77 Online Casinos. Blackjack

Basic Blackjack Strategy

Statisticians have calculated a blackjack strategy how to eliminate most of the casino's house advantage. When computers were invented, players were able to simulate millions of blackjack hands, using the data to develop what is now known as Blackjack Basic Strategy.

Basic Blackjack Strategy is based on this statistical analysis and the fact that the player may choose to double down or split when favourable, and gets paid 3:2 for blackjack. In basic strategy blackjack dealer must adhere to the rules and stand on 17 and above, and he cannot double down or split and only gets paid 1:1.

It is a fact that the dealer has more than a 35% chance of busting if his face-up card is a 3, 4, 5 or 6. So in this case, if you have a total of 13 to 16 you should stand, as the dealer has a good chance of busting (as do you, but you can choose not to hit whereas the dealer must hit with the same total). However, if the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should take another card, as there is a high probability that the dealer's face down card is a 10, and his hand will beat you.

Rule Variables Affecting Basic Blackjack Strategy

There following variables can alter the casino's advantage one way to the other, and thus have an effect on the correct basic blackjack strategy that should be used. These variables include:

• The number of decks used
• Does the dealer stand on a soft 17? (Ace & 6)
• How many times are you allowed to split hands?
• On what cards is doubling down allowed?
• Is double down allowed after splitting pairs?
• Is surrendering allowed? If so, is it early or late surrender?

Winning at Blackjack is part skill and part luck. A player using a good basic blackjack strategy can reduce the online casinos advantage to a minimum, and under certain very favorable conditions, can even gain an edge over the casino. Therefore improving on your card counting and Basic Blackjack Strategy skills can only make you a master of the game.

Basic Blackjack Strategy Rules

There are a basic set of blackjack strategy rules that apply to all blackjack games:

General Blackjack Strategy:

• You should always stand on 17 or better
• Always hit on 12-16 when dealer shows 7 or higher
• You should always hit on 8 or less

Doubling Down Strategy

• You should double down on 11 - except against the dealers ace
• You should double down on 10 when the dealer shows 9 or lower
• You should double down on 9 when the dealer shows 6 or lower

Soft Hands Strategy

• You should always stand on soft 19 and soft 20
• You should always double down on soft 13-18 if the dealer shows 4,5, or 6

Splitting Strategies

• You should always split aces and 8's.
• You should never split 10-face cards and never split 5's
• Always split 3's and 2's when the dealer shows 4,5,6, or 7