Introducing a friend, family member, or significant other to the game of blackjack can be a wonderful experience. As someone with limited gambling knowledge, it’s ideal to lean on a trustworthy person for assistance.

For the veteran in this scenario, the opportunity to bring them into the fold should be valued. If done correctly, you have a chance to turn someone into a lifelong fan of one of the more popular games.

However, if that introduction is mishandled, it can lead to a few potential problems down the road.

Gamblers who have some experience are likely aware of the fact that blackjack players love to offer advice. Some of it’s worthwhile; other times it’s better to shrug it off and act like you never heard it.

So, when you take it upon yourself to take a player under your wing, it’s important to handle the process like a pro. Here are seven things you should consider when teaching someone how to play blackjack for real money.

Good Gamblers Don’t Always Make Good Teachers

As mentioned in the introduction, blackjack players love to give their two cents about anything and everything related to the game. The thing is, much of that advice is unsolicited and often more annoying than helpful.

Most blackjack players tend to focus on the way things impact their chances of success. If they deem another player’s move to be ill-advised, they’ll be the first one to say something. This type of instruction is common around blackjack tables and often misguided and factually inaccurate. Suffice to say; gamblers don’t always make for the best teachers.

If someone respects your expertise enough to ask for direction, you should be flattered. It would be best if you also rewarded that trust with good teaching methods and helpful advice.

This entire process isn’t about you. With that in mind, you need to carry yourself like a helpful guide, rather than a self-possessed gambler.

Blackjack is More Complicated Than You Think

With countless hours of gambling behind you, it can be easy to forget where you started. You might feel at home while sitting around a blackjack table.

But, at one point, you were in the same position as the person asking for assistance.

Blackjack is a game that gets easier and more routine every time you play. The decisions you make at the table become second nature and situations that once caused dread are much less daunting.

This is what makes blackjack one of the best games for gamblers of all ages and skill levels. These marked improvements are satisfying to achieve.

Hopefully, novices will experience that sense of satisfaction at some point, but they often have a long road to get there. When they first start playing, they’ll likely feel lost and completely out of sorts.

Even if they familiarize themselves with blackjack rules and strategy, applying that knowledge to games can trip them up. Always remember that you felt a similar sense of helplessness at some point.

The game might seem basic to you, but your amount of in-game experience completely dwarfs theirs.

Stick to Sharing Gambling Facts, Not Opinions

When I was learning to play blackjack, I typically relied on a few college friends for advice.

They were often happy to show me the ropes and help me navigate around tough situations at the tables. It wasn’t until I stopped playing with them that I realized that much of their wisdom led me astray.

Blackjack is as straightforward or as complicated as you make it. If you play by the book, you should perform decently at the tables.

With that in mind, it’s your responsibility to teach proven strategic approaches to blackjack. Failing to do so can result in a player forming bad habits that will eventually cost them money.

Stress the Importance of Bankroll Management

Hopefully, the person who asks you for gambling advice is someone whose company you enjoy.

By helping them develop into a smart, savvy gambler, you’ll make a gambling buddy for life.

The most effective way to assure their continued gambling in the future is by teaching them casino bankroll management. Responsible spending is a concept that gamblers of all skill-levels struggle with.

Many of these poor habits on display all around casinos are often a result of a lack of responsible guidance. You might not enjoy being the voice of reason, but your gambling buddy in question will eventually appreciate it.

If you consider yourself to be financially responsible, consider sharing your best practices. If you don’t, maybe it’s time to consider developing smarter habits.

Intelligent, responsible bankroll management decisions aren’t glamorous, but they are key to a fledgling gambler’s growth.