Blackjack basic strategy – How to play optimally?
Basic Blackjack Strategy – Play Blackjack Optimally
The best blackjack strategies are those that point players to the most optimal way of playing. Beginner blackjack players will most certainly benefit from applying basic blackjack strategy, as it will lead to more frequent wins for them. However, the basic strategy is also good for experienced players as it will enable them to continue growing their bankroll in online blackjack.
To use the best blackjack strategies, such as the basic strategy, the first step is to learn how blackjack tables work. Picking the correct blackjack variant is an important thing to do. In the past, single-deck games were the most popular to play, and also the best to use a betting strategy to increase the bankroll.
However, the single-deck game of blackjack is very rare today, as most casinos online offer multi-deck games. In general, it is always more beneficial to select a blackjack game that plays with fewer decks. They have fewer odds, so players can minimize the house edge and improve their chances of winning.
To maximize your odds of beating the dealer’s hand – applying the correct strategy is the way to go. Now we will go deeper and point you to the correct basic strategy you should play when you join a blackjack table.
The Basic Betting Strategy in Blackjack
Hit and Stand
- Always Hit when holding hard 11 or less
- Stand on hard 12 against the dealer’s 4, 5, or 6, otherwise hit
- Stand on hands with hard 13, 14, 15, and 16 against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, otherwise hit
- Stand on hard 17 or above
- Stand on soft 18 but hit against the dealer’s 9, 10, Ace
- Stand on soft 19 or above
Double Down
- Double hard 9’s against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5 or 6
- Double hard 10 except when the dealer has a 10 or an Ace
- Double hard 11 except when the dealer has an Ace
- Double soft 17 vs. 18 against the dealer’s 3 or 6
- Double hands of soft 15 or 16 against the dealer’s 4 or 6
- Double hands of soft 13 or 14 against the dealer’s 5 or 6
Split
- Always split your Aces and 8’s
- Never split 5’s and 10’s
- Split 2’s and 3’s against the dealer’s 4, 5, 6, or 7
- Split 6’s against the dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6
- Split 7’s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7
- Split 9’s against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8, 9, but not against their 7
There are some exceptions and modifications to this betting strategy. If the blackjack variants allow doubling after a split, you can consider a few other helping moves, such as:
- Split your 2’s and 3’s against the dealer’s 2 and 3
- Split your 6’s against the dealer’s 2
- Split your 4’s against the dealer’s 2
Surrender
- Surrender a hard 16 but never your pair of 8’s versus dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace
- Surrender a hand of hard 15 against the dealer’s 10
There are a few additional rules to beat blackjack when you play online. keep in mind that these are applicable for blackjack variants where the dealer hits on soft 17. They are the following:
- Double your 11 against the dealer’s Ace
- Double soft 18 against the dealer’s 2
- Double soft 19 against the dealer’s 6
- Surrender 15, 8’s, and 17 against the dealer’s Ace
Using Basic Strategy Charts in Blackjack Games
To make it easier for yourself and to enjoy more winning sessions when you play blackjack, we recommend you download and use a basic blackjack betting strategy chart. Such a chart will help you long-term and will make you a better blackjack player. A thing to know is that you do not have to memorize anything. As you play, you will get a deeper understanding of the game, its dynamics, specific rules, and strategies.
The experience you gain on the blackjack table will improve your play, and some basic memorizations of a few rules will keep you ahead of the beginning blackjack players. Following the basic blackjack rules and strategies does not guarantee that you will be a winner all the time, or that you will play perfectly. However, it will improve your gambling game and you will know what to expect and how to act in given situations.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart to Follow
This outlines the basic strategies when you play blackjack. Learn them, perfect them, and then you can proceed towards learning the perfect blackjack strategy to apply when playing. Of course, you can download the following information as a chart, and keep it handy when you sit down to play blackjack at reputable online casino sites.
- If you hold Hard 4 to 8, Hit against any dealer’s hand
- If you have a 9, double against the dealer’s 2 to 6 or just hit against dealer’s 7 to Ace
- If you have 10 or 11, double against the dealer’s 2 to 6, and also double if the dealer shows less than 10. If they hold a 10 or Ace, just hit.
- If you have 12 to 16, Stand against the dealer’s 2 to 6, and Hit against the dealer’s 7 to Ace
- If you have 17 to 21, Stand against any dealer’s hand.
These were the most basic chart rules to follow and there are dozens of others blackjack strategy charts. Learn and perfect one chart at a time before proceeding further towards more advanced charts.
