Blackjack is a card game that has been played for many years, both in casinos and online. In the UK, it remains one of the most popular table games available. What sets blackjack apart is that it doesn’t rely entirely on chance. While the cards dealt are random, your decisions can influence the outcome of each hand.
If you’re new to blackjack, understanding how bets are placed might seem a little confusing at first. There are different ways people manage their betting, and one of these is known as the 1-2-3-5 betting strategy. It’s not a method that changes your chances of possibly winning, but rather a way of structuring how you place your bets.
This blog will break down how this strategy works, what its purpose is, and why it’s important to understand the basics before using it. It’s written especially for beginners who may be trying blackjack for the first time, or are still learning how different approaches work.
What Is The 1-2-3-5 Betting Strategy?
The 1-2-3-5 betting strategy is a type of progressive betting system. That means your bets change depending on whether your previous hand won or lost.
The numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5 represent the number of betting units. A betting unit can be any amount you choose, such as £1, £5 or more, depending on your budget.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
You begin by placing a bet of 1 unit.
If your hand wins, you increase your next bet to 2 units.
If that hand also wins, you bet 3 units next.
Win again, and your fourth bet is 5 units.
No matter what happens during the 5-unit bet, you go back to betting 1 unit afterward.
If you lose a hand at any point in the sequence, you also return to the start and bet 1 unit again.
This method is often used by players who want a more organised approach to betting. It does not guarantee any long-term gain and won’t reduce the casino’s advantage. It’s simply one way to manage how much you’re wagering over time.
1-2-3-5 Blackjack Strategy Example
To help visualise the 1-2-3-5 betting structure, imagine you’ve chosen £2 as your base betting unit. Here’s how a potential winning sequence would look:
First hand: Bet £2
If you win, second hand: Bet £4
Win again, third hand: Bet £6
Win again, fourth hand: Bet £10
After the fourth hand, whether it’s a possible win or a loss, the next hand returns to £2
If you lose at any point before reaching the fourth step, the next bet is also reset to £2.
This approach is about managing your stake in a measured way, rather than randomly increasing or decreasing your bets. It does not improve your odds. Blackjack results rely on the random cards dealt and the decisions you make, so any winnings can never be guaranteed.
Is The 1-2-3-5 Strategy Profitable?
The 1-2-3-5 method doesn’t make blackjack profitable on its own. It’s important to understand that blackjack is a game of chance. While decisions can affect the outcome of individual hands, the cards are shuffled and dealt randomly, whether you’re playing in a casino or online.
Some players use this strategy as a way to limit how much they bet during any possible losing streaks, and to try and take advantage of any short runs of potential wins. However, over time, no betting system can eliminate the house edge — which is the casino’s built-in advantage.
If you’re following the optimal basic strategy (which is the mathematically best way to play each hand), the house edge in blackjack can be as low as 0.5%. This means for every £100 bet over time, the casino expects to keep around 50p.
If you play without understanding basic strategy — for example, choosing to take another card when it may be statistically better to hold — the house edge can increase significantly. For players who are new or unfamiliar with the game, the house edge can potentially rise to 2% or more.
It’s also worth pointing out that the version of blackjack you’re playing can affect the house edge. For example:
If the dealer hits on a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace and a 6), this slightly increases the casino’s edge.
If blackjack pays 6 to 5 instead of the more standard 3 to 2, the house edge increases.
Before using any betting system, it may be wise to learn about the specific game rules and how any possible winnings may be paid.
What Is The Best Blackjack Betting Strategy?
There isn’t a single strategy that works best for everyone. Different players have different preferences and comfort levels. When it comes to betting, some prefer to keep their bets the same each hand — this is known as flat betting. Others might try systems like 1-2-3-5 to bring a bit more structure to how they play.
The most effective way to try and reduce the house edge is by using basic blackjack strategy. This strategy is based on probability and covers every possible card combination you might be dealt. By following it, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance, even though outcomes still rely on the random cards you receive, so any winnings can never be assured.
No betting system, including the 1-2-3-5 method, increases your chances of possibly winning. These systems only change how much you’re betting and when. They don’t affect the cards or the outcomes.
Before deciding which method may suit you, it can help to take time to learn how the game works, explore different versions, and understand the potential payouts. Blackjack may have one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, but only if you’re playing with the right knowledge.
Play Blackjack For Real Money Online
Why not consider trying your blackjack skills at Red Casino? Offering a variety of blackjack games, Red Casino provides a space where you can play for real money under the secure and regulated environment of a UK licensed casino.
Before you start, it may be wise to become familiar with the game rules and different table variations to make more informed choices. Red Casino supports responsible gambling and offers tools to help you manage your play.
If you’re curious about alternatives to traditional casino experiences, Red Casino also presents live dealer options, bringing a different dynamic to blackjack play.
