Playing in a blackjack tournament is inexpensive fun and very exciting. In comparison to other types of tournaments, a blackjack tournament takes much less time to play. Here’s something else for you to consider. With the rule restrictions, typical in most cash games, tournaments can be more profitable for the money invested.

Winning or losing is always going to come down to the cards you draw. This is the number one reason why your money management and the protection of your bankroll is crucial. Of course, the same holds true when playing a cash game. Considering the randomness of the game and the propensity of probability, I want to share the strategy that I have been using successfully for blackjack tournament play.

The tournaments I have played were limited to a predetermined number of hands. The first thing I do is to figure my minimum bet which is determined by dividing the bankroll by the total number of hands. Example: In a tournament with a $500 bankroll and 21 hands, the unit of $23.81 provides for a $25 minimum bet.

I play the $25 unit to the midway point in the game. Of course, I will press this bet according to the count.

Next, midway into the game, I will make an adjustment to the bet. I divide my remaining bankroll by 10. Example: If at mid-game I have $750, my unit bet becomes $75.

Managing the money is the easy stuff. Additionally, you must play perfect “basic strategy” and of course, count cards. You also need to be aware of how your competition is doing. As you move into the final three to four hands, you should be in position to win your table.

Key to winning a tournament is having the necessary chips to play at the end. Do not allow overly aggressive players to intimidate you into thinking that you must keep up with them. They usually don’t last. Near the end, you’ll want to be the chip leader or be in position to become chip leader. You accomplish this by playing tight. At the same time, you maximize your betting by leveraging it as you near the end of the game.

There are a few other modifications with play, times when you will deviate from basic strategy, because you have no other choice but to double down or split a hand, out of desperation. Again, knowing the count is advantageous. When you keep the count, you know the odds. When you know the odds, you know your expectation for the cards probable for your next hand. Coming down to the wire, your last few hands and betting will determine the outcome. Either way, you first must be in position for it to happen. Your goal is to win each round in order to make it to the final table. At the final table, nothing really changes. You follow the same strategy to the winner’s circle.

This strategy for managing the bankroll has resulted with me being in a strong position at the end of the game to have a shot at winning it all. Still, it comes down to the cards and least I forget to mention, the energy of your game.

Blackjack, craps and poker tournaments are becoming extremely popular and it’s where you’ll win the “jack-pot” money. It is a matter of conforming your play to the rules of the tournament. If you use this blackjack strategy I’d appreciate hearing from you. Please let me know how it works for you and if you like the results.

Copyright © 2005 Michael Vernon
Playing4keeps.com