Mathematics forms the basis of Blackjack basic strategy and all possibilities and permutations have been tested and refined using computer simulations. It can be safely said that if the strategy is followed correctly, it will reduce the house edge to the minimum, usually about one-half of a percent. The strategy can also be made easier to learn by converting the basic strategy chart into plain English.
Learning the Chart
Blackjack basic strategy is based on the mathematics of the game. It has been tested and refined through computer simulations. Minor adjustments can be made to basic strategy depending on certain 'local' rule variations that casinos choose to use. Here's a typical example of a local rule: Some casinos allow doubling down after splitting (DOS) while others will not allow it. Changes are also made to basic strategy for single and multiple deck games.
If you want to be a successful blackjack player you will need to learn basic strategy thoroughly. Most players start their lessons by referring to a basic strategy chart. The strategy chart shows you exactly how to play your first two cards based on the dealer's 'up' card. It is a fact that the house gains its edge because the player has to act first. Since the basic strategy chart only deals with the first two cards, you will also need to learn what decisions to make after taking a hit.
Translating the Chart
It will make things much easier by translating the basic strategy chart into plain English. Here is an example of how to play a hand with three or more cards:
If your first two cards are a 3 and a 5 you have a total of eight. The chart tells you to hit. The extra card is another 3, giving you a total of eleven. The chart tells you to double on 11 but you can only double on your first two cards. Therefore you must hit.
When we translate the strategy chart into plain English, we use the word "otherwise" when dealing with situations that are different because of multiple cards. If we were to write out the example above it would be: If you have 11 - double, otherwise hit.
The multi card decisions are written out for hard hands, soft hands and split pairs. The information is divided into three "How to Play" pages that re shown below.
This explains in plain English how to play basic strategy when there are more than two cards involved.
Hard Hands: (A hand of two starting cards that do not contain an ace).
If you have
Eight or less: Always Hit.
Nine: If the dealer has 3 through 6 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Ten: If the dealer has 2 through 9 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Eleven: If the dealer has 2 through 10 – Double.
If dealer has Ace - Hit.
Twelve: If the dealer has 2 or 3 – Hit.
If the dealer has 4 through 6 – Stand. Otherwise - Hit.
13- 16: If the dealer has 2 through 6 – Stand. Otherwise hit.
17 - 21: Always Stand.
How to Play Soft Hands: (A hand of two starting cards containing an ace).
If you have
Ace 2 or Ace 3: If the dealer has 5 or 6 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Ace 4 or Ace 5: If the dealer has 4 through 6 - Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Ace 6: If the dealer has 3 through 6 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Ace 7: If the dealer has 2, 7 or 8 – Stand.
If the dealer has 3 through 6 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always Stand.
How to Play Pairs
If you have
A pair of Aces or Eights: Always split.
A pair of twos or threes: If the dealer has 2 to 7 – Split. Otherwise - Hit.
A pair of fours: If the dealer has 4 or 5 – Split. Otherwise - Hit.
A pair of fives: If the dealer has 2 through 9 – Double. Otherwise - Hit.
A pair of sixes: If the dealer has 2 through 6 – Split. Otherwise - Hit.
A pair of sevens: If the dealer has 2 through 7 – Split. Otherwise - Hit.
A pair of nines: If the dealer has 2 through 6, 8 or 9. Split
If the dealer has 7, 10 or Ace – Stand.
A pair of tens: Always Stand.
It can be seen from the above tables that translating the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart into plain English makes it a lot easier to memorize. Flash cards could also be made to help memorize the different card situations. |