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How to Play Winning Blackjack
Index:
- Key to Basic Strategy Charts
- American Blackjack - One Deck Game
- American Blackjack - Two Decks Game
- American Blackjack - Four+ Decks Game
- European Blackjack - One Deck Game
- European Blackjack - Two Decks Game
- European Blackjack - Four+ Decks Game
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Introduction:
Blackjack is one of the most popular games in the casino. It’s the game that gives the casino their biggest income from table games, yet it also offers the knowledgeable player the opportunity of gaining an edge over the Casino.
In the mid-1950s, a group of mathematicians discovered that a Basic Strategy could be employed to reduce the House Edge at blackjack to virtually nothing. Casinos suddenly realized that the game could be beaten, and have taken various precautions to protect it ever since.
The publication of "Beat the Dealer" by Ed Thorp in 1962 began a rush to discover systems and methods that would indeed beat the dealer. Card Counting, the method first described by Thorp, has been refined down through the years, and today, Casinos employ various methods to keep their House Edge. Some Casinos shuffle after every hand, others penetrate the deck in half, some use automated card shufflers and others will bar players suspected of Card Counting from playing in Casinos.
The Casinos like to call Blackjack a game of chance, but the truth is that it is as much a game of skill as anything. Casinos won’t deny that Blackjack can be beaten, in fact they encourage it. They know that to become an effective Card Counter is difficult and very few people go to the trouble. They also know that the methods they use to prevent it, makes Card Counting less effective.
Even though Card Counting is not viable at most Casinos, Blackjack can still be played successfully by using variations on the Basic Strategy developed by the group of mathematicians in the 50’s.
It’s important to first know the basics of the game.
Finding the Best Table:
It is important to realize that all Casinos use different variations of the standard blackjack rules. Each variation affects your chances of winning using Basic Strategy. Most tables will have the important variations printed on the layout. Ask the dealer about the rules, if you are not sure.
Click for Full Size Image of Table
The following set of conditions will allow a player using Basic Strategy to reduce the House Edge to zero
- A single deck game
- Player is allowed to “Double” on any two cards, but not after “Splitting”.
- Dealer stands on Soft 17
- Surrender is allowed
- Blackjack is paid at 3 to 2
To gain an advantage the player must look for the following variations
- Blackjack’s paying 2 to 1 increase the expected win rate by 2.3%
- The option to double down on any number of cards increases the expected win rate by 0.24%
- The option to double down after splitting pairs increases the expected win rate by 0.14%
- The option to early surrender increases the expected win rate by 0.7%
- The option to late surrender increases the expected win rate by 0.06%
- Blackjack’s paid when the dealer ties increases the expected win rate by 0.3%
- The option to resplit Aces increases the expected win rate by 0.08%
- The option to draw to split Aces increases the expected win rate by 0.19%
The following variations are a disadvantage to the player and should be avoided
- Using two decks decrease the expected win rate by 0.32%
- Using four decks decrease the expected win rate by 0.47%
- Using five decks decrease the expected win rate by 0.5%
- Using six decks decrease the expected win rate by 0.52%
- Using eight decks decrease the expected win rate by 0.55%
- Dealers hitting Soft 17 decreases the expected win rate by 0.2%
- Doubling allowed only on 10 & 11 decreases the expected win rate by 0.17%
- Doubling allowed only 9,10 & 11 decreases the expected win rate by 0.08%
- The inability to double on soft hands decreases the expected win rate by 0.13%
- Player Blackjack lose all against Dealer Blackjack decreases the expected win rate by 0.11%
- The inability to surrender decreases the expected win rate by 0.23%
- Playing the European No Hole Card Rule decreases the expected win rate by 0.10%
To calculate the House Edge of a table start with 0 and then add the favourable variations and then subtract the unfavourable variations. This will give you the expected House Edge of the table if you play Basic Strategy perfectly. A positive House Edge is to your advantage. Please send me an E-Mail if you find a table that gives you the advantage. I'm yet to see one.
Example: Table uses six decks (-0.52), Dealer stands on Soft 17 (0), Doubling allowed on any two cards (0), Doubling after Splitting allowed (+0.14), Resplitting Aces allowed (+0.08), Late surrender allowed (+0.06), Blackjack pays 3 to 2 (0), Player Blackjack ties with Dealer Blackjack (0). This gives a total of (-.52 +0.14 +0.08 +0.06) (-0.24) Your House Edge for the table is –0.24. This means that if you are playing perfect Basic Strategy without Card Counting, you can expect to lose 24c of every $100 bet.
You may ask why bother playing a game if the Casino has an Edge ? If you compare this House Edge with other Casino games, you’ll realize that playing Blackjack correctly is one of your best bets in the Casino.
