There are numerous detailed descriptions of the basic blackjack strategy, but many users don't have the desire to study multiple tables and columns of figures. Moreover, gamblers usually sit at the table extremely rarely and believe it would be nice to avoid making silly mistakes.
We will try to help such players in this article. The introductory paragraphs of the basic strategy will be presented in a concise and accessible manner, with a thorough explanation of all key terms. We hope it will help novice gamblers quickly master the basic principles.
How to Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy
The basic strategy provides players with patterns for 270 possible situations. Ten face-up dealers' cards are multiplied by twenty-seven potential players' hands. It is difficult and tiresome for most inexperienced players to study all of them. Some sources recommend that users memorize all combinations, but there are easier ways to master them.
We recommend that users should select a multi-deck version, in which the dealer stands on a soft seventeen, for the first acquaintance with the basic strategy. This is the most common type of blackjack that is available at most casinos.
As soon as you understand the basic terms, try other combinations of decks and rules.
In general, many rules can be grouped into so-called categories or groups. For example, there is no need to remind you that when you have an 11, you should double if the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, and so on up to ten inclusive. It is enough to understand that you should double if the dealer has any card except for an ace in such a situation. Following this principle, you do not have to memorize all the situations that may arise at the table mechanically.
We have united all possible combinations into twenty-six simple rules while playing blackjack.
How to Play Hard Hands
First, let's address the issue of hard hands.
- Always stand on 17.
- Double down if you have 11 points in case of any dealer's cards, except for an ace.
- Double down on 10 against any dealer's cards, except for a ten and an ace.
- Double down on 9 if the dealer has from 3 to 6.
- Hit if you have less than 12 (make a double in the cases mentioned above).
- Surrender on 15 against the dealer's 10.
- Surrender on 15 against the dealer's 9 or higher.
- If you have the other score, hit against a dealer's 7 or higher.
- Hit on 12 against the dealer's 2 or 3.
In other cases, you should stand.
How to Play Soft Hands
Now, we explain what to do with soft blackjack hands.
- Always stand on 19 or 20.
- Stand on 18 against the dealer's 7 or 8.
- If you have another score, hit against the dealer's 7 or higher.
- Double down with any cards against the dealer's 5 or 6.
- Double down on soft 15-18 against the dealer's 4.
- Double down on 17 or 18 against the dealer's 3.
- Double on 18 against the dealer's 2.
In other cases, it is necessary to hit.
How to Play Your Pairs
Let's move to your pairs.
- Always split eights and aces.
- Never split tens.
- Double two fives against the dealer's 9 or lower.
- Don't split nines against the dealer's 7, 10, or ace.
- Hit on any pairs from deuces to sixes if the dealer has 8 or higher (except for fives against the dealer's 8 and 9 when you must double).
- Hit on two sixes and fours if the dealer has 7.
- Hit on two fours if the dealer has 4 or lower.
In other cases, you should split.
Name | Soft | Return to player | ||
|
99.78% | |||
|
99.7% | |||
|
99.69% | |||
|
99.65% | |||
|
99.6% | |||
|
99.59% | |||
|
99.54% | |||
|
99.54% | |||
|
99.54% | |||
|
99.42% |
Where to Play Blackjack by the Basic Strategy?
First, study the theory presented in the article and thoroughly understand all the recommendations. If you are unfamiliar with any terms or clauses in the rules, you can find their descriptions in the thematic articles. Next, discover free blackjack in the game reviews on Casinoz. Choose the classic varieties. Leave the unique versions for later. Practice in the demo version before you put your bankroll into action.
Play blackjack for real money at honest gambling establishments.
More Tips on BJ Basic Strategy
Recommendations for hard hands are more easily memorized because users encounter them more frequently while playing. Users can improve their skills using simulators, which can be downloaded from the Internet. Additionally, most online casinos offer the option to gamble for free. You can create a cheat sheet and use it until you have memorized all the options.
It is also worth noting that in some cases professionals advise gamblers to add some changes to the basic strategy, but such nuances should be studied as soon as you have firmly mastered all the basics.
Play regularly, and you will achieve the required result!