So, you want to get better at blackjack, eh? It’s a pretty popular game, and for good reason. It’s got a bit of strategy, a bit of luck, and you can actually feel like you’re making smart moves instead of just guessing. This guide is all about learning how to use basic strategy in blackjack. We’ll break down the game, what the strategy actually means, and how you can start playing smarter, not harder. You don’t need to be a math whiz, just willing to learn a few key things.
Key Takeaways
- Blackjack’s goal is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over.
- Basic strategy is a set of rules that tells you the best move for every hand based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.
- Knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs is the core of basic strategy.
- Avoid side bets like insurance, as they usually have a worse payout in the long run.
- Practice is key to mastering basic strategy and managing your money wisely while playing.
Understanding Blackjack Basics
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of blackjack. It’s a game that feels pretty straightforward, but knowing the fundamentals really makes a difference. The main goal is simple: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Sounds easy enough, right? But there’s a bit more to it than just hoping for a good hand.
The Objective of the Game
So, you’re sitting at the table, cards are dealt, and the dealer’s got that one card showing. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to get a hand total that’s closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. But here’s the catch: if your hand goes over 21, you’ve ‘busted’, and you’re out for that round, losing your bet automatically. It doesn’t matter what the dealer ends up with; a bust is a bust.
Understanding Card Values
Knowing how the cards stack up is pretty important. It’s not too complicated, thankfully:
- Number Cards (2 through 10): These are easy – they’re worth their face value. So, a 7 is worth 7 points, a 3 is worth 3 points, and so on.
- Face Cards (Jack, Queen, King): All these are worth 10 points each. Doesn’t matter if it’s a Jack or a King, they’re all 10.
- Aces: These are the wildcards of the deck. An Ace can be worth either 1 point or 11 points. You get to choose whichever value helps your hand the most without busting. If you have an Ace and a 6, that’s a ‘soft 17’ – it can be 17 or 7. If you then draw a 7, making your hand Ace, 6, 7, the Ace has to become a 1, so your total is 14 (1 + 6 + 7), because 18 would bust you.
How a Hand is Dealt and Played
Once everyone’s placed their bets, the dealer deals two cards to each player, and two to themselves. Usually, your cards are dealt face-up, so you can see your total straight away. The dealer gets one card face-up (the ‘upcard’) and one card face-down (the ‘hole card’).
After the cards are dealt, it’s your turn to play your hand. You’ve got a few options:
- Hit: You ask for another card. You can keep hitting until you decide to stand or you bust.
- Stand: You’re happy with your current hand total and don’t want any more cards.
- Double Down: This is a bit riskier. You can double your initial bet, but you only get one more card, and that’s it. You can only do this on your first turn after the initial deal.
- Split: If you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (like two 8s or two Kings), you can split them into two separate hands. You’ll need to place an additional bet equal to your original bet for the second hand. Then, you play each hand independently.
Once all players have finished their turns, the dealer reveals their hole card. The dealer has to follow a strict set of rules: they must hit until their hand totals 17 or more. If the dealer has a ‘soft 17’ (an Ace and a 6, for example), some casinos require them to hit again, while others make them stand. You’ll want to know which rule applies at your table, as it slightly affects the odds.
The Core of Basic Strategy
So, you’ve got the hang of the basics, like what cards are worth what and how a hand actually plays out. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a winning blackjack player: basic strategy. It sounds fancy, but really, it’s just a set of mathematically proven rules designed to help you make the best possible decision for every hand you’re dealt, based on your cards and what the dealer is showing.
What is Basic Strategy?
Think of basic strategy as your blackjack roadmap. It’s not about luck; it’s about probabilities. Decades of computer simulations have worked out the optimal play for every single combination of player hand and dealer up-card. Following these rules significantly cuts down the house edge, meaning you lose less money over time and give yourself the best shot at winning. It’s the foundation for any serious blackjack player, and while it doesn’t guarantee a win every hand, it ensures you’re making the play that’s statistically most likely to pay off.
