212 betting system
Lesson description
212 is a milder version of the Martingale system, but should you play it? Mr Blackjack covers the basics of this betting strategy so you can make smarter bets.
The 212, also known as the Manhattan betting strategy, seems simple initially. But we will show you that it caps your downside, takes profit when you win, and also has a progressive betting pattern that maximizes your bankroll if you go on a hot streak.
Like the 1326 system, the 212 Manhattan strategy treats bets like units. You increase your bet after you win two hands in a row and for every hand after that.
Should you lose a hand, you drop your bet back down to two units, or one if you were already betting one or two units. Here is what it looks like in action.
If your standard wager is $10, let's make $10 equal to one unit. You start by betting two units, or $20.
If you win, you drop down to one unit, taking profit off the table and wagering the one from 212. Should you lose that bet you continue your one unit, since that is where you are in the sequence. Should you win that hand, your next bet will be two units.
Now, you are in the second two of your 212 sequence. If you win that hand again, you should increase your bet to three units.
Continue to add one unit to every previous bet until you lose. Should you lose, you drop your bet back down to two units and repeat the cycle.
This betting strategy is all about safety and capping the downside. It also rewards you when you are running hot by progressively adding to your wager as you keep winning.
You also have to remember that hot streaks of 6-10 hands in a row don’t happen often. Most players play a variation of the 212 and find their own optimal strategy.
You don't need a huge bankroll to try this strategy. $100 will do since you only bet big when you are winning big, and the bets are not exponential. This is a good strategy to use, and most players play a similar version of Manhattan without knowing it.
Check out our next videos, where we discuss more betting strategies in blackjack.
What this lesson covers
- How the 212 system works
- The bankroll required for 212 to be profitable
- - Whether you should use this betting strategy
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
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FAQs
- What is the Manhattan system?
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Manhattan, or 212, is a progressive betting system that requires you to increase your bets when you win. When the dealer wins, the system resets.
- What are the benefits of the 212 system over other betting strategies?
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Unlike Martingale, which can hit eye-watering stakes, 212 is more economical. While you can maximize your wins with 212, it keeps the losses in check.
- Can I practice 212 before playing for real money?
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As with any betting strategy, you should first try them on free blackjack games. You can practice them risk-free and save your bankroll.
- Should I use the 212 system?
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You should never use 212 or any betting system in isolation. These betting strategies do not take house edge, table rules, and other elements that influence your blackjack odds into account. Prioritize card counting and basic strategy to turn yourself into an advantage player.
- Why is 212 called the Manhattan system?
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The 212 area code covers Manhattan in New York City, hence why this strategy is called the Manhattan system.
- Can I use the Manhattan system in online blackjack?
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Yes, you can use any betting system in online blackjack. The rules and gameplay are identical to the blackjack tables at brick-and-mortar casinos.
- Is 212 better than other betting systems?
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In terms of the ‘safest’, 212 helps curb big losses by limiting your bet spread. Consequently, your wins will be more modest than other systems. 212 still focuses on short-term rewards, so from that aspect, it is the same as all other betting systems.