Blackjack Basic Strategy Guide

Blackjack is a card game where two opponents take turns playing against the dealer until one player busts or reaches a predetermined number of points. The object is to beat the dealer by making a higher score than him. 

However, an old saying goes, “The house always wins.” The same can be said for Blackjack. But, what does this mean? This proverb means that the house will always be on the winning side, in the long run. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot win. 

The trick is don’t get too excited about the big wins just yet. While Blackjack is a great game to play and can offer great returns—sometimes over 100 percent—it can often be tough to turn a profit since the house edge can be quite high. But there are a few strategies that blackjack players put into practice that limit their house edge, ensuring that they have the best chance of coming on top.

Here Are the Basic Strategy for Blackjack:

You should stand when your hand is 12-16, and the dealer has 2-6. 

The rules of Blackjack are simple, but it is a very complex game of strategy. Although the rules say you should stand with a hand of 12-16 and the dealer has 2-6 (or 17-20, see Rule 9), many blackjack players (including the professionals) advise doubling down with those hands.

You must hit when your hand is 12-16, and the dealer has a 7-Ace.

That’s because there are a finite number of cards, so knowing which cards will be dealt next is key to winning. Most players want to get as close to 21/A as possible without going over, so, if necessary, they will double down or split. When you play Blackjack, you have two choices: Stand or Hit.

Always split aces and eights.

Blackjack has a reputation as a complicated card game, but it’s actually pretty easy to learn. All you have to do is use strategy and some basic math to maximize your chances of winning big. The most important thing to remember when playing Blackjack is simple always split aces and eights.

Against the dealer’s 2-10, double 11.

11 is a lucky number for blackjack players since it means the player receives one card with an additional 10 points. But it means bad luck for dealers since a player getting a card that has 11 points means the Blackjack. But what about players against a dealer’s 2-10? Do they have a plan? Of course, they do. It’s a well-known strategy—known as doubling down on any two-card to make it 11.

Aces-6 can be hit or doubled.

Playing Blackjack, aces-6 can be hit or doubled. The best thing to do is ask the croupier for an extra card. For blackjack aces-6 players, this is the best way to double down. However, if your total is greater than 17, you can choose to hit because the chances of doubling down are good.

Examine The Dealer’s Face-Up Card

You spot the dealer’s face-up card. It’s the player’s fourth card and you are wondering how you’re going to win. Don’t panic. Remember that you now know the 43% of the cards dealt at Blackjack.

Blackjack is one of the most fun casino games to play, but the odds of winning diminish significantly if you aren’t following the basic strategy. Knowing how to read the dealer’s up card is crucial to playing the odds because there are many instances where the dealer has a 16, 17, or 18. That’s when playing the edge to your advantage is key to winning.

While most players are usually successful in the long run, it’s important to understand that it’s rare that a player will get lucky and win a lot of hands in a row. Using basic strategy, players can get close to winning, but it’s best to use advanced strategy when playing at a table with more than 4 players.