Blackjack Basic Strategy
When players begin the rules for the specific game they are playing at that casino since they can vary slightly.
There is a basic strategy chart to help those new to the game of blackjack learn how to best approach their hands in a way that gives them the best chances of winning. This chart has been converted to the guidelines below in a way players should find easy to follow.
Courtesy of https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/strategy/4-decks/
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How to Play a Hard Hand (A hand without an Ace)
- 8 or lower: Hit
- 9: Hit or double if the dealer shows a 3 through a 6
- 10: Hit or double if the dealer shows a 2 through 9
- 11: Hit if the dealer shows an Ace. Double if the dealer shows a 2 through 10
- 12: Stand if the dealer shows a 4 through 6, otherwise hit
- 13 through 16: Stand if the dealer shows a 2 through 6, otherwise hit
- 17 through 21: Stand
How to Play a Soft Hand (A hand with an Ace)
- A2/A3: Hit or double if the dealer shows a 5 or 6
- A4/A5: Hit or double if the dealer shows a 4 through 6
- A6: Hit or double if the dealer shows a 3 through 6
- A7: Double if the dealer shows a 3 through 6, stand if the dealer shows a 2, 7, or an 8, otherwise hit
- A8: Stand
How to Play a Hand with Pairs
- Aces: Split
- 2’s/3’s: Hit or split if the dealer shows 2 through 7
- 4’s: Hit or split if the dealer shows a 5 or a 6
- 5’s: Hit or double if the dealer shows 2 through 9
- 6’s: Hit or split if the dealer shows 2 through 6
- 7’s: Hit or split if the dealer shows a 2 through 7
- 8’s: Split
- 9’s: Stand if the dealer shows a 7, 10, or an Ace, otherwise split
- 10’s: Stand
Many new players who want to memorize the basic strategy chart find it helpful to make flashcards. The faster players are able to the basic strategy, the easier time they will have at the table. Online players have a bit of extra advantage when it comes to learning the basic strategy chart. This is due to the fact they can do a The online casinos also tend to offer players access to more information regarding the game which helps them to learn more.
Anyone new to blackjack should make it a point to begin slowly. One of the problems some new players face is they assume since the game is so easy to learn that they are going to be able to jump right in and play like a pro. This is the wrong approach and leads many into trouble. When doing any type of gambling it is always best to approach it in a slow and steady manner and continue learning as they go.
Strategy Guides
- Conventional Wisdom Is Often Good Blackjack Strategy
- Choosing A Blackjack Table
- Using Blackjack Basic Strategy
- Using Intermediate Blackjack Strategy
- Using Advanced Blackjack Strategy
- Card Counting in Blackjack
- Focus Is The Blackjack Player’s ‘Secret Weapon’
- It’s Never Too Soon To Work On Your ‘Blackjack Persona’
- The Basics of Creating a ‘Blackjack Persona’As A Tourist
- Creating A Blackjack Persona As A Local
- Advanced Blackjack Personas and Special Cases
