The basic strategy is all about probabilities. There are many similar studies out there that have proven the same basic results in blackjack. Overall statistically blackjack can be a favourable game over the long run. The standard matrix or Blackjack Master Table (attached below) illustrates what play to make in every situation depending on what cards you are showing and the dealer is showing. This blackjack matrix applies best in Vegas but online some casino's put the odds more in their favor by limiting some of the Vegas rules. See the Blackjack odds and online casino reviews to see who plays fair. Unified gaming has made some changes and have some of the best odds on the net. Rushmore Casino and Cherry Red Casino being two of my favorites.
The player who applies the blackjack strategy found in the tables below reduces the house advantage to between 1 and 2 percent.
Here are the options you have in various situations during a hand of Blackjack:
- Hitting
- Standing
- Splitting
- Doubling down
- Taking Insurance
- Surrendering
Hitting or Standing
Always consider the dealers card showing not just your own cards when making a decision. In other words don't always take a card if you have a low hand the dealer may have a very weak hand that may lead to the dealer busting.
Soft-hand strategy
A soft hand (an Ace in your cards) affects your decision to take a hit. It is called "soft" because the Ace can be changed from an 11 to a one if necessary. Taking hits with a soft hand is less risky than a Hard-hand. See the chart below to see what to do with Soft Hands.
Doubling down
To optimize your probabilities of winning you have to take advantage when you have a strong hand. It's the primary means of offsetting the house advantage. Doubling down is key to basic blackjack strategy. Casino rules vary on what type of hands you can double down but be assured doubling down is the mechanism to optimize results. Follow the chart attached below to take advantage in all situations when given an opportunity to double down.
Soft-hand doubling strategy
Considerations here are a little different from the hard-hand doubling strategy. For example you don't want to double if you have soft 19 or 20 (which would be A,8 and A,9) even though these hands could be counted as 9 and 10. The following chart optimizes probabilities of winning given the Soft-hand:
Splitting-pairs strategy
This is also very important in order to maximize your blackjack odds of coming away a winner. Another key to basic blackjack strategy. You have to split when it is optimal! Most casinos allow you to split all pairs although some casinos will limit the splitting on Aces to once and online casinos usually limit splitting in some fashion..
As I said in the beginners strategy never split 10's or 5's for obvious reasons and always split Aces and 8's. Along with these hard and fast rules see the Master Blackjack Chart below for the rest of the combinations and what to do to maximize your chances of coming out ahead.
Surrendering and Insurance
I usually don't enter into either of these options but if you must you can Surrender with 16, when the dealer has 9, 10, A. Or Surrender with 15 when the dealer has a 10. Never take insurance.
MASTER CHART
This chart summarizes all the above charts and maximizes your odds at winning at the casinos.
Summary: Don't wimp out. You have to follow the charts and odds to the letter to optimize your profits.
