Reducing the House Edge
While most casino games are based on luck, some table games involve an element of skill or strategy that can improve your chances of winning. The goal of any strategy is to minimize the casino's inherent advantage by playing in a statistically sound way. Let's look at some simple ways to play smarter at these two classic casino games.

How to Play Blackjack Optimally
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where player decisions directly impact the outcome. The foundation of skilled play is called "basic strategy." It's a complete guide to decision-making that has been perfected by computer simulations.

Core Blackjack Tips:

Always Split Aces and 8s: These are the two pairs you should always split, without exception. Never Split 10s or 5s: A hand of two 10s is a 20, which is a very strong hand you don't want to break up. Two 5s make a 10, which is a great hand to double down on. Double Down on 11: With a starting total of 11, doubling your bet is the most profitable move in the long run. Stand on Hard 17 or Higher: If you have a "hard" total (a hand without an Ace) of 17 or more, you should always stand, as the risk of busting is too high.

Using a basic strategy chart is the single best thing you can do to improve your odds in Blackjack.

How to Bet in Roulette
Unlike Blackjack, casino Roulette is all about luck