Quick Takeaways
- Your best blackjack edge is preparation: table rules + discipline + accuracy.
- A checklist prevents emotional decisions and sloppy bet sizing.
- If you follow this routine, you’ll play fewer hands badly—and that matters more than “getting lucky.”
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, payouts, and the core decisions behind strategy), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This checklist is designed to help you start every session prepared and consistent.
Part 1: The Table Check (Do This Before You Sit)
1) Confirm the Payout
- 3:2 preferred
- avoid 6:5 when possible
2) Check Soft 17 Rule
- dealer stands on soft 17 (S17) is generally better
- H17 is playable sometimes, but it’s a negative rule
3) Scan the Other Key Rules
You don’t need every detail—just the big ones:
- deck count (if shown)
- doubling rules (any two vs restricted)
- splitting rules (and doubling after split, if allowed)
- surrender availability
- side bet distractions
If the rules aren’t clearly shown and you can’t ask easily, that’s already a red flag.
Part 2: The Bankroll Plan (So You Don’t “Invent Rules Mid-Session”)
4) Set Your Session Budget
Decide the maximum amount you’re comfortable losing today.
If losing that amount would affect your mood, bills, or stress level:
don’t play that session.
5) Set Your Base Bet in Units
Pick a base bet that gives you enough runway.
Simple guideline:
- conservative: 100+ base bets
- comfortable: 50–100 base bets
- aggressive: under 50 (higher risk of busting early)
If you’re playing multi-hand, lower the bet per hand so your total exposure stays reasonable.
6) Set Two Stop Rules
Use both:
- Stop-loss: the amount where you end the session no matter what
- Time stop: a maximum session length (fatigue creates mistakes)
These rules exist to protect decision quality, not to “lock in winnings.”
Part 3: The Strategy Setup (Accuracy Over Ego)
7) Confirm Your Strategy Reference
If you use a strategy chart, make sure it matches:
- table rules (H17/S17, decks, surrender, etc.)
- and that you can access it legally/comfortably in your environment (especially online)
8) Commit to the 3-Check Routine
Before every decision:
- Hard / soft / pair?
- Dealer upcard?
- Best move?
This prevents autopilot.
9) Decide Your Side Bet Rule Now
Either:
- “No side bets today,” or
- “Only if I planned it and it fits my bankroll.”
Don’t decide mid-session after a bad beat.
Part 4: The Mindset Check (This Is Where Most Players Lose)
10) Rate Your Focus
Ask yourself:
- Am I tired?
- Am I stressed?
- Am I trying to win back a loss from earlier?
- Am I drinking or distracted?
If the answer is “yes” to any of those, you’re not in a clean state.
Your best move might be:
- playing smaller
- or not playing today
11) Set Your One Goal for the Session
Choose one:
- “Play clean strategy.”
- “Keep bet sizing stable.”
- “Leave on time.”
- “No emotional doubles.”
A single goal improves outcomes more than 10 vague intentions.
Part 5: The In-Session Guardrails (So You Don’t Drift)
12) Track Two Quick Notes
You don’t need full journaling mid-session. Just:
- any repeat mistake you noticed
- any emotional trigger that showed up
This is how you improve over time.
If you want a simple tracking system, revisit How to Track Your Blackjack Performance Like a Pro.
13) Use a Reset Rule After Big Swings
After a big win or loss:
- pause 10 seconds
- breathe
- return to base bet
- run the 3-check routine
Big swings create the biggest mistakes.
The One-Minute Pre-Session Checklist (Copy/Paste)
Before I play, I confirm:
- 3:2 payout (avoid 6:5)
- S17/H17 checked
- rules are clear (doubles/splits/surrender)
- session budget set
- base bet set in units
- stop-loss + time stop set
- strategy chart matches rules
- no side bets unless planned
- I’m focused enough to play accurately
- one session goal chosen
If I can’t check most of these, I don’t sit down.
Mini FAQ: Blackjack Pre-Session Checklist
1) Why Do I Need a Checklist for Blackjack?
Because most mistakes come from poor setup: wrong table, no bankroll plan, emotional play.
2) Should I Use the Same Checklist Online and Live?
Yes. The core is the same: rules, bankroll, discipline, and accuracy.
3) What’s the Most Important Checklist Item?
Avoiding 6:5 and setting a session budget + stop rule.
4) What If I Break My Rules Once?
Stop and reset immediately. One break can turn into a pattern.
5) How Do I Know If I’m Improving?
Fewer repeat mistakes, better table choices, and cleaner sessions over time.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now completed the Week 2 blackjack series.
If you want to reinforce everything you learned, the best next move is to revisit the pillar and then pick the area where you make the most mistakes (splits, doubles, soft hands, or table rules).
Start again with The Complete Guide to Blackjack.
