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Live Blackjack Key Terms Every Player Should Know

n this article, we’ll explore the most common online blackjack key terms and concepts that every online player should know.

A live blackjack key terms guide is a great resource for players at any level. In this article, we’ll explore the most common live blackjack key terms and concepts that every player should know.

To play effectively, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the language of the game.

Understanding live blackjack terminology not only improves your gameplay, but also enhances your ability to make better decisions during hands.

Live Blackjack Key Terms

1. Hit

The term “hit” means requesting an additional card to be added to your hand in order to get closer to a total of 21. You can keep hitting until you either stand, bust, or reach 21.

Example: If you have a hand of 10 and 6, and you ask for another card (hit), you might receive a 4, bringing your total to 20.

2. Stand

To “stand” means that you are satisfied with your hand and do not wish to receive any more cards. After you stand, the play moves to the dealer or other players.

Example: If you have a hand totalling 18, you might choose to stand and let the dealer finish their hand.

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3. Bust

“Bust” refers to exceeding the total of 21, resulting in an automatic loss for the hand. If you bust, the dealer wins the round, regardless of their hand.

Example: If your hand totals 15 and you hit a 10, your total becomes 25, and you bust.

4. Double Down

Doubling down allows you to double your initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving one additional card. This option is often used when you have a strong chance of improving your hand with one card.

Example: If you have a total of 11, you may choose to double down, receive one more card (say a 10), and then stand with a total of 21.

5. Split

A split occurs when you are dealt two cards of the same value (e.g., two 8s), and you have the option to split them into two separate hands. Each hand receives one additional card, and you can continue playing both hands independently with separate buy-ins.

Example: If you’re dealt two Aces, you can split them into two hands, giving yourself two strong starting positions to potentially hit 21.

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6. Surrender

Some blackjack games offer the option to surrender. This allows you to forfeit half of your bet and withdraw from the hand if you feel the odds are stacked against you. Surrendering can be a strategic move to minimize losses in situations where you’re unlikely to win.

Example: If you’re dealt a 16 and the dealer is showing a 10, you might choose to surrender, sacrificing half your bet to avoid a probable loss.

7. Insurance

Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. The insurance bet is half your original wager, and it pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. However, taking insurance is generally not recommended as it increases the house edge.

Example: If you bet $10 and the dealer shows an Ace, you can place an insurance bet of $5. If the dealer has blackjack, you’ll win $10 from the insurance bet, but lose your original wager.

8. Blackjack (Natural)

A blackjack, also known as a “natural,” is when you are dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) as your first two cards. A blackjack beats all other hands unless the dealer also has one, resulting in a tie.

Example: If you’re dealt an Ace and a King, you have blackjack and automatically win, usually with a payout of 3:2.

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Live Blackjack Key Terms

9. Push

A push occurs when both the player and the dealer have hands of equal value, resulting in a tie. In this case, no one wins, and your original bet is returned to you.

Example: If you and the dealer both have a hand totalling 18, it’s a push, and you neither win nor lose.

10. Upcard

The dealer’s “upcard” is the card that is dealt face-up and visible to all players. The upcard provides valuable information for determining your strategy during the hand.

Example: If the dealer’s upcard is a 6, it’s considered a weak card, and many players will stand on lower totals or double down.

11. Hard Hand

A “hard hand” is a hand that does not contain an Ace or a hand where the Ace is counted as 1. Hard hands are more rigid in terms of flexibility, as the value of the cards cannot be adjusted as easily.

Example: A hand of 10 and 8 is considered a hard 18, and the total cannot be adjusted by counting an Ace as 1 or 11.

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12. Soft Hand

A “soft hand” is any hand that contains an Ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11. Soft hands give players more flexibility, as they can adjust the total based on the next card drawn.

Example: A hand with an Ace and a 7 is a soft 18, because the Ace can count as either 1 or 11. If you hit and draw a 9, the Ace would then count as 1, giving you a hard 17.

13. House Edge

The “house edge” refers to the mathematical advantage that the casino has over players in any given game. In blackjack, the house edge is relatively low, especially when basic strategy is applied. In many versions of blackjack, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%.

