Blackjack is world-famous and one of the easiest casino games to learn. Due to its popularity, gamblers have created a number of betting systems. One of the more well-known systems is the 212 blackjack strategy!
In the world of blackjack the “212 betting system” is also known as the “Manhattan strategy,” and it is arguably the most popular blackjack system out there. The difference between optimal blackjack strategy and a betting system is that betting systems like the 212 blackjack strategy relate only to the number of chips you bet, not your in game decisions about hitting, standing, or other actions. You will still need to implement basic strategy alongside the 212 betting strategy to maximize your chances of success on the blackjack tables.
In this guide, we walk you through the ins and outs of the 212 betting system, so that eventually you can take it to the blackjack tables and test it out for yourself:
Once you finish reading, this strategy is good to go on any blackjack table, regardless of the rules. Feel free to use it in land-based casinos or on one of the many mBitcasino crypto blackjack tables.
How can the 212 blackjack strategy help improve your game?
- It rewards you if you happen to go on a hot streak.
- It can protect your bankroll from substantial losses.
- It can protect your winnings while allowing you to bet more.
How Does The 212 Blackjack System Work?
If you are a roulette or baccarat player, then betting systems are likely nothing new to you. The d’Alembert system is one of the most well-known roulette strategies and the 212 blackjack strategy is by and large based on it.
In the d’Alembert system, you increase your bet after every win and return to your original bet amount after a loss. The 212 blackjack staking system is very similar, except it requires you to reduce your bet after your first win. You then begin to increase bets after each subsequent win, before again returning to your original bet after a loss.
The sequence can sound confusing, but once you play this system a few times, it will become second nature.
The 212 Blackjack Strategy Sequence
- When you begin, select a minimum stake amount.
- Start by betting double the minimum stake.
- If you lose in the beginning, keep the same stake.
- After you win for the first time, reduce your bet.
- If you lose at this point, keep the same bet until you win.
- After every subsequent win, increase your stake by 1 unit.
- (e) You will continue to increase your stake by unit until eventually, you lose.
- When you lose, you will return to your original minimum bet amount.
- Repeat the sequence starting at point (b).
The 212 Blackjack Betting System – Step-by-Step 10 Hand Action
Below we have an example of a few hands playing blackjack using mBTC, and we selected a minimum bet amount of 1 mBTC. We are not keeping track of our profit loss in this example as we want to focus on the betting system itself.
Hand 1: We ‘LOSE’ our 1st hand, & use the ‘same bet’ (2 units) of 2 mBTC.
Hand 2: We ‘LOSE’ our 2nd hand & use the ‘same bet’ (2 units) of 2 mBTC.
Hand 3: We ‘WIN’ our 3rd hand, & so we ‘reduce’ our bet (1 Unit) to 1 mBTC.
Hand 4: We ‘WIN’ our 4th hand, & so we ‘increase’ our bet (1 Unit) to 2 mBTC.
Hand 5: We ‘WIN’ our 5th hand, & so we ‘increase’ our bet (1 Unit) to 3 mBTC.
Hand 6: We ‘WIN’ our 6th hand, & so we ‘increase’ our bet (1 Unit) to 5 mBTC.
Hand 7: We ‘LOSE’ our 7th hand, & ‘reset the sequence’ to (2 Units) 2 mBTC.
Note: Now the sequence resets and we play exactly the same way as we did in hand 1. If we win the next hand, we reduce our bet (1 Unit). If we lose, we stick to the (2 unit) bet waiting until we win.
Hand 8: We ‘WIN’ our 8th hand, & so we ‘reduce’ our bet (1 Unit) to 1 mBTC.
Hand 9: We ‘WIN’ our 9th hand, & so we ‘increase’ our bet (1 unit) to 2 mBTC.
Hand 10: We ‘LOSE’ our 10th hand, & ‘remain’ at (2 units) 2 mBTC.
Note: We remain at 2 units in hand 10 because the sequence starts again. Remember, we were increasing our bets after winning.
Advantages of the 212 Betting Strategy
- Profits are protected when you win.
- The betting system restarts after a loss.
- Incremental increases keep bet sizing in check.
- Win streaks are rewarded with bet increases.
- Great system for all variants of blackjack.
Disadvantages of the 212 Betting Strategy
- There is no guarantee you will make a profit.
- Continuous increments result in losing larger bets.
- Hot streak bet increments are continuous.
- Difficult to recover from initial losing streaks.
Overview of Today’s Blackjack Betting Systems
Due to blackjack’s immense popularity, there has been no shortage of mathematicians, theorists, and players studying the inner workings of the game. As such, the 212 blackjack strategy is just the tip of the iceberg.
Other popular blackjack systems you may have heard of include basic strategy, flat-betting, positive-progression, and negative-progression.
However, the two blackjack betting strategies that stand out the most are the “basic strategy” (which all blackjack players should learn regardless of the betting system in play), and the “212 blackjack strategy” aka the “2-1-2 blackjack strategy.”
Now, you’re probably wondering why “card counting” is not included in this discussion.
Today, card counting is somewhat obsolete, and unless you can find a blackjack table where the dealer does not shuffle the shoe regularly, then it is impossible to improve your chances of winning by card counting. In addition, in live casino blackjack, most pit bosses will spot card counters and order the dealer to shuffle. This applies to both land-based casinos as well as online BTC casinos with live dealer blackjack tables.
Card counting is also ineffective when playing provably fair casino games. These games feature a random number generator algorithm that is used to continuously shuffle the cards. Thus, provably fair games use a different deck for every hand.
Finally, if you want to try out the 212 blackjack system, head out to mBitcasino Blackjack Category and find a game you like!