Blackjack is an interesting and enjoyable game, and one of the best ways to win money in a casino. Players who know and understand the game of blackjack, and use appropriate blackjack strategy will find that the game of blackjack is the best way that they will leave a casino with a positive cash balance. It is one of the few casino games that a player can earn an advantage over the casino if they know what they are doing.
Taking a Chance
Players who do not know any blackjack strategy are simply taking their chances and hoping for the best. Knowing the rules of blackjack is only part of what good blackjack players need to know in order to receive a more positive outcome in the game. Blackjack is a game of chance, but also requires skill and understanding in order to be played well.
Blackjack Strategy, Mathematics and a Low House Edge
Basic blackjack strategy is based on mathematics. Blackjack strategy has been tested by mathematicians, and has been run though computer systems, where it has been fine-tuned. Players who correctly follow blackjack strategy are able to reduce the house edge to a minimal amount. The house edge can be reduced to around half a percent.
Single and Multiple Deck Blackjack Games
Different casinos have slightly different rules for blackjack, which affects the exact strategy used, however, only minor adjustments are needed in order to fit the basic blackjack strategy into the basic blackjack games that are offered. The biggest difference that can change the strategy needed is whether the game being played is played with single or multiple decks of cards. There are, of course, other minor differences, such as whether the casino allows doubling down after splitting or not.
Basic Strategy Chart Translated
Most players wishing to follow basic blackjack strategy will refer to the basic blackjack strategy chart, which shows players how to play their first two cards, depending on what the dealer's first face-up card is. Players who show a total of 8 made up of two cards, for example, a 6 and a 2 would hit according to the chart. If the hit adds a 3 to their hand, they would hit again since they have a total of 11. If the total of 11 is made up of only two cards, players will be able to double, which is the preferable option according to the chart. When trying to understand the strategy chart, players should know what the letters used refer to.
- S - Stand
- H - Hit
- P - Split (Do not get confused between Stand and Split. Since they both begin with an S, P has been used to instruct players to Split.)
- D - Double if allowed to do so, otherwise Hit.
- Ds - Double if allowed to do so, otherwise Stand.
- H/P - If allowed to Double after Splitting, do so. If not, Hit.
- P/R - If allowed to Surrender, do so, otherwise otherwise Split.
- H/R - If allowed to Surrender, do so, otherwise Hit.
- S/R - If allowed to Surrender, do so, otherwise Stand.