An Easy Guide to Roulette Strategy For Beginners

Roulette is an exciting game which is found in all casinos, both traditional and online. The roulette betting system is not difficult to learn, and mastering basic roulette rules does not take long at all. Players are given a choice of placing their bets on odd or even numbers, on red or black colours, or on single numbers.

The winning colour or number is decided by the outcome after the croupier shas spun the roulette wheel which has numbers between 0 and 36. The numbers 1 – 10 and 19 – 28 comprise odd and even numbers. The even ones are black, and the odd ones are red. The numbers 11 – 18 and 29 – 36 comprise odd and even numbers, yet conversely, the even ones are red, and the odd ones are black. There is also a zero (0) which features a green pocket.

In roulette strategy, inside bets can be made by betting on a single number; on two vertically adjacent numbers; on a horizontal line of three sequential numbers, on four numbers which converge at one of the corners, on six sequential numbers which make up two horizontal lines, and on a three numbered bet (including a zero). Outside bets in roulette strategy such as betting on odd or even, or red or black, normally offer smaller winnings.

Many players like to follow a particular roulette betting system for luck. They do this by implementing a variation of the martingale strategy. This means that after a player suffers a loss, they double their bet in order to counteract what they have just lost, in addition to winning a sum which is the same as the original bet. Alternatively, after sustaining a loss or win, some players use a progressive betting plan known as the Labouchère System. This works by utilising a group of numbers that are in a line in order to work out how much to bet. Normally, this means adding the line’s end and front numbers. After a win, the player crosses off numbers and carries on this strategy with the line which is now smaller. If the player suffers a loss, he/she adds their last bet to the last part of the line.

Another option is the D’Alembert system, which is based on a pyramid approach. Generally speaking, it is used for outside bets with even-money, and is often used by players who want to restrict their losses. After players have sustained a loss, on the following bet they add one unit. And as soon as the player has had a win, they deduct one unit from the following bet.

The Dozens Bet is another popular strategy for outside bets. If the player wins it pays the same rate as the columns bet: 2 to 1. The difference between these two options is simply their numbers. The bet is placed on the last part of the grid on the 2 to 1 sign for a column, and the bet is place in the area marked 1st 12 etc., on a dozen bet.

The martingale dozens system which uses 24 numbers, involves the player picking two dozens, and then bets one unit on both of them, this means that their bet comprises 2 units in total. The player continues to bet one unit on every dozen. If the player sustains 2 losses, whether in succession or not, the bets are raised by 1 unit in each dozen. One advantage of this strategy is that players can bet on 24 numbers as opposed to the 18 that are used in other outside bet systems.

A Look at Basic Blackjack Strategies

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in existence today. The ultimate goal of the player is to be dealt a series of cards that are as close (or equal) to the score of 21 without exceeding this limit. There are three ways that this can happen:

  • The player receives 21 points when the first two cards are dealt (a blackjack).
  • The end score is higher than that of the dealer without having exceeded 21 points.
  • The dealer “busts” and breaches the limit of 21 points.

Still, there is a bit more than meets the eye in terms of developing a successful blackjack strategy. Let’s take a look at some basic concepts to consider.

Basic Strategy

We should note here that the aim of this approach is NOT to gain an edge over the house, but to minimise total losses over time by using some simple principles. This is always the fundamental base for even the most advanced blackjack betting system.

The first component of this strategy involves the fact that the player will only have five different choices during each hand. These are:

  • To stand (to keep the current cards).
  • To double down (to place another wager equal to the first in exchange for another card).
  • To hit (to take another card).
  • To split (to use two cards of the same value within the first hand to create two different hands).
  • To surrender (to forfeit the hand and gain back half of the initial wager).

Having said this, the fact of the matter is that these moves will matter little if you do not fully appreciate the relationship between the dealer’s cards and your own. This is where the common blackjack strategy tables come into play.

Blackjack Tables

Tables will often be used to summarise what action you should take depending upon your hand and the face-up card displayed by the dealer. For example, you would always “hit” (ask for an additional card) if you have a very low hand (from 5 to 8). However, it will be wise to stand if your hand is in the range of between 17 and 20. In this case, the chances of scoring over 21 are extremely high. In the event of a hand equating to 10 or 11, the player could choose to double down, as the chances are high that this score will increase with the next card without exceeding 21 points.

Please note that this is a generalised overview and effective strategies will normally involve many more options. Players will often memorise tables in order to know which move to make without forethought. Of course, this will take both time and experience to master.

Blackjack Card Counting

Blackjack card counting is the ability to know which values have already been dealt and those that likely remain in the deck. This can provide the player with an edge of up to two per cent over the dealer. Counting cards will allow you to make larger bets in the event that there are many tens or aces left in the deck. Or, you could choose to stand if you have been dealt numerous low cards and you are aware that a ten or a face card will breach 21 points. This is once again only a very cursory explanation.

Developing the right type of blackjack betting system will take time and patience. Please feel free to use this article as a guide to hone your skills before winning it big!