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Blackjack Betting Systems Guide

Recently updated on June 21st, 2019

ace cards with casino chip blackjack betting systemsBlackjack betting systems are a tool blackjack players use to help them increase their chances of winning. Now, whether these actually work or just have a placebo effect on the player has been a continuous subject of debate. Blackjack is a fascinating game that’s been featured in popular culture throughout the ages. Furthermore, its popularity comes from the fact that it’s one of the casino games that has the lowest house edge.

Hundreds of books have been written on blackjack betting strategies, mathematicians have analysed the game, and myths and legend have been created around blackjack. So, it’s pretty natural for fans of the game to develop betting systems and strategies to help them figure out the game. And they have become pretty popular with Kiwi casino players. Likewise, some people think their system is much more accurate than other players.

Let’s take a look at blackjack betting systems and what they can do for NZ blackjack players, whether it’s online or at a land-based casino.

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What you’ll find on this page

What is a Blackjack Betting System?

A blackjack betting system is a fixed set of rules that a player strictly follows in a game. A betting system is similar to a strategy in that they help a player increase their chance of winning. Ideally, a betting system is easy to follow and memorise, while a blackjack betting strategy is an approach to betting on the game.

Blackjack betting systems dictate to the player how to bet each time something happens.

Types of Betting Systems

In gambling and playing blackjack, there are three main betting systems used. These are then translated into a blackjack betting strategy to help you maximise your odds of winning. The main three types are:

  • Insurance Betting System: this system calls for a decrease in bets after a loss.
  • Negative Progression Betting System: with this system type, players bet higher every time they lose to try and recover their losses. It’s a risky system to use as it requires a large bankroll because you’re chasing losses.
  • Positive Progression Betting System: this betting system calls an increase in bets after each win. It’s a popular system because players can start with a small bankroll.

Top 5 Blackjack Betting Systems

There are many blackjack betting systems out there. So, we’ve selected the five most popular blackjack betting strategies to help you take your blackjack gameplay to the next level.

1. Manhattan (2-1-2) System

This blackjack betting system helps Kiwi players avoid giving back all their gains and missing out on that elusive hot streak. Using the Manhattan system allows players to capitalise on a good run of cards. Furthermore, players can win a bit more with a hot run while not sacrificing their gains.

Summarily, with the 2-1-2 strategy, you’ll play like this:

  • Start with a 2-unit bet.
  • If you win the bet, drop your bet to 1 unit.
  • Then, if you win again, increase the bet to 3 units.
  • Once the dealer wins, go back to the original starting position.

2. Oscar’s System

Out of all the blackjack betting systems, Oscar’s is one of the most well-known. Created in the 1960’s by mathematician Dr. Allan Wilson, it’s goal is to win exactly 1 unit per series. How this system works is:

  • Start a series by betting 1 unit.
  • If your bet wins, add a unit.
  • If you lose your bet, don’t adjust anything and bet exactly the same as the previous time.
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3. 1-3-2-6 System

Basically, this blackjack betting system is about placing bets in the 1-3-2-6 sequence. How you play this blackjack strategy is:

  • You only trigger the sequence after winning a bet.
  • The sequence ends when you lose a bet.
  • So, you start with a 1-unit bet. Only if it wins do you move to a 3-unit bet.
  • Then after that, only if it wins do you go down to a 2-unit bet. Then, if your bet wins again, you go up to a 6-unit bet.
  • However, if you lose regardless of where you are in the sequence, you drop back down to 1 and start again.

The 1-3-2-6 betting system is a great one to try because mixing your bet sizes lowers your chances of blowing out and betting everything on one hand.

4. Martingale System

One of the oldest betting systems in not only gambling but blackjack. Its origins have been traced back to 18th century France. It relies on even money bets to avoid losses. With the Martingale, it’s a classic negative progression system in that the player doubles their bet after each loss. However, blackjack isn’t an even money game and using the Martingale as a blackjack betting system will increase the odds of getting a bad streak of cards.

5. Paroli System

Also known as the Anti-Martingale system, it relies on positive progression. Basically, players increase their bet size only after a win. The Paroli creates small consistent wins and mitigates huge losses. The Paroli system works like this:

  • A player sets with a fixed starting bet.
  • After a win, the player doubles their stake in the next bet.
  • Should there be three consecutive wins, the player then reduces their bet back down to the starting bet.
  • After every loss, revert back to the starting bet.

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