Example: Over time, a house edge of 0.5% means that for every $100 bet, the casino expects to win an average of $0.50.

14. Shoe

The “shoe” is the device used to hold multiple decks of cards in blackjack games. Casinos use shoes to speed up gameplay and make it harder for card counters to track cards. Most online blackjack games use virtual shoes.

Example: A six-deck shoe is common in many blackjack variations.

15. Even Money (check)

Even money is a type of payout offered when a player has blackjack, and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Instead of risking a push, the dealer offers the player a 1:1 payout on their bet. Taking even money is essentially the same as taking insurance and is generally not recommended.

Example: If you have a blackjack, and the dealer shows an Ace, you might be offered even money. If you accept, you’ll win 1:1, regardless of whether the dealer has blackjack.

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16. High Roller

A high roller is a player who places large bets in blackjack games, often playing at VIP or high-stakes tables. High rollers may receive special perks from the casino, such as exclusive bonuses or personalized service.

Example: A high roller might place $1,000 bets per hand, compared to the standard $5 or $10 bet in a regular game.

Conclusion

Familiarizing yourself with these blackjack terms will not only improve your understanding of the game but also give you a solid foundation for applying more advanced strategies. Whether you’re playing casually or aiming to develop a more strategic approach, knowing these key terms will enhance your overall online blackjack experience.

So the next time you sit down at the virtual table, you’ll be able to play confidently and communicate like a seasoned pro.

(Note: Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI. This article was edited by NorthStar Bets’ editorial staff before publication.)

Live Blackjack Tips and Strategies

Live blackjack is one of the most popular and enduring casino table games, combining elements of skill, strategy, and luck. Here, we will explore some live blackjack tips and strategies to help you get the most out of your experience.

Its appeal lies in its relatively low house edge and the ability for players to make decisions that directly influence the outcome.

While live blackjack is simple to learn, mastering it requires a deep understanding of the game, proper strategy, and self-discipline.

Live blackjack tips and strategies

Before diving into the tips and strategies, it’s crucial to understand the game itself. In blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand that totals closer to 21 without exceeding it. Each card has a specific value:

Number cards (2-10) carry their face value.
Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10.
Aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on which value benefits the player most.

You’re dealt two cards, as is the dealer, and the player can choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their current hand). The dealer follows fixed rules: they must hit until they reach a hand total of 17 or higher.

With this basic understanding, let’s explore strategies that will help you get more enjoyment from online blackjack.

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1. Learn Basic Live Blackjack Strategy

One of the most effective ways to lower the house edge in blackjack is to follow a basic strategy chart. Basic strategy is a mathematically proven approach that tells you the optimal play for every possible hand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. It outlines when to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs to maximize your odds of winning.

For example, if you have a hand totalling 16 and the dealer is showing a 10, the basic strategy suggests hitting because the dealer is likely to have a strong hand. On the other hand, if the dealer is showing a 6 and you have 12, basic strategy recommends standing, as the dealer is more likely to bust.

Memorizing a basic strategy chart is essential, as it reduces the house edge to as low as 0.5 percent.

2. Play Responsibly

One of the most important elements of playing online blackjack, or any online gambling game, is proper bankroll management. Set a budget before you begin playing and stick to it. Don’t chase losses, and avoid raising your stakes when you’re on a losing streak.

A common recommendation is to never bet more than 1-2% of your total bankroll on a single hand. For example, if you have $500 to play with, keep your bets between $5 and $10 per hand. This approach ensures that you can withstand fluctuations in luck without depleting your funds too quickly.

Click here for more resources on Responsible Gaming

3. Use Bonuses and Promotions

One of the advantages of playing online blackjack is the bonuses and promotions offered to players. These can include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, golden chips, or cashback offers. Taking advantage of these promotions can give your bankroll a boost and allow you to play longer without risking as much of your own money.

However, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions of each bonus carefully. And make sure the bonus applies to blackjack, as many offers are tailored more toward slot players.

