Blackjack Basic Strategy

A Rough Outline of Basic Strategy Concepts in Blackjack

Here is a breakdown of blackjack basic strategy. This is usually presented in a chart. But I think charts intimidate people, because a chart looks so dry, technical and "heady". So I prefer to present the basic strategy in paragraph form. So here is what you need to know.

Pairs - Split Them or Not?

When you are dealt a pair, refer to these "blackjack basic strategy" splitting guidelines. This takes into account not only your two cards, but the card the dealer is showing.

No matter what the dealer is showing, never split your tens or fives.
No matter what a dealer is showing, always split aces or eights.

That is the cut-and-dried stuff. The other decisions are a little more complicated, but they're still easy to remember.

Split 4's when the dealer has a four or five.
When you have 2's, 3's or 7's and the dealer is showing a 6 or less, then split the pair.
Split 6's when the dealer has a 5 or less.
Split 9's unless the dealer is showing a 6, 9 or 10.

Soft Hands - What to Do When You Have an Ace

Soft hands are easy to remember.

If you have a 6 or less with an ace, ask for a hit.
Always double your bet if the dealer is showing a 4 or
a 5.
With a 4, 5 or 6, double your bet if the dealer has a 3, you should double if you have a 4, 5 or 6 only.
With a 6, double if the dealer has a 2.
With a 7, double if the dealer has a 3, 4, 5 or 6. If the dealer has a 9, 10 or Ace, ask for a hit.
Stand if the dealer is showing any other card.
With an 8 or 9, always stand.

Hard Hands - When You Don't Have an Ace

This is when you do not have the advantage of the Ace, which can be a 1 or 11.

With a hard 17, never ask for a hit. Certainly never ask for a double.
With a hard 16, 15, 14 or 13, hit if the dealer has a 7 or higher. Never double.
With a hard 12, hit when the dealer is holding a 4, a 5 or a 6. Never double.
With a hard 11, ask for a hit and double your hand unless the dealer has a 10.
With a hard 10, ask for a hit and double your hand unless the dealer has a 9 or 10.

A Final Note About Blackjack Basic Strategy

Blackjack is a game where you can affect the odds. If you play smart, you help yourself. If you play recklessly, you help the casino.

Never play your gut; stick with basic strategy.
Show patience.
Don't try to look like a hero out there.
Play with a reasonable bankroll.

Remember that casinos have a house edge, so you are going to lose at least half of the time. Look at a casino as a house of entertainment, not a house of competition.

Giving a little more money than you get back is the price of an evening's excitement and entertainment. All of the information in this article assumes that you're not counting cards. If you're able to count cards, not only are you able to put the odds in your favor, but you also will deviate from the basic strategy above.

Be sure to visit the following pages for more information about blackjack and blackjack odds:

Blackjack Online - An article about the best places to play blackjack online.
Blackjack Tips - Some general tips to help you improve your blackjack game and put the odds in your favor.
Blackjack Odds - An article about putting the odds of a blackjack game in your favor.