Minimising the House Edge
The casino always has a slight advantage, known as the house edge. Basic strategy is the most effective way to shrink that edge as much as possible without resorting to more complex methods like card counting. By sticking to the strategy, you’re essentially playing the game with the lowest possible house advantage. For example, a typical blackjack game might have a house edge of around 2% or more, but playing with perfect basic strategy can reduce that to less than 0.5% in many cases. That’s a massive difference over the long run.
Key Decisions at the Table
When you’re at the table, you’ll face a series of decisions. Basic strategy lays out a clear order for these decisions, so you know exactly what to consider and when:
- Surrender (if available): This is the first thing to check. If the casino offers surrender and your hand is particularly bad against the dealer’s up-card (like a hard 16 against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace), it might be best to give up half your bet and walk away. You can only surrender on your first two cards, before hitting.
- Splitting Pairs: If you’re dealt two cards of the same rank (like two 7s or two Kings), you have the option to split them into two separate hands. Basic strategy tells you exactly which pairs to split and which to play as a single hand.
- Doubling Down: This is a powerful move where you double your bet and take only one more card. It’s usually done when you have a strong starting hand and the dealer has a weak up-card, giving you a good chance to win big.
- Hitting or Standing: This is the most common decision. Based on your hand total and the dealer’s up-card, you’ll decide whether to take another card (hit) or stick with what you have (stand).
Navigating Your Hand: Hard Totals
Alright, let’s talk about those hands that don’t have an Ace, or where the Ace has to be a 1. These are your ‘hard’ totals. They’re a bit more straightforward because you don’t have the flexibility of the Ace changing its value. Knowing what to do with these is pretty key to not losing your shirt.
When to Stand on Hard Totals
Generally, if your hard total is 17 or more, you should stand. It’s a pretty strong hand, and the chances of busting if you hit are just too high. Think of it like this: you’ve got a good chance of winning, so why risk it?
- 17 and above: Always stand. Don’t be greedy!
- 13-16: You’ll stand if the dealer is showing a weak card, usually a 2 through 6. The idea here is that the dealer is more likely to bust with those low cards, so you don’t need to push your luck.
- 12: You stand against a dealer’s 4, 5, or 6. Again, you’re banking on the dealer busting.
When to Hit on Hard Totals
If your hand is low, you’ll probably need to hit to improve it. It’s all about getting closer to that magic 21 without going over.
- 11 and under: You should always hit. There’s no way to bust with these totals, so you’ve got nothing to lose by taking another card.
- 12-16: You’ll hit if the dealer is showing a strong card (7 through Ace). The dealer’s strong upcard means they’re less likely to bust, so you need to improve your hand to have a better chance.
When to Double Down on Hard Totals
Doubling down is a great way to maximise your winnings when you have a strong advantage. It means you’re confident that the next card will give you a winning hand.
- 11: This is your prime double-down opportunity. You’ve got a great chance of drawing a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King) to make 21. You should double down against any dealer upcard.
- 10: You should double down if the dealer is showing a 2 through 9. You’re hoping for a 10-value card again, and the dealer’s weaker upcard makes this a good bet.
- 9: Double down if the dealer shows a 3 through 6. This is a slightly riskier double, but the dealer’s weaker cards make it worthwhile.
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines. The exact play can sometimes depend on the specific rules of the casino, like whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, and how many decks are in play. But sticking to these hard total rules will put you in a much better position than just guessing.
Playing Soft Hands Effectively
Alright, let’s talk about soft hands in blackjack. These are the ones with an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11. Because you can’t bust by hitting a soft hand (if you draw a card that would take you over 21, the Ace just becomes a 1), you can be a bit more adventurous. It’s all about knowing when to push your luck and when to play it safe.