4. Know When to Split and Double Down (check)

Knowing when to split pairs and double down can significantly improve your odds in online blackjack. Splitting occurs when you’re dealt two cards of the same value (such as two 8s or two 9s), and you have the option to split them into two separate hands.

Splitting Strategy:

Consider splitting Aces and 8s. Splitting Aces gives you a chance to form two strong hands, while splitting 8s helps you escape from a weak 16.
Avoid splitting 10s or 5s. Two 10s make 20, which is a strong hand, while two 5s give you a better chance of reaching 21 than splitting them.

Doubling Down Strategy:

Consider doubling down when you have a total of 11 and the dealer is showing a card lower than 10. You have a strong chance of getting a 10 and reaching 21.
Consider doubling down on 9 or 10 when the dealer’s upcard is weak (2-6), as there’s a high likelihood the dealer will bust.

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5. Understand the Different Versions of Online Blackjack

There are many variations of blackjack available online, each with slightly different rules that affect your strategy. For example:

European Blackjack usually only allows the dealer to draw one card until players have completed their hands, while in American Blackjack, the dealer can check for blackjack if showing an Ace or 10-value card.
Pontoon is a popular variant where players aim for a hand totalling 21, but certain card combinations (like Aces and 10s) give bonuses.

Before you play, familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the version you’re playing and how they impact the odds and strategy. Some versions might have different rules for splitting, doubling down, or even payout rates for blackjack (such as 6:5 instead of the standard 3:2).

6. Play for Fun, Not Just Profit

Finally, remember that online blackjack should be a fun experience. While using strategy can improve your odds and lead to more wins, it’s important to play within your means and enjoy the game itself.

Set realistic expectations—there will be ups and downs, but staying level-headed and enjoying the process is key to long-term enjoyment.

Conclusion: Live blackjack tips and strategies

Online blackjack is a game of skill, strategy, and patience. By understanding basic strategy, managing your bankroll wisely, taking advantage of bonuses, and knowing when to split and double down, you can get more enjoyment from your live blackjack experience.

However, it’s essential to play responsibly, stick to reputable operators, and avoid chasing losses.

With the right mindset and strategy, online blackjack can be both rewarding and entertaining.

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(Note: Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI. This article was edited by NorthStar Bets’ editorial staff before publication.)

NFL Week 5 betting guide: Props, parlays and best bet recommendations for the weekend

It’s the smallest Sunday slate of the NFL season so far but still features a double-digit dose of games.

Four teams are on bye and after consecutive weeks with a Monday Night Football doubleheader, we are back to one primetime game to close the slate.

Check out our Week 5 NFL betting guide, featuring staff picks and predictions to help you make the best wagers.

NFL betting guide: Week 5

We rarely get treated to a great Thursday nighter but the kickoff to Week 5 didn’t disappoint. That’s especially true if you were a Falcons backer.

What looked like a surefire loss with under two minutes remaining quickly turned into a tie game as the fourth quarter expired thanks to magic from Kirk Cousins and a 52-yard kick.

Cousins’ wizardry continued into overtime, helping the Falcons win, cover and move into first place in the NFC South in the highest-scoring TNF game of the season.

Will any game top the 66 points the Falcons and Buccaneers combined for? That’s a big ask but there are several large totals, including a 50 on the board as of Friday afternoon.

Some quick betting notes before we dive into everything you could possibly want to bet on in Week 5:

Highest total: Cardinals vs. 49ers (50)
Biggest spread: 49ers (-7); Seahawks (-7) vs. Giants
Three teams have odds of +200 or longer to win (Cardinals, Giants, Saints)

Lines and odds are listed as of 3:10 p.m. ET on Oct. 4. For the latest, check out our NFL Week 5 markets.

Now, see how our staff is wagering on this slate.

Week 5 betting predictions

If you need a one-stop shop for spread bets, we have you covered.

Our NFL Week 5 ATS picks, via Avery Perri, Jordan Horrobin, Spencer Closs and Chris Toman, provide a recommendation against the spread for every game.

We have plenty of other picks, too.

