slots because of the life-changing wins up for grabs. Usually, these types of slots will require players to play with the maximum bet to have a chance at winning. Nonetheless, it can be extremely thrilling watching the figure rise every time you play hoping to be the next lucky winner. 

Conclusion

As you hopefully already know after reading this guide, slot games are purely based on luck and no strategy will guarantee a win. However, adopting the strategies and learning the tips above will give you more control and put you at an advantage. Which will in turn help cut your losses! Remember to always consider the risks of playing slot games and make sure you’re always having fun. After all, you should be playing for entertainment purposes above all else. Preparing yourself beforehand means you can walk away from your gaming experience feeling good regardless of the outcome. But don’t just take our word for it, but these strategies into practice and see for yourself. 

Happy slot playing! 

Introduction to blackjack

Blackjack is a fast-paced, straightforward and thrilling casino card game. Researchers claim that it originated around the 1700s in French casinos. Since then, it has been rated as the second most popular card game worldwide, after poker of course! A great reason for this is, unlike other casino games, it’s not entirely based on luck. Certainly, there is an element of luck, but a player can also become a skilled blackjack player with more knowledge and practice of blackjack strategy. There are many different ways to give yourself a better chance of winning (and we’ll tell you how in this article!). Another reason blackjack is so popular is because you play against the dealer, not other players. Therefore, no matter how many people are sitting around you at the same table, you are all playing individual games against the dealer.

The rules of blackjack are straightforward and easy to learn so it’s a popular choice for newbies too! They can learn it fairly quickly and play with confidence after learning the basics. Essentially, they need to understand three simple rules- when to hit, stand and split, then they’re pretty much good to go. BUT is blackjack down to luck or can skill be involved? That’s where Casinos Jungle is here to help. There are many different blackjack strategies that you can implement to give yourself the best possible chance of winning. Such as knowledge of effective strategies, a clear but versatile plan, good bankroll management, self-control, avoiding side bets, counting cards, being statistic driven and much more. Let’s take a look at our top 10 strategies…

1. Double down on a hard 11

This blackjack strategy is unquestionably the most popular and well-known. It’s a risky but thrilling move to make – you’ll often see ‘professional’ or highly skilled blackjack players utilizing this strategy. The reason for this? when you get a hard 11 you are in a very good position and if the double down works in your favour it can be extremely profitable! Needless to say, there is a risk of possibly being dealt a low card. If this happens, you won’t be able to hit again and will risk losing twice as many chips. But high-risk, high-reward, right? There’s an unspoken rule to never double down if you’re holding higher than an 11. Why? because the chances of going bust are extremely higher so it too risky. 

2. Split a pair of 8’s & Aces 

There will be times whilst playing blackjack that your two upcards will be of identical value and you will have the option of splitting them. All skilled blackjack players know that you should ALWAYS split a pair of 8’s and Aces no matter what the dealer’s upcard is. Why? you are statistically better off than playing it this way any other. So, effectively it will help you lose less money in the long run and is the best attempt to cut losses. In the case of Aces, you have the potential to make some significant gains! And in the case of 8’s, it will depend on the dealers’ upcard but will allow you to minimise losses and maximise winnings.

Note: You can spot the amateurs from a mile off as they commonly never use this strategy when a dealers upcard is 9, 10 or Ace. This is because of the fear that they will lose even more money. But in fact, implementing this strategy at this point will make you less of an underdog. 

3. Never split a pair of 5’s and 10’s

Like the previous strategy, all skilled players also know to never split a pair of 5’s and 10’s in blackjack. It’s almost like an unspoken rule. In fact, most players will know to never do this but newbies might not have worked it out yet. If you split the 5’s or 10’s, the odds are definitely not in your favour and there is a much higher chance of losing cash.

4. Always hit a hard 12 vs. dealer’s 2 or 3 upcard

It’s very common for players to abandon this strategy when it’s time to implement it into the game. Why? because of the fear of going bust. Therefore, players will usually think that they are playing it safe and stand on their 12. It’s very likely that you will lose money against a dealers 2 or 3 upcard regardless of your cards. However, you have a higher chance of losing less money in the long run by hitting (even with the risk of busting).

5. always hit a soft 18 when the dealers upcard is 9, 10, or ace

It’s common for players to believe that a hand that totals 18 is a sure win and is unquestionably one of the most misplayed hands in blackjack. Players will usually decide to stand on a soft 18, especially if the dealers’ upcards are strong, e.g (9, 10 or ace). For those of you that are new to blackjack, a soft 18 is when a hand is made up of an Ace (with a value of 11) and a 7. It’s important to remember – you will ALWAYS be the underdog against a dealers strong upcards (9, 10 or ace), regardless of whether you decide to stand or hit. In fact, deciding to hit will potentially be the most rewarding move you could make and cut your losses. The odds may not be in your favour, but you still have a high chance of drawing a small value card (e.g ace, 2 or 3). This means you still have a good chance of winning at the blackjack game.

6. Always double down on 10 if the dealer’s upcards are in between 2-9

If you hold a two-card 10 then you’re automatically put at a great advantage, especially if the dealers’ upcard is between 2-9. Why? you will have a higher chance of obtaining a better value card against the upcards compared to hitting in the long run. Doubling down will optimise maximum profits against a dealer’s weaker upcards. Therefore, you will have a greater chance of winning the game. Needless to say, standing in this scenario would be nonsensical, since you only stand a chance of winning if the dealer goes over 21.

