Double Down: Your Guide to Blackjack Basic Strategy

If you're looking to succeed at blackjack, then you need the right strategy. We take a look at blackjack basic strategy with this handy guide.

Keyword(s): blackjack basic strategy

The house always wins... right?

Not necessarily. There's a reason that blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. Mathematically, you have the best odds of winning at the blackjack table.

But you'll only bring home the blackjack bacon if you put together a good strategy. A blackjack strategy doesn't have to be complicated. It only has to follow some basic mathematical rules.

In this article, we'll delve into how you can adopt a blackjack basic strategy. And hopefully, win some money in the process!

Blackjack Basic Strategy: The Rules

First, it's important to remember that you're playing against the dealer. And only the dealer. This applies to actual casino play and online gambling.

In other poker games, you must worry about other players' hands. But that's not the case in blackjack. Another reason why it appeals to so many.

You're dealt two cards to start, both face up. The dealer gets two cards too, but one of his is face down and one is face up. If the dealer's face up card is an Ace (A) or a 10 (face cards included), he checks the value of the face down card to see if he has a blackjack.

A quick note on the term "blackjack". This happens only when you (or the dealer) receive a score of 21 in the first two cards.

You can win the game by receiving 21 later in the hand, but in that case, it's not called "blackjack".

If the dealer does get a blackjack on the first two cards, he wins. Unless you also have a blackjack, in which case, you get to keep your bet. If you have a blackjack and the dealer does not, you win.

And if nobody gets a blackjack, the game continues with the dealer asking you for your next move.

Hard vs Soft

It's important to know about hard and soft hands. The nature of the hand determines how you'll bet.

The determining factor in a hard hand vs a soft hand is the presence of an A. A's have a value of 1 or 11, depending on the rest of your hand. And that value can change as the hand plays.

If your hand has an A, and that A counts as 11, it's known as a soft hand. This means that if you ask the dealer to hit (deal you another card) and that card puts you over 21, then the value of your A shifts down to 1 instead of 11.

Hard hands consist of any combination of the other cards. Or an A that already counts as 1.

The First Move

Your first move should take into account the hard or soft nature of your hand. Before you play, memorize a basic strategy chart. This gives you the greatest mathematical chance at winning the hand.

Most of the time, you'll either hit or stand after the initial cards fall. And you should base this decision on math. Take into account your cards and the dealer's cards and use the strategy chart you've memorized.

There are a few special circumstances to keep a watch for before you make your first move. If you're dealt a pair, you have the option to split. But only after the first two cards, not later in the hand.

To split, you place another bet and hold up two fingers indicating the split. The dealer then splits the hand into two separate hands. And play resumes as normal.

There are some instances where this is more advantageous than others. Another great reason to memorize a strategy chart.

You also have the opportunity to double down. If your first two cards are good enough to beat the dealer, you can double your bet. Only do this if you're reasonably sure that you'll beat the dealer based on the mathematical odds.

Finally, some casinos give you the option to surrender after you see the first two cards. If the cards aren't great, surrender the hand and lose half of your bet. There aren't many times when this works to your advantage, so beware.

Also, remember that the dealer plays under two special rules. No matter what, the dealer always hits with a score of 16 or less. And they always stand with a score of 17 or more.

This consistent dealer behavior gives you another advantage. You always know what the dealer will do. So you can factor that into your strategy.

Beware of Decks & Payouts

It's important to pay attention to the type of game you're playing. This has an effect on your strategy too.

Card counting is a strategy that many blackjack players try to master. It's not a technique that we suggest because it's frowned on by most casinos. Although, card counting is not technically illegal as long as you don't use any tools to help you count.

Casinos try to ward off card counters by using multiple decks of cards at a table. The casino posts an indicator at each table to show how many decks are in play and what the payout is. The fewer decks, the better your odds.

But beware, most casinos mitigate the risk of offering fewer decks by implementing a tighter payout. Tables with a 3:2 payout are the most common and give you the best odds. For every $2 you bet, you win $3 in return.

Tables with only one or two decks in play may present odds of 6:5. If you're using a card counting strategy, fewer decks are better. But the payout is so low, it's not worth the risk.

Learn the Basics & Bring Home the Bacon!

Here are a few final tips to solidify your blackjack basic strategy.

Don't get emotional. You sabotage your own success by betting and playing with emotion. Plus, it's never okay to get angry or become rude with the dealer or other players.

Along those same lines, if you play sober, you'll probably win more money. Many casinos offer free drinks to players. But this is another strategy they use to separate you from your money.

And finally, stick to the basic strategy chart you've memorized. As you become more accomplished, you may divert from it if you get a gut feeling. But we don't suggest you do that until you have lots of playing experience.

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