Week 5 best bets: Sunday kicks off early with the Packers and Vikings getting underway at 9:30 a.m. ET in London. Four of the five games played overseas last season went under 40.5 points — Perri likes that trend to continue.

Underdogs: See why Horrobin likes both the Panthers (at Chicago) and Cowboys (at Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football) to win on the road this week.

Parlay picks: It’s a big +498 parlay, via Closs, featuring the over on two totals and Packers (-162) on the moneyline.

Prop picks: A running back, quarterback and tight end are all featured in this week’s prop recommendations. The QB is Kyler Murray but it’s a play on his rushing output.

Ravens vs. Bengals same-game parlay picks: If there’s such a thing as a must-win game in Week 5, that’s what the Bengals are staring down with this key divisional clash. See who our Stevie Psihogios picked on the moneyline in this +400 ticket.

Bills vs. Texans same-game parlay picks: Two first-place AFC teams collide this Sunday and Perri is serving up a +425 SGP that includes plays on Josh Allen and Nico Collins.

TD picks: Horrobin is targeting three players and one of the picks is a +275 choice to score.

SNF and MNF predictions

Cowboys vs. Steelers best bets: Expect Justin Fields to go off. Perri likes him to produce through the air and on the ground after two efficient passing weeks. A big game from Fields should also mean plenty of points for the Steelers.

Cowboys vs. Steelers prop picks: Najee Harris has found very little success so far, but Horrobin thinks he can finally break out in a plus matchup on Sunday night. Horrobin also has an anytime TD scorer pick and is fading a player on the Cowboys.

Saints vs. Chiefs best bets: Who will step up for the Chiefs after the Rashee Rice injury? Psihogios is counting on a modest effort from Justin Watson, but he’s also taking the under on the game total.

Visit our football vertical for complete NFL coverage, including the latest Super Bowl odds.

NFL Week 5 ATS picks: Predictions against the spread for every game

The NFL’s first batch of byes have shrunk this week’s schedule a bit, but there are still 14 games on the slate from Thursday through Monday.

Favourites are only 27-33-4 against the spread so far, but our staff is calling for a bit of a bounce back in that regard this week. Eight of our 14 ATS predictions side with the favourite.

Check out our NFL Week 5 ATS picks for predictions and analysis on every game.

NFL Week 5 ATS picks

NorthStar Bets’ Avery Perri, Jordan Horrobin, Spencer Closs and Chris Toman offer up their NFL Week 5 ATS picks for all 14 games.

NFL odds as of 11:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024.

Click odds from any game to add selections to your betslip.

Go to full NFL betting markets

Thursday Night Football pick

Buccaneers vs. Falcons (Thursday, Oct. 3: 8:20 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Atlanta -1.5
Closs says: These sides are evenly matched on paper but one thing stands out in favour of the Bucs. Tampa Bay converts 42.6% of third downs while Atlanta struggles in that situation, converting at just a 26.3% clip. Baker Mayfield has been the better quarterback through four weeks and I expect him to outshine Kirk Cousins in prime time.
Pick: Buccaneers +1.5

NFL Week 5 ATS picks: The early Sunday slate

Jets vs. Vikings (Sunday, Oct. 6: 9:30 a.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Minnesota -2.5
Perri says: New York’s offence was jet-lagged before it even got to London and now it has to deal with a Vikings defence leading the league in EPA per play. Aaron Rodgers and Co. put up just nine points last week while Sam Darnold is slinging it all over the yard. Give me the Vikes.
Pick: Vikings -2.5

Browns vs. Commanders (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Washington -3.5
Perri says: How many times this year will I step on the rake with Cleveland? I don’t know but, I like the Browns again as a field-goal-plus dog in Washington. Deshaun Watson looked better against Las Vegas and Jayden Daniels is probably due to slow down soon. The Browns’ defence is legit and should give the rookie trouble.
Pick: Browns +3.5