7. Always stand with a pair of 9’s if the dealers upcard is a 7

If your two upcards are 9’s you should always stand if the dealers upcard is 7 and hold your total of 18. Statistics show that standing with these upcards will win you slightly more money than splitting. There is great potential that the dealer will either pull a ten (because there is four times as many in a deck) or a smaller value. Therefore, you will be closest to 21 and win. If you decide to hit and go bust, the dealer will win regardless. So, it’s a safer option to stand. Drawing another card will give you a huge risk of going bust. 

8. Always double down A-2 through to A-7 if the dealers upcard is a 5 or 6

If your initial two cards are Ace-2 through to Ace-7 – DOUBLE DOWN. This is a simple strategy that will give you the potential to win more. Why? because you cannot go bust and the dealer has a much higher risk of going bust because they have to hit until they reach 17.

9. If the casino rules specify that the dealer must hit a soft 17 (rather then stand), you must to the following:

Different casinos have different rules. In many casinos, there is something known as the ‘soft 17 rule’ in blackjack. This is when casinos specify that the dealer must hit a soft 17 rather than stand. You’re probably wondering if this rule makes much of a difference to the game? and the answer is yes. If this rule is stated then the house edge will usually increase by an average of 0.2%. So, the dealer is essentially at an advantage, even if it is only a small one. In fact, the statistics show that a dealer only has a 29.7% chance of busting in this scenario.

We’d actually suggest avoiding blackjack in casinos where the ‘soft 17’ rule is in place. Why play when the odds are not in your favour? However, if you decide to anyway, here are some strategies to help you out…

Double down on two cards that make 11 against a dealers ace upcard. Many players decide to stand, but doubling down will give you a better advantage

Double down on a soft 19 (Ace, 8) instead of standing, when you’re against a dealers 6 upcard

Double down on soft 18 (Ace, 7) instead of standing, when a dealers upcard is 2

10. ALWAYS surrender a hard 15/16 against a dealer’s 9, 10 or ace upcards

If you receive a hard 15 or 16 during a game of blackjack. Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you’ve received one of the worst hands in blackjack. If the dealer is also showing strong upcards (9, 10 or Ace) then you’re in even more trouble. But fear not! There is a strategy that can help minimise your losses. You should simply surrender against the dealers’ upcards. Surrendering in blackjack means giving up your hand if you believe you’re at a big disadvantage and unlikely to win the hand. In this scenario, you will keep half of your original bet. So it’s a much better option than likely losing your whole bet!

Blackjack variations

We must remember that there are 20+ blackjack variations at present. The rules will vary in each variation so it’s important to study them before playing. These strategies mentioned on this page are for the classic blackjack game but fear not – they can also be implemented in many of the variations too.

Different variations include Blackjack Switch, Free Bet Blackjack, Spanish 21, Super Fun 21, Most Liberal 21, War Blackjack, Face Up Blackjack, European Blackjack. And many more! New variations of this popular card game are always being developed. So you’ll never get bored of blackjack. 

The House Always Has an Edge

Blackjack gives the best odds of winning compared to any other table casino game. But it’s important to remember, you will always be at a slight disadvantage against the dealer. In most casinos, blackjack will have a 1% house edge. If it’s higher, you should recognise where to play. 

The advantages of learning the best blackjack strategies…

Learning The Strategies Will Eventually Become Second Nature

Learning the best black strategies can seem daunting and time-consuming at first. However, before you know it, it will become second nature when playing blackjack. It establishes good habits that will increase your chances of winning in every game. Sounds good, huh?  

Minimise Loses, Maximises profits

As previously mentioned, you are always at a disadvantage when deciding to play blackjack. But thankfully strategies will help you minimise losses and maximise profits. Take notice of the players around you that are consistently making profits. What strategies are they utilizing? we can assure you that the players consistently making losses are not aware of basic strategies. If you want to make real money, STUDY THE BEST STRATEGIES!

Your fellow players will appreciate it 

Despite being at odds to lose money, blackjack should be an enjoyable game for everyone around the table. It can be frustrating for experienced blackjack players when other players misplay every single hand. Whilst it won’t take away from other players wins, it will certainly make the game less enjoyable by taking the focus off the play. We can say with confidence that all gamblers will appreciate the time taken to learn the rules and different strategies (of course, choose which ones are best for you). Don’t become the annoyance at the table.

Conclusion

We understand that initially, it can be overwhelming to learn what strategy to use in every blackjack scenario. So, we’ve done our best to simplify the strategies for you. And don’t worry… over time it will become second nature. We’ve covered our favourite blackjack strategies so you can go into your next blackjack game with increased confidence and a higher chance of winning. One thing’s for sure, implementing these strategies will give you an added advantage in blackjack. None of these strategies is too complicated so beginners and professionals will find them easy to utilize. And why not give yourself the best opportunity to win at blackjack?

After reading this guide to black strategy, you should feel confident to sit down at a blackjack table (if you haven’t before) and possess a good chance at taking the win. Take ALL of these strategies to the casino with you. Memorise them perfectly and we guarantee you’ll walk into a blackjack game with a better chance of winning than ever before. Find an online or land-based casino with friendly dealers and implement what you’ve learnt. And don’t forget to have fun!