Smart Strategies

Playing Smart

The Kelly Betting System

Money management systems are a tricky thing and easily thrown overboard when a player is on a particularly good...or bad streak. So what is considered the optimal betting ratio?

Use the percentage of your current advantage (2% for example) which is a percentage of your overall bankroll that should be bet on the current hand. This can be a tricky system because it assumes a lot of advanced knowledge that beginning and intermediate players might not have mastered. But once these techniques are firmly in your grasp, you can ride out the inevitable fluctuations between wins and losses without a large risk of ruin or being eliminated in tournament play.

Advanced players also know that while Kelly Betting is a good money management system, it is not always the best choice nor is it completely infallible. That's where experience and luck come into play.

Starting Small

With all the glamour around high rollers and high stakes gambling it can be tempting to jump into larger wagers than your bankroll can really handle. Beginning players especially need to be careful to take advantage of low minimum tables to learn the ropes and get comfortable growing into the big leagues.

Tipping the Dealer

Even though the goal of blackjack is to beat the dealer it's important to consider the dealer too. Generally blackjack dealers are paid like other service staff, which is rather poorly. Casinos expect players to tip dealers to make up for these wages.

So how to know what the tipping standards are? Surely 18% isn't a good guideline... The moderate and thoughtful player places a dollar chip every 20 hands. The best way to do it is to place the chip clearly in front of your bet. This looks like a side bet but also is clearly visible to the dealer who will recognize your generosity. A good thing if you want the dealer to have your best interests at heart. And word to the wise - if you win the tip should be doubled.