Bengals vs. Ravens (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Baltimore -2.5
Horrobin says: Is this supposed to be a come-down spot for Baltimore after its dominant win last week in Buffalo? I’m not buying that. The Ravens covered this number in both matchups against the Bengals last year. Derrick Henry (NFL-high 120 rush yards/game) looks unstoppable and should haunt the dreams of Cincy defenders.
Pick: Ravens -2.5

Bills vs. Texans (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Buffalo -1
Toman says: This is a tough bounce-back spot for the Bills on the road after getting pumped in Week 4, but I think they’re the better team. Both teams are 3-1, though Houston barely got by in each of its victories (winning by an average of four points) and got trounced by the Vikings. Even after a 10-point showing last week, Josh Allen’s Bills are still the No. 2 scoring offence in the NFL.
Pick: Bills -1

Colts vs. Jaguars (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Indianapolis +3
Perri says: Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco at QB, I like the Colts to cover in this divisional game. The Jaguars are the NFL’s only winless team and Trevor Lawerence has the second-lowest completion rate among all starting quarterbacks. Doug Pederson is coaching for his job and I say he loses it on Sunday.
Pick: Colts +3

Panthers vs. Bears (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Chicago -4
Horrobin says: Andy Dalton versus Caleb Williams is a lopsided quarterback matchup… but maybe not in the way you’d think. Chicago has six total TDs this season, while Dalton has thrown for five in two starts. Carolina has scored in 11 of 20 drives with Dalton (excusing two kneel-down drives), and its offensive floor is high enough for me to take the visitors with points.
Pick: Panthers +4

Dolphins vs. Patriots (Sunday, Oct. 6: 1:00 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: New England -1
Closs says: This is an ugly one but I believe the Patriots are the more competent team. New England has the edge on defence and with Tua Tagovailoa still out, the Pats have the better offence, too. Jacoby Brissett is no superstar but he’s good enough to lead his team to a win at home.
Pick: Patriots -1

NFL 4 p.m. slate

Cardinals vs. 49ers (Sunday, Oct. 6: 4:05 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: San Francisco -7.5
Toman says: The Cardinals looked solid offensively to start and have been horrible defensively the entire season. At 1-3, this is already a massive game in a tough NFC West. The 49ers are still down Christian McCaffrey, which cools their outlook no matter how well Jordan Mason is playing. San Francisco has won both home games by double digits but this is a lot of points against a desperate divisional opponent.
Pick: Cardinals +7.5

Raiders vs. Broncos (Sunday, Oct. 6: 4:05 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Denver -3
Horrobin says: Neither a 10-point deficit nor the absence of Davante Adams prevented the Raiders from winning as underdogs last week. The Broncos’ upset win against the Jets was even more impressive, but Denver only scored 10 points in that game. In what should be a low-scoring matchup, I’ll take some points with a Las Vegas team trying to win its ninth straight against Denver.
Pick: Raiders +3

Make your NFL Week 5 predictions

Packers vs. Rams (Sunday, Oct. 6: 4:25 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Green Bay -3
Closs says: The Rams are missing Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp and can’t stop anything on defence. L.A. has conceded the second-most points per game (28.8) through four weeks. Jordan Love led Green Bay to 22 fourth-quarter points last week and I have a hard time seeing Matthew Stafford keeping pace.
Pick: Packers -3

Giants vs. Seahawks (Sunday, Oct. 6: 4:25 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Seattle -6.5
Perri says: Seattle’s defence was in tough against the Lions but its offence kept pace until the very end. That’s encouraging. New York’s running game is awful, so Seattle’s secondary should be able to sell out and stop Malik Nabers. On offence, I expect Geno Smith to keep cooking.
Pick: Seahawks -6.5

Sunday and Monday night ATS picks

Cowboys vs. Steelers (Sunday, Oct. 6: 8:20 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Pittsburgh -2.5
Horrobin says: Dallas already has an outright win as a 2.5-point dog against an AFC North team this year (Cleveland). Injuries to Demarcus Lawrence and Micah Parsons are concerning, but the Steelers’ offence has struggled to get into the end zone. And the Cowboys, who haven’t played since last Thursday, are 7-2-0 ATS with a rest advantage since 2022.
Pick: Cowboys +2.5

Saints vs. Chiefs (Monday, Oct. 7: 8:15 p.m.)

