BlackJack Strategy
Blackjack strategies are different for different blackjack game combinations. Normally, players develop their own game strategies depending on game techniques and applications. However, new players find it difficult to comprehend the game of blackjack. Hence, most online casinos provide a blackjack strategy table at their game sites.
The basic blackjack strategy chart is according to computer simulations and depends on standard mathematical principles. This provides maximum benefit to players by reducing house edge to just half a percent. Such blackjack strategy tables differ slightly from casino to casino according to game rule variations of each casino. Similarly, some casinos have separate basic strategy tables for single and double-deck blackjack games.
How to use the Basic Strategy Chart
The basic strategy chart of any online casino teaches you how to play your cards against the dealer’s cards. Normally, you hit first in blackjack and the house gains its edge through your first move. Thereafter, the dealer makes his move and deals cards accordingly. Hence, you need proper guidance at every round to understand and play the correct moves. Basic strategy may seem odd and incomprehensible to you initially, nevertheless, with practice; you can understand all game nuances and play the game of blackjack tactfully.
There are two types of hands in a game of blackjack-Hard hands when Ace has the value of one and soft hands when Ace has the value of 11. Hence, the strategy table differs for both the hands.
Strategy Table for Hard Hands
Always hit if your card total is eight or below.
Double if your card total is nine and dealer has between three and six, otherwise hit.
Double if your card total is ten and dealer has between two and nine, otherwise hit.
Double if your card total is 11 and dealer has between two to ten, otherwise hit if dealer has Ace.
Hit if your card total is eleven and the dealer has between two to ten, otherwise hit if dealer has an Ace.
Hit if your card total is twelve and dealer has two or three, stand if dealer has four to six, otherwise go for a hit.
Stand if your card total is from 13 to 16 and dealer has from 2 to 6, otherwise hit.
Always stand on your card total of 17 to 21.
Strategy Table for Soft Hands
Double if your Ace is 2 or 3, and dealer has five or six, otherwise go for a hit.
Double if your Ace is 4 or 5, and dealer has between four to six, otherwise hit.
Double if you have Ace 6, and dealer has between 3 to 6, otherwise hit.
Stand if you have Ace 7 and dealer has two, seven, or eight and double if dealer has between 3 to 6, otherwise hit.
Always stand if you have Ace 8 or nine.
Basic Strategy for Pair Cards
Always split pair of Aces and Eights.
Split your pairs of two’s and three’s if dealer has from 2 to 7, otherwise hit.
Split your pair of four’s if dealer has from 4 to 5, otherwise hit.
Double if you have a pair of fives and dealer has from 2 to 9, otherwise hit.
Split your pair of sixes if dealer has between two to six, otherwise hit.
Split your pair of sevens if dealer has from 2 to 7, otherwise hit.
Split your pair of nines if dealer has from 2 to 6 and 8, or 9. However, stand if dealer has 7, 10, or Ace.