Understanding Soft Totals
A soft total is any hand that includes an Ace counted as 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 gives you a soft 17. If you then hit and draw a 5, your hand becomes a 6 and a 6 (a hard 12), because the Ace has to switch to a 1 to avoid busting. This flexibility is what makes soft hands so interesting to play.
Strategies for Soft Hands
When you have a soft hand, your decisions often depend on the dealer’s upcard. The goal is to improve your hand without taking unnecessary risks, especially when the dealer shows a weak card. Generally, you want to hit or double down more often with soft hands than you would with hard hands, particularly against weaker dealer upcards.
Here’s a quick rundown of common plays:
- Soft 13-14 (Ace-2, Ace-3): Against a dealer showing 5 or 6, you should double down. If doubling isn’t allowed, hit. Against any other dealer card, just hit.
- Soft 15-16 (Ace-4, Ace-5): Double down against a dealer’s 4, 5, or 6. Otherwise, hit.
- Soft 17 (Ace-6): This is a good spot to double down against a dealer’s 3, 4, 5, or 6. If the dealer shows anything else, you hit.
- Soft 18 (Ace-7): This is a strong hand. You should double down against a dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. If the dealer shows a 7 or 8, you stand. If the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace, you hit.
- Soft 19 (Ace-8): This is a very strong hand, usually a standing hand. You should stand against any dealer upcard.
- Soft 20 (Ace-9): Always stand on this hand.
When to Hit or Double Down on Aces
When you have a pair of Aces, you should always split them. This gives you two new hands, each starting with an Ace. After splitting, you’ll get another card for each Ace. If you draw a 10-value card to either Ace, you’ve got blackjack on both hands! If you draw anything else, you’ll have a soft 12 or higher, which you can then play according to the soft hand rules. It’s a great way to turn a potentially weak starting hand into a much stronger position.
The Art of Splitting Pairs
So, you’ve got a pair of cards. This is where things get a bit more interesting, and splitting them can really change your fortunes at the blackjack table. It’s not always obvious when you should split, but there’s a solid strategy behind it.
When Splitting is Always Correct
Some pairs, you just gotta split. No questions asked. The main ones here are Aces and Eights. Why? Well, two Aces give you a great shot at getting close to 21 with your next cards, and splitting them gives you two chances. As for Eights, having two of them is a terrible starting point (16), so splitting them into two hands of 8 is a much better bet, even if you only draw a 3 to one of them, you’ve got a 11, which is a great starting point for a double down.
- Always split Aces. This gives you two chances to draw a 10-value card for 21.
- Always split Eights. Two eights make a 16, which is a pretty weak hand. Splitting them gives you two hands starting with an 8, which is much better.
When Splitting is Generally Advised
Beyond the no-brainers, there are other pairs where splitting is usually the smart move, depending on what the dealer is showing. Think about pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s. The decision often hinges on whether the dealer’s upcard is weak (meaning they’re more likely to bust) or strong.
For example, splitting 7s against a dealer’s 2 through 7 is a good idea because the dealer is more likely to bust. But if the dealer shows an 8, 9, 10, or Ace, you’re usually better off hitting.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pairs of 2s and 3s: Split against a dealer’s 2 through 7. If the dealer shows anything higher, just hit.
- Pair of 6s: Split against a dealer’s 2 through 6. If the dealer shows 7 or higher, hit.
- Pair of 7s: Split against a dealer’s 2 through 7. If the dealer shows 8 or higher, hit.
- Pair of 9s: Split against a dealer’s 2 through 9, but not a 7. If the dealer shows a 10 or Ace, stand.
When Not to Split Pairs
Now, some pairs you should never split, no matter what. The most obvious one is a pair of 10s (or any two cards that add up to 20, like a King and a Queen). You’ve already got a fantastic hand of 20, so splitting it would be silly. You’d be breaking up a winning hand into two weaker ones.
- Never split 10s. A hand of 20 is too good to break up.
- Don’t split 5s. Treat a pair of 5s like a hard 10; you should double down when the dealer shows a 2 through 9, and hit otherwise.