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NorthStar Bets line: Kansas City -5.5
Toman says: Kansas City is 4-0 but hasn’t won any of its last seven games (playoffs included) by more than seven points. The reigning champs have not been blowing teams out despite their success. New Orleans is banged up defensively but has been strong on that side of the ball. Coming off back-to-back one-score losses, the Saints have covered this number in all four of their games.
Pick: Saints +5.5

Staff Week 4 + season-long records: Closs: 4-11-1 (32-28-4) | Toman: 9-6-1 (31-29-4) | Perri: 5-10-1 (25-35-4) | Horrobin: 3-12-1 (25-35-4) | Psihogios: 8-7-1 (24-36-4)

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MLB playoff predictions: Postseason wild-card picks and World Series winners

October has arrived and the MLB playoff field is set.

The latest: The New York Yankees hold the AL’s top seed while the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the NL. No team has eclipsed 100 wins this season, though, meaning it’s anyone’s ballgame.

Check out our staff’s MLB playoff predictions, featuring wild-card picks and World Series winners.

MLB playoff predictions

The NL wild-card matchups (and thus the NL side of the bracket) are officially locked in.

The New York Mets secured a playoff berth with a win in Game 1 of Monday’s doubleheader and the Atlanta Braves followed suit by winning Game 2.

Sorry, Arizona Diamondbacks, no postseason baseball for you.

All eight wild-card teams will play Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (if necessary) at the higher seed’s venue before taking on the four teams with byes.

American League wild card: Tigers vs. Astros

Game 1: Oct. 1 at 2:32 p.m. ET
Picks: Astros (Toman, Horrobin, Perri)
Tigers vs. Astros betting markets

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Toman says: I’m not buying what the Tigers are selling. I wouldn’t pick them to beat any of the AL playoff teams, and certainly not the Astros. Tarik Skubal gives Detroit a good chance to steal Game 1, but Houston is countering with its own shutdown lefty, Framber Valdez, and has a monster starting pitching advantage after that.

Horrobin says: Remember Houston’s 7-19 start? The Astros went 81-54 (.600) the rest of the way. The “Gritty Tigs” are fun to root for, but they don’t have enough proven performers to take down a squad gunning for its fifth AL pennant in eight years.

Perri says: The Tigers feel like a team of destiny but they’re running into a juggernaut that’s been to seven straight ALCS. Skubal gives Detroit the edge in Game 1 but I can’t bet against the Astros, especially with all three games in Houston.

Royals vs. Orioles

Game 1: Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET
Picks: Orioles (Toman, Horrobin, Perri)
Royals vs. Orioles betting markets

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Toman says: Like Detroit, Kansas City is deploying an arm that can snatch Game 1 (Cole Ragans). And while I like the rest of its rotation more than Detroit’s, Baltimore’s offence is a difference-maker. The Orioles ranked third in wRC+ while the Royals were below average.

Horrobin says: Bobby Witt Jr. had an amazing year — one that will likely lead him to a runner-up finish in AL MVP voting — but he can’t prop up an entire lineup. Over the past month, KC has the worst team OPS (.579) in the majors. Even with a white-knuckle bullpen, I think Baltimore wins, 2-0.

Perri says: If you took away Kansas City’s games against the White Sox (12-1), it would be a .500 ballclub. Corbin Burnes has found his stuff and Baltimore’s offence is among the best in baseball. Give me the O’s in a sweep.

National League wild card: New York Mets vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Game 1: Oct. 1 at 5:32 p.m. ET
Picks: Mets (Toman, Perri), Brewers (Horrobin)
Mets vs. Brewers betting markets

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Toman says: I like that the Mets have been in postseason mode for weeks, fighting to get in and needing a win yesterday. What I especially like is their deep and powerful lineup, headlined by Francisco Lindor who posted a .933 OPS in the second half (No. 9 in baseball). The Mets had an MLB-best 17 wins in September and have been six games better than the Brewers since June 1.

