Blackjack basic strategy is the set of rules for optimal play developed through the series of computer simulations. The basic strategy is aimed to help the players to reduce the house advantage and increase their winning odds at blackjack game. Of course, the basic blackjack strategies only generally describe the right betting decisions and depending on the house rules at different casinos they can slightly vary. For example, at some of the casinos the players are allowed to Double Down after splitting and it influences somehow the game strategy. Moreover, the number of the decks used at the blackjack table influences greatly the player’s decisions.
So, in order to become a successful blackjack player you are to learn and use the basic blackjack strategies. Usually it comes in the form of the Basic Strategy Chart that explains all possible actions at different gambling situations. In fact, it shows how you must play your hand depending on the dealer’s face up card and the values of your cards. Chart is the most convenient way to learn the blackjack basic strategy and it is successfully used by professional players and beginners. You will familiarize with the Basic Strategy Chart later on and now let’s consider the most useful strategy advice.
The basic strategy states that the player should Stand if he holds the hand with the count of 13-16 and the dealer’s face up card is 3, 4, 5 or 6. In such case both the player and dealer have the same chances to bust but according to the rules the dealer must Hit. But if the dealer holds 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace the player should always Hit. Now let’s learn how the players are recommended to play hard hands, soft hands and pairs.
Hard Hands
Hard Hand is the blackjack hand that contains no Aces or Aces valued as 1.
- Always Hit on 8 or less.
- Double Down on 9 against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Double Down on 10 against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, otherwise – Hit.
- Double Down on 11 against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
- Hit on 11 against the dealer’s Ace.
- Stand on 12 against the dealer’s 4, 5, or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Stand on 13 against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Otherwise – Hit.
- Always Stand on 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.
Soft Hands
Soft Hand is the blackjack hand that contains Aces valued as 11.
- Double Down on Ace and 2 or 3 against the dealer’s 5 or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Double Down on Ace and 4 or 5 against the dealer’s 4, 5, or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Double Down on Ace and 6 against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Stand on Ace and 7 against the dealer’s 2, 7, or 8.
- Double Down on Ace and 7 against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- Hit on Ace and 7 against the dealer’s 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King or Ace.
- Always Stand on Ace and 8 or 9.
Pairs
- Always Split a pair of Aces or 8s.
- Split a pair of 2s or 3s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, otherwise – Hit.
- Split a pair of 4s against the dealer’s 5 or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Double Down on a pair of 5s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, otherwise – Hit.
- Split a pair of 6s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, otherwise – Hit.
- Split a pair of 7s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, otherwise – Hit.
- Split a pair of 9s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9.
- Stand on a pair of 9s against the dealer’s 7, 10, or Ace.
- Always Stand on a pair of 10s.