Remember, outcomes hinge on the cards and choices made, and the casino holds a small edge calculated on long-term play. Explore what Red Casino has to offer.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Blackjack is a card game that has been played for many years, both in casinos and online. In the UK, it remains one of the most popular table games available. What sets blackjack apart is that it doesn’t rely entirely on chance. While the cards dealt are random, your decisions can influence the outcome of each hand.
If you’re new to blackjack, understanding how bets are placed might seem a little confusing at first. There are different ways people manage their betting, and one of these is known as the 1-2-3-5 betting strategy. It’s not a method that changes your chances of possibly winning, but rather a way of structuring how you place your bets.
This blog will break down how this strategy works, what its purpose is, and why it’s important to understand the basics before using it. It’s written especially for beginners who may be trying blackjack for the first time, or are still learning how different approaches work.
What Is The 1-2-3-5 Betting Strategy?
The 1-2-3-5 betting strategy is a type of progressive betting system. That means your bets change depending on whether your previous hand won or lost.
The numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5 represent the number of betting units. A betting unit can be any amount you choose, such as £1, £5 or more, depending on your budget.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
You begin by placing a bet of 1 unit.
If your hand wins, you increase your next bet to 2 units.
If that hand also wins, you bet 3 units next.
Win again, and your fourth bet is 5 units.
No matter what happens during the 5-unit bet, you go back to betting 1 unit afterward.
If you lose a hand at any point in the sequence, you also return to the start and bet 1 unit again.
This method is often used by players who want a more organised approach to betting. It does not guarantee any long-term gain and won’t reduce the casino’s advantage. It’s simply one way to manage how much you’re wagering over time.
1-2-3-5 Blackjack Strategy Example
To help visualise the 1-2-3-5 betting structure, imagine you’ve chosen £2 as your base betting unit. Here’s how a potential winning sequence would look:
First hand: Bet £2
If you win, second hand: Bet £4
Win again, third hand: Bet £6
Win again, fourth hand: Bet £10
After the fourth hand, whether it’s a possible win or a loss, the next hand returns to £2
If you lose at any point before reaching the fourth step, the next bet is also reset to £2.
This approach is about managing your stake in a measured way, rather than randomly increasing or decreasing your bets. It does not improve your odds. Blackjack results rely on the random cards dealt and the decisions you make, so any winnings can never be guaranteed.
Is The 1-2-3-5 Strategy Profitable?
The 1-2-3-5 method doesn’t make blackjack profitable on its own. It’s important to understand that blackjack is a game of chance. While decisions can affect the outcome of individual hands, the cards are shuffled and dealt randomly, whether you’re playing in a casino or online.
Some players use this strategy as a way to limit how much they bet during any possible losing streaks, and to try and take advantage of any short runs of potential wins. However, over time, no betting system can eliminate the house edge — which is the casino’s built-in advantage.
If you’re following the optimal basic strategy (which is the mathematically best way to play each hand), the house edge in blackjack can be as low as 0.5%. This means for every £100 bet over time, the casino expects to keep around 50p.
If you play without understanding basic strategy — for example, choosing to take another card when it may be statistically better to hold — the house edge can increase significantly. For players who are new or unfamiliar with the game, the house edge can potentially rise to 2% or more.
It’s also worth pointing out that the version of blackjack you’re playing can affect the house edge. For example:
If the dealer hits on a soft 17 (a hand containing an Ace and a 6), this slightly increases the casino’s edge.
If blackjack pays 6 to 5 instead of the more standard 3 to 2, the house edge increases.
Before using any betting system, it may be wise to learn about the specific game rules and how any possible winnings may be paid.
What Is The Best Blackjack Betting Strategy?
There isn’t a single strategy that works best for everyone. Different players have different preferences and comfort levels. When it comes to betting, some prefer to keep their bets the same each hand — this is known as flat betting. Others might try systems like 1-2-3-5 to bring a bit more structure to how they play.
The most effective way to try and reduce the house edge is by using basic blackjack strategy. This strategy is based on probability and covers every possible card combination you might be dealt. By following it, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance, even though outcomes still rely on the random cards you receive, so any winnings can never be assured.
No betting system, including the 1-2-3-5 method, increases your chances of possibly winning. These systems only change how much you’re betting and when. They don’t affect the cards or the outcomes.
Before deciding which method may suit you, it can help to take time to learn how the game works, explore different versions, and understand the potential payouts. Blackjack may have one of the lowest house edges of any casino game, but only if you’re playing with the right knowledge.
Play Blackjack For Real Money Online
Why not consider trying your blackjack skills at Red Casino? Offering a variety of blackjack games, Red Casino provides a space where you can play for real money under the secure and regulated environment of a UK licensed casino.
Before you start, it may be wise to become familiar with the game rules and different table variations to make more informed choices. Red Casino supports responsible gambling and offers tools to help you manage your play.
If you’re curious about alternatives to traditional casino experiences, Red Casino also presents live dealer options, bringing a different dynamic to blackjack play.
Remember, outcomes hinge on the cards and choices made, and the casino holds a small edge calculated on long-term play. Explore what Red Casino has to offer.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
