It's a little bit of strategy and a ton of luck. I also could have wound up being the first one out. The dealer went bust taking the mandatory hit on a 16 and I got a Queen of Diamonds to win the double down and the tournament. One person busted, and the second person stayed with a 16 (six showing). The year I won, it got down to the wire with three of us remaining and being about equal in chips. Then again, the person next to you, even though they are far ahead may bet the limit of $500 and double down or split and blow their lead. If you have a pair of kings but know the person beside you has more money, then you will have to go for the split to make twice as much if you get lucky. You also have to be very aware of those around you, and if you're comfortably ahead, make minimum bets based on the fact that they're unlikely to be able to catch you.Īlso, on the final hand, all strategies are off. I try to bet fairly strongly for the first couple of hands, and then if I win them, coast a little in the middle hands and come on strong again at the end. You need to go in knowing that the odds are about a million to one that you're going to win seven hands in a row. I've seen people I played with all week and who were excellent players never make it past the third hand or so of each tournament preliminary, and I've seen complete novices make it to the finals by taking hits on 18 and splitting face cards. I've made it to the final table in about half of my cruises and won the tournament one of those times.

I have not played in it before, but will this time since I get a free entry due to the new platinum club perks. I would assume if you wanted to play it smart - stick to basic strategy and bet BIG. As luck would have it HE WON the tournament later that week.:rolleyes: He did not have a clue (splitting 10's - doubling on 12's.ETC.). On my last sailing, there was a young boastful fellow playing a few times at the same table as I was. Do you bet it all - all the time? Do you start off small and then get aggressive? Do you hold back and wait/hope for the 9-10-11 hands when you can double down? You have X amount of money for Y amount of hands. I like to play Black Jack and know the fundamentals pretty well in terms of: when to hit/stay (of course) double down strategy when to split and when not to, the 'book' on what to do with 'soft' hands, etc.īut in the Carnival BJ tournaments: I'd be interested in any tips on money management.

How to win blackjack tournament