Additional Basic Rules to Follow When Playing Blackjack Games
Besides remembering the top basic plays mentioned above, there are a few other rules to remember:
- If the basic strategy chart tells you to double down but the blackjack variant does not allow doubling, then you should just hit. The only exception is when you have a Soft 18 – then you should Stand.
- Do not take insurance. The insurance bet is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Then players can place a side bet on the dealer having a blackjack, giving up half of their original bet. If the dealer indeed holds a blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1. If the dealer does not have a blackjack, you will lose the insurance bet. This type of bet increases the house edge and you will lose more than you win long-term.
- Surrender only if you hold 16 and the dealer’s upcard is a 10. If the surrender option is not available in the card game, then hit.
- Do not take even money when you have a blackjack. In case you have a blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, you will be offered an even money payout if they have a blackjack. Always decline this because even if the dealer has a blackjack, you will get your original bet back. You will always make more money if you decline to take even money in such situations.
Learning the Blackjack Basic Strategy – The Optimal Approach
You may be surprised by the number of blackjack charts you can find online. There is a wealth of information to remember, which can be overwhelming even for experienced players. The best advice is to start easy and just focus on learning the few pointers regarding the blackjack basic strategy. After that, as you become a better player, you can go on with learning other tables about the perfect strategy to use in blackjack card games.
Is Card Counting a Good Strategy to use?
Some players want to take shortcuts and go straight in learning some card counting system that will help them beat the dealer. However, card counting may work in a brick-and-mortar casino, but it does not work in most blackjack games online.
Also, card counting is best when used in a single-deck blackjack in land-based casinos, while counting cards is impossible in online casinos. That is because online casinos use lots of decks and shuffle them before each deal. So, the card counting strategy will not help you at all online.
Avoid trying to become a card counter as that will simply not work in your favour. Many ask is card counting legal? Yes, it is, but you will enter a losing streak and lose money if you apply it online. Instead, make a minimum deposit, use bonuses, and find blackjack games with a small number of decks to play. Use the correct basic strategy to win at blackjack tables.
Is using strategy charts allowed in a multi-deck game of blackjack?
Most casinos online allow players to refer to blackjack charts while playing, which is great for players. You can print charts and use them as you play. It is advisable you print and use only one blackjack strategy chart at a time. Also, if you are going to play a specific variant of blackjack, for example, dealer stands on soft 17, multi-deck game, Las Vegas rules blackjack or others, focus on those charts that are applicable to the specific blackjack game you are going to play.
Play Blackjack Game That is Best for You
The first thing to look for is games that have the best odds for players. Different blackjack variations offer different odds of winning, which you should surely check before playing.
The best blackjack game to play is the one that allows doubling, splitting, doubling after splitting, and surrendering. If any of these options are not available in the game, then your odds of winning will be lower. Typically, almost all online casinos offer these options for their blackjack games, apart from some that do not allow surrendering.
Additionally, your winning odds will be higher if the dealer has to stand on a soft 17. Finally, search for a blackjack table that offers a 3:2 payout instead of a 6:5 payout.
Where to Play Blackjack with a Basic Blackjack Strategy?
Many casinos offer some type of deposit bonus for new players. Using a welcome deposit bonus not only will increase your starting bankroll, but you can test the above strategy to learn to play optimally. Use the bonus balance to play a blackjack game with a fewer number of decks.
Casino promotions can prove very helpful in improving the play and becoming a better player. As soon as you learn the basic strategies, you can then focus on learning the perfect blackjack strategy that will help you win even more money.
Blackjack Basic Strategy FAQ
Does the game of blackjack have the lowest house edge of all casino games?
Yes, it does! Blackjack is a game that gives casino players the highest chances of winning. Typically, the casino edge is around 0.5% in all blackjack games. However, blackjack does not guarantee you winning and there is no way of predicting which cards will come out next.
Are blackjack strategies different from one variant to another?
Yes, they are. You have to search and find the correct betting strategy to use in different blackjack games. Single-deck and multi-deck games require different approaches, so search for the most optimal basic strategy to use in your game.
Which blackjack games are better to play – single or multi-deck?
The Single deck game is better for players using card counting, but such games are rare in online casinos. Card counting is impossible in multi-deck games online, because cards are shuffled after each dealt hand. Instead of counting cards, it is advisable to use strategy charts when playing online, as these are not affected by the shuffling.
Is there a secret recipe to win regularly at blackjack?
Unfortunately, no. You have to put an effort to get a deeper understanding and better knowledge of the game. Strategy charts are very helpful but do not guarantee winning even if you follow charts 100% of the time.