Horrobin says: I know the Mets’ rotation is lined up as well as it could be after Monday’s doubleheader, but I have a tough time looking past this brutal schedule stretch (New York will play nine games in eight days if this series goes the distance). The Brewers went 5-1 against the Mets this year and are in good shape to win this series at home.

Perri says: This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Mets. But now they’re in the playoffs and I expect them to pull off an upset. New York has been red-hot since the All-Star Game, ranking top 10 in ERA and wRC+. The travel situation is less than ideal but Milwaukee’s bats have gone ice cold (28th in September batting average).

Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres

Game 1: Oct. 1 at 8:38 p.m. ET
Picks: San Diego (Toman, Horrobin, Perri)
Braves vs. Padres betting markets

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Toman says: Perhaps we wouldn’t get this matchup if Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley were healthy, but it would have the makings of a classic. Without them, even though Atlanta’s offence has done a great job to survive, the Braves are outmatched. Especially with Chris Sale likely down now, too. The Padres played at a .683 clip in the second half and are as well-rounded as any team in baseball.

Horrobin says: The Padres are scorching hot right now, and unlike the Braves, their best players aren’t hurt. Not only did the Braves have to push all their chips in to avoid a doubleheader sweep at home yesterday, but now they’ll likely be without NL Cy Young favourite Sale in the wild-card round. San Diego should be in buzz-saw mode right now.

Perri says: San Diego is peaking at the right time. The Padres have the second-best record since Aug. 1 and a 2.83 team ERA in September. The Braves lost Acuna, Riley and Spencer Strider for the season and now seem to be adding Sale to that list. That’s too much to overcome.

MLB playoff predictions: AL playoffs

Toman says: With respect to the Tigers and Guardians, the Astros have the easiest path to the LCS of any team. It’s still not easy and will only get harder as a showdown with either the Orioles or Yankees likely awaits. For me, it’s going to be the Yankees, who I believe have the pitching advantage over the Orioles in a series featuring two elite offences.

That sets up an Astros vs. Yankees ALCS. The Astros have a deep rotation, which is going to bump some arms to the bullpen and make the relief group that much better. They have MLB’s best record since June 1 and still have an offence to fear (No. 5 in wRC+).

Horrobin says: Do you want an interesting prediction or a correct one? Warning, I might be short on both accounts… but I really like the Yankees. Gerrit Cole is chucking Cy Young-calibre stuff again (2.25 ERA since August), Aaron Judge never cooled down and Juan Soto knows how to shine in October.

Houston should probably be the other pennant contender, but I’ll ride with a Guardians team that boasts the league’s best bullpen.

Perri says: We’ve seen this one before… Yankees vs. Astros for a spot in the Fall Classic. Houston has the fourth-best record since the start of August and will take on a sputtering Guardians squad if it gets by the Tigers, as I predict.

As for New York, I’ll echo Horrobin: Judge, Soto and a resurgent Cole are a winning combination.

NL playoff predictions

Toman says: I don’t trust the Dodgers’ rotation and as much as I would love to see Shohei Ohtani stay in the postseason as long as possible, I don’t think they’re getting by both the Padres and Phillies to reach the World Series. In fact, I don’t think they are getting by either and are looking at an LDS exit.

So it’s a Phillies/Padres NLCS for me in what feels like a coin flip. Give me the Phillies.

Horrobin says: If the Padres are the NL’s prisoner-of-the-moment team, lock me up. They’ve played at a 110-win pace in the second half and had a sub-3.00 ERA as a team in September. Jackson Merrill is a Rookie of the Year finalist and Luis Arraez is a batting champ, while Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado both slugged better than .500 in September.

The Padres will return to the World Series for the first time since they had orange in their colour scheme and the late Tony Gwynn in their lineup.

Perri says: On top of how hot San Diego has been, I have to like its path to the World Series. The Padres get banged-up Braves team in a best-of-three wild-card series before taking on the Dodgers, who are the favourites to win it all.

