I know how to play blackjack. But what are some simple rules to help me lose less, and play for a long time?

Question

Out of the shadows and in to the sunlight. I am going to Vegas.

Answer 1

only hit on 16 and under and also dont bet all at once test some sunglases out that dont reflect the cards tyr some at home.

umm also

keep yo money in yo pocket not in yo bag / purse cause it could get stollen

Answer 2

Keep it simple. Whatever you do don't get too involved.   here goes    (1) always assume the dealer has a face card or a 10 as his bottom card    (2)   if the dealer has a 2 to 6 showing, and you have a 12 to 16, stand. (3) Allways double-down on 11. Always double-down on 10 when the dealer shows a 9 or under. Always split aces and 8s. Never split 4s, 5s, and 10s.   (4) You have to take me with you and stake me high (just kidding.....halfway maybe)

Answer 3

If you aren't concerned with how you look, stop in the gift shop and get the little laminated card that shows basic strategy and refer to it while you play.  You might not believe this, but casinos will let you look at it while you are playing.  You might feel like you are cheating, but it's perfectly fine to do.  (Of course, if you don't want to buy it, you can find it online...  like here:  http://www.vegastripping.com/images/blac... )

If you do care about how you look, then you have to remember what's on there.  Any time you do something different that basic strategy (as it's called), then you are costing yourself money in the long run.  

As for the other answer about always standing on a 12 through 16 against a dealer 2-6 showing, well, he's wrong.  You should hit a 12 against a dealer 2 or 3.  

Some of the plays that you have to make don't feel very natural, like hitting a 16 against a dealer 7, but they are right.

A lot of your money comes from knowing when to double down, as you are putting more money in when you have the most advantage.  ALWAYS double when you should and split when you should, even it means going into your pocket for another $20 to cover all of the action.

But here's my best advice:  Don't play Blackjack at all if you are interested in playing for a long time.  If a LOT of action is your interest, find a single-zero roulette wheel (there used to be one at the Monte Carlo...) and play that.  Blackjack is dealt FAST FAST FAST.  We're talking over a hand a minute in many cases.  You're giving up around 3% if you do everything perfectly, which none of us really do.  That small of an edge taken that many times means you get ground down quickly.  It takes that little marble a lot longer to go around that wheel...  and nobody ever yells at you for taking the wrong card playing roulette, something which scares off some gamblers.

Good luck out there...