- Avoid splitting 4s unless the dealer is showing a 5 or 6, and even then, it’s often better to hit. The strategy here is to avoid splitting weak hands that are hard to improve significantly.
Mastering the Double Down
Identifying Favourable Double Down Opportunities
The double down is a fantastic move in blackjack. It lets you double your bet when you reckon you’ve got a really good shot at winning the hand. It’s basically saying, "I’m feeling this one!" But you can’t just do it willy-nilly; there are specific times when it makes the most sense. Getting it right can seriously boost your winnings.
When to Double Down on 11
If your first two cards add up to 11, you’re in a pretty sweet spot. This is generally the best time to double down. The reason is simple: you’ve got a great chance of drawing a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King), which would give you a total of 21. Even drawing a 9 gives you a strong 20. You want to double down on 11 against almost any dealer upcard, usually from a 2 all the way up to a 10. The only time you might hesitate is if the dealer is showing a really strong card, like an Ace, but even then, doubling down on 11 is often still the best play.
When to Double Down on Other Totals
It’s not just 11 where doubling down is a good idea. You’ll also want to consider it with other totals, especially when the dealer has a weaker upcard. For instance:
- Hard 9: If you have a hard 9 (meaning no Ace counting as 11), and the dealer is showing a 3, 4, 5, or 6, you should double down. The dealer is more likely to bust with these lower cards, and a 9 is a decent starting point to build on.
- Hard 10: With a hard 10, you should double down against dealer upcards of 2 through 9. Again, you’re looking for a 10-value card to give you 20, and the dealer’s weaker cards make this a profitable move.
- Soft Hands: When you have a soft hand (a hand with an Ace that can be counted as 11), doubling down can also be smart. For example, if you have an Ace and a 6 (a soft 17), and the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6, doubling down is often the play. If you draw a low card, your Ace can just become a 1, and you haven’t busted. It’s a flexible way to improve your hand.
Avoiding Costly Side Bets
Look, blackjack is a fantastic game, and basic strategy is your best mate for keeping the house edge as low as possible. But you know what can really sink your ship? Those flashy side bets. They pop up on the table, promising big payouts, but honestly, they’re usually just a way for the casino to make more money off you.
The Pitfalls of Insurance Bets
So, the dealer’s showing an Ace. They might offer you an ‘insurance bet’. It sounds like a good idea, right? Like you’re protecting yourself if they’ve got blackjack. But here’s the kicker: statistically, this bet is a shocker. Over the long run, you’re more likely to lose money on insurance than win it. It’s basically a bet that the dealer has a ten-value card, and while it happens, the odds just aren’t in your favour. Best to just stick to playing your own hand and ignore it.
Why ‘Even Money’ Isn’t Always Best
Sometimes, if you have blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, they might offer you ‘even money’. This means you get paid 1:1 on your blackjack instead of the usual 3:2. It sounds safe, like insurance, but it’s really the same trap. You’re giving up the chance for a bigger payout if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack. If you’re playing with basic strategy, you know when to stand, hit, or double down, and you should trust that. Taking even money is like leaving free cash on the table.
Understanding Side Bet House Edges
These other side bets, like ‘Perfect Pairs’ or ’21+3′, they’re designed to be fun, I guess. But they come with a much higher house edge than the main blackjack game. We’re talking edges that can be anywhere from 5% to over 10%, sometimes even more. Compare that to basic strategy in blackjack, which can get the house edge down to less than 1%. It’s a massive difference. While they might offer a quick thrill, if your goal is to win money or just play for longer, these side bets are best left alone. Stick to the main game; that’s where your advantage lies.
Putting Basic Strategy into Practice
Right, so you’ve got the hang of what basic strategy is all about, and you know the rules for hitting, standing, doubling, and splitting. That’s a massive step! But knowing it and actually doing it at the table are two different things, aren’t they? It’s like knowing how to cook a fancy meal versus actually pulling it off without burning the place down.