L.A.’s pitching staff is ravaged by injury and San Diego has had its number this year (8-5 record). Merrill, Tatis and Machado are just a few of San Diego’s elite bats who can make any arm pay.

MLB playoff predictions: The World Series

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Toman says: I like the Phillies’ rotation and I love their offence. Zack Wheeler is an ace who can eat innings and dominate, shortening up games and letting the Phillies ride their hot relievers. Aaron Nola is a notch down but can do the same.

The Phillies have lefty and righty mashers, high-OBP guys and run the bases well. It’s a dynamic lineup that’s going to be a nightmare to contain in a seven-game series. In a rematch of the 2022 World Series, I like the Phillies to get their revenge.

Horrobin says: Give me the Yankees to return to the mountaintop for the first time since 2009 (an eternity in the privileged eyes of the Pinstripe faithful). Can Judge and Soto carry New York’s lineup, the same way Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver may have to carry the bullpen?

After posting a +147 run differential this year — 56 runs better than any other AL club — that’s the bet I’m making.

Perri says: The Astros will win it all, no trash cans needed. Kyle Tucker is back and buzzing and slots into a deadly offence with boatloads of postseason experience.

Houston’s rotation isn’t top-level but is respectable while the bullpen is elite. Take the ‘Stros over the Padres… in six.

The Week In Sports Quiz (Oct. 7): MLB postseason, NFL Week 5, CFB upsets, and more

How well do you know your sports?

This is a one-stop shop to put your knowledge to the test with our 10-question, multiple-choice sports quiz for the week of Sept. 30- Oct. 6.

And when you’re done, don’t forget to share and compare your results with friends. Have fun and good luck!

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NFL Week 4 betting guide: Props, parlays and best bet recommendations for the weekend

We’re entering the last Sunday before the NFL’s bye weeks begin.

That means we have one more full slate coming up, including another doubleheader on Monday Night Football.

Check out our Week 4 NFL betting guide, featuring staff picks and predictions to help you make the best wagers.

NFL betting guide: Week 4

The Sunday nighter is a doozy: Bills vs. Ravens. And we still have two more games after that thanks to a double-dip on Monday night for the second consecutive week.

Dallas started the week with a 20-15 win over the Giants, marking the second straight TNF game that failed to crack 40 points.

Speaking of totals, there are quite a few low O/U lines this week. As of early Friday evening, six games had a total of 40.5 points or less.

Some quick betting notes before we dive into everything you could possibly want to bet on in Week 4:

Highest total: Commanders/Cardinals (49)
Biggest spread: 49ers (-10.5) vs. Patriots
Four teams have odds of +200 or longer to win (Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots, Chargers)

Lines and odds are listed as of 5:25 p.m. ET on Sept. 27. For the latest, check out our NFL Week 4 markets.

Now, see how our staff is wagering on this slate.

Week 4 betting predictions

If you need a one-stop shop for spread bets, we have you covered.

Our NFL Week 4 ATS picks, via Avery Perri, Jordan Horrobin, Spencer Closs and Chris Toman, provide a recommendation against the spread for every game.

We have plenty of other picks, too.

Week 4 best bets: The Jaguars were demolished by the Bills in primetime on Monday (47-10 loss) and Perri expects CJ Stroud and the Texans’ offence to tee off on them again.

Underdogs: Cincinnati (0-3) gets the Panthers but Perri says that’s no cakewalk. He smells an upset and also likes the undefeated Bills, who have won eight straight regular season games.

Parlay picks: Perri has the Steelers improving to 4-0 as part of a three-leg, +308 parlay that also features the Saints and Patriots.

Prop picks: Week 4’s top prop picks feature two wideouts and a tight end to hit the over on their receiving yards line. Chris Godwin, who has 21 receptions through three weeks, is one of them.

TD picks: Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson had a breakout Week 3 performance with Andy Dalton under centre and Horrobin likes him to find the end zone against the spiralling Bengals.

Commanders vs. Cardinals same-game parlay picks: This game has the highest total of the week and Horrobin is targeting three offensive weapons, including rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., in a +400 SGP.