Memorising the Strategy Charts
Look, nobody expects you to have a photographic memory. These charts can seem a bit daunting at first, with all the numbers and abbreviations. The trick is to break it down. Don’t try to learn everything in one go. Start with the hard totals, then move onto the soft hands, and finally, the pairs. Focus on one section at a time until it feels natural.
- Hard Totals: These are your bread and butter. Get these down pat first.
- Soft Totals: These involve Aces, which can be a bit tricky, but they’re important.
- Pairs: Knowing when to split those pairs can make a huge difference.
Some people find it helpful to write out the charts themselves, or even create flashcards. Whatever works for you to get those decisions locked in is the way to go. It’s all about repetition until it becomes second nature.
Practicing Your Blackjack Skills
Once you’ve spent some time with the charts, it’s time to put that knowledge to the test. You don’t want to be fumbling around at the casino table for the first time, right? That’s a recipe for disaster and probably a few annoyed glares from other players.
- Online Simulators: There are heaps of free blackjack simulators online. These are brilliant for practicing basic strategy without any real money on the line. You can play thousands of hands and see how you do.
- Practice Apps: Some mobile apps are designed specifically for practicing blackjack strategy. They often have drills and quizzes to help you learn.
- Home Games: If you have mates who play blackjack, suggest a practice session. You can use play money and focus purely on applying the strategy correctly.
Remember, the goal is to get to a point where you’re making the right decision almost automatically, without even having to think too hard about it. If you’re making a mistake every now and then during practice, that’s fine. It means you’re learning. Just aim to minimise those errors.
Using Strategy Charts at the Table
Now, here’s where things can get a bit sensitive. Some casinos are okay with you having a basic strategy card and referring to it. Others? Not so much. It’s always best to check the casino’s policy before you sit down.
If you are allowed to use a chart, try not to be that person who’s constantly buried in it. It can slow down the game and annoy other players. The ideal scenario is that you’ve practiced so much that you only need to glance at it occasionally for a tricky hand. The aim is to internalise the strategy so the chart becomes a backup, not your primary guide. If you’re playing at a table where charts aren’t permitted, then you’d better have done your homework and memorised it properly. Nobody wants to be the reason the dealer gets impatient, or the pit boss gives you the stink eye.
Refining Your Game Beyond Basics
Understanding Game Variations
So, you’ve got the basic strategy down pat, which is awesome. But here’s the thing: not all blackjack games are created equal. The rules can change from casino to casino, and even from table to table. Things like whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, how many decks are in the shoe, and the payout for a blackjack can all affect how you should play. For instance, if a game pays 6-to-5 for a blackjack instead of the usual 3-to-2, that’s a pretty big deal and actually makes the game worse for you. It’s worth taking a moment to check the rules before you sit down.
When Basic Strategy Isn’t Perfect
While basic strategy is your best friend for minimising the house edge, it’s designed for a ‘standard’ game, usually with six or eight decks and specific dealer rules. When the rules change, the ‘perfect’ play might shift slightly. For example, in a single-deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, you might find yourself doubling down in situations where basic strategy would tell you to hit. These are small adjustments, but they can make a difference over time. It’s not about abandoning basic strategy, but rather understanding how rule variations might tweak your decisions.
Introducing Advanced Techniques
Once you’re a pro at basic strategy, you might hear whispers about more advanced stuff. Card counting is the big one. It’s not about memorising every card, but more about keeping a running tally of high cards versus low cards left in the deck. If there are more high cards left, the odds shift slightly in your favour. It takes a lot of practice and focus, and casinos are pretty good at spotting it, so it’s not for everyone. There are also different betting systems, like progressive betting, where you adjust your bet size based on wins or losses. These can add some excitement, but you’ve got to be careful not to get carried away. For most players, sticking to solid basic strategy and managing your money well is the most effective way to enjoy the game and improve your results.
Maintaining a Winning Mindset
Look, blackjack is a game of skill and chance, and sometimes the cards just don’t fall your way. It happens to everyone, even the pros. The trick isn’t to never lose, but to know how to handle it when you do. Getting flustered or chasing losses is a sure-fire way to burn through your bankroll faster than a hot poker chip.
The Importance of Bankroll Management
This is probably the most important bit, honestly. Before you even sit down at a table, you need to decide how much money you’re willing to risk – and stick to it. This isn’t the money you need for rent or groceries, mind you. It’s your ‘play money’.
- Set a Budget: Decide on a daily, weekly, or session limit. Once it’s gone, you walk away. No exceptions.
- Bet Sizing: Don’t bet too big a percentage of your bankroll on any single hand. A common rule of thumb is to keep your bets between 1-5% of your total bankroll.
- Separate Funds: Keep your gambling money completely separate from your everyday finances. It makes it easier to stick to your budget.
Staying Focused and Calm
Blackjack can get pretty intense, especially when you’re on a winning streak or staring down a potential bust. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement or the frustration. But staying calm and focused is key to making smart decisions.
- Take Breaks: If you’ve been playing for a while, step away from the table for a bit. Grab a drink, clear your head, and come back refreshed.
- Avoid Distractions: Try not to get too caught up in conversations or what other players are doing. Keep your phone on silent and focus on your game.
- Don’t Chase Losses: If you’ve had a few bad hands in a row, don’t immediately increase your bets to try and win it all back. Stick to your strategy and your budget.
Celebrating Wins and Learning from Losses
Every hand is a new opportunity. When you win, enjoy it! Acknowledge your good play and the favourable outcome. But when you lose, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, think about what happened. Did you stick to basic strategy? Was there a decision you could have made differently? Every hand, win or lose, is a chance to learn and get better. It’s all part of the game, and a good attitude makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.
So, What’s Next?
Right then, we’ve gone through the ins and outs of basic blackjack strategy. It might seem like a lot to take in at first, all those charts and what-ifs, but honestly, it’s the best way to get a fair shake at the table. Don’t expect to win every hand, that’s just not how it works, but playing smart means you’ll lose less and have more fun. Give it a go next time you’re out, maybe start with smaller bets while you get the hang of it. Just remember to keep a clear head, manage your cash, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Good luck out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main goal in blackjack?
The main idea is to get a hand total that’s closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, but without going over 21. If your hand goes over 21, you ‘bust’ and automatically lose.
How do I know the value of my cards?
Cards from 2 to 10 are worth their face value. Picture cards like Jacks, Queens, and Kings are all worth 10. Aces are special – they can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever helps your hand the most.
What is ‘Basic Strategy’?
Basic strategy is like a cheat sheet for blackjack. It tells you the best move to make – hit, stand, double down, or split – based on your hand and the dealer’s visible card. Following it helps you lose less money to the casino over time.
When should I definitely split pairs?
You should always split Aces and 8s. Splitting Aces gives you two chances to get a good hand, and splitting 8s helps you avoid a tough total of 16.
Is it ever a good idea to take insurance?
Generally, no. Insurance is a side bet you can make if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It pays well if the dealer has blackjack, but most of the time, you’ll lose the insurance bet. It’s usually better to just stick to playing your hand.
When is the best time to ‘double down’?
You get to double your bet and get just one more card. It’s usually a good idea when you have a total of 11, especially if the dealer’s upcard is low (like a 2 through 10). It’s also good with some soft hands (hands with an Ace).
How can I get better at blackjack?
The best way is to practice! You can use online simulators or even print out strategy charts to study. Playing at lower stakes tables in a real casino can also help you get used to the game without risking too much.
What if the dealer shows a 6?
If you have a hand total between 12 and 16, and the dealer is showing a 6, it’s often best to stand. This is because the dealer has a good chance of busting (going over 21) with a weak upcard like a 6.