Basics Game
When you've decided which table has the best House Edge, check the sign that announces minimum and maximum bets. Sit down and place your money on the table. The dealer will change your money for Casino chips. Don’t place your money inside a betting spot (Box), some Casinos will allow you to play cash on your first bet, and you may lose your entire stake on one hand.
After you've received your chips, ask the current players if they'd mind if you open a new box. If they object, don’t play your money behind another player. If you play behind someone they make the decisions on when to “Hit”, “Stand”, “Double” or “Split”. Most players don't play perfect Basic Strategy and this gives the Casino a huge edge. Although it is not necessary to ask the current players if you can join, it’s good manners. Rather wait to open your own box.
It doesn’t matter how many players are seated at the table. Blackjack is essentially a one-on-one showdown between yourself and the dealer. The players are not trying to beat each other, only the dealer. Each player is playing a separate game. The only thing players have in common is that their cards come from the same deck and are distributed by the same dealer. Your position at the table also has no effect on your winning chances. Don’t be tempted to deviate from Basic Strategy if other players request you to do so. Basic Strategy was designed to turn the odds in your favour.
At the start of the game, the dealer will shuffle the cards, and if they use more than two decks of cards, they’ll place the shuffled cards in a box, known as a shoe. After shuffling the dealer will ask a player to cut the deck, by using a plastic card known as the cut card. The player slides the cut card into the deck at any point. The dealer will then divide the deck at the cut point, and take the cut card and place it about two thirds the way into the deck. This deck penetration varies from casino to casino and even from table to table. The more cards that are left to deal the better the chances are of Card Counting being successful. The dealer will now place the cards in the shoe, or arrange them in his hand (For two decks or less). The dealer will then discard one to three cards and place them face down in the discard box. This is also done to complicate Card Counting.
The dealer will now check that all player bets are placed correctly and that they are the correct amount. Bets must be made in multiples of the minimum bet and are not allowed to exceed the maximum bet allowed. Once all bets have been placed the dealer will start dealing. The first card goes to the player furthest left from the dealer (First Base). Each player is dealt one card. Once all players have one card, the dealer will deal his first card face up. He will then proceed to give each player a second card.
It's now important to watch for an important variation. In America the dealers will deal themselves a second card and place it face down next to their first card. In Europe the dealers only deal their second cards once all players stand. This second method is called European No Hole Card rule. This affects the Basic Strategy that must be used. If your Casino uses the American method use the different set of Basic Strategy rules. The Basic Strategy given later differentiates between European No Hole Card rule Blackjack and American Blackjack. Make sure you use the Correct Basic Strategy.
Another variation is Touch Blackjack where the dealer deals both Player cards face down. You are allowed to handle your cards in this version, but you may only use one hand and you may not remove them from the table or shield them from the dealer’s view. The dealer is responsible for the security of the cards, and must prevent them from being replaced or otherwise tampered with.
In most Casinos however the player cards are dealt face up, and the players are not allowed to touch them. The dealer handles all cards and chips
Playing Your Hand:
The object of Blackjack is to beat the dealer. The winner is the hand that is closest to 21. You reach 21 by adding up the values of the cards. Tens and face cards are worth ten points and the other cards count as their numerical values. Aces are worth 1 or 11 at the discretion of the player. You can change the value of an Ace in mid-hand.
After the dealer has dealt each player his or her two cards, he’ll ask if there are any Surrenders. I’ll explain Surrendering later in detail. After allowing time for players to Surrender he will now return to the player at first base and start acting on each hand individually. He will point to your cards when it’s your turn.
If you want another card - a Hit – you indicate by scratching the table with your hand behind your cards. The Dealer will not accept verbal commands. You must indicate your decision with the hand signal so that the ever-present surveillance cameras can see what your decision is. If you want to take no more cards – a Stand – you indicate by waving your hand palm down. Once you decide to Stand the dealer will move on to the next player.
In Touch Blackjack you scratch your cards on the table when you want - a Hit - You are only allowed to touch the first two cards dealt to you. All other cards dealt are placed, face up, in front of your chips. When you are satisfied with your hand, you slide your cards face down under your betting chips, without touching your chips with your hand.
If you take a card and it puts your total over 21, you lose automatically. The dealer will remove your cards and chips and proceed to the next player. In the hand held game, turn your cards over immediately once you’ve exceeded 21. The dealer will collect your cards and your chips and proceed.
Once the dealer has acted on the hands of all players, he will proceed to his hand. In American Blackjack he will turn over his second card that was dealt previously and proceed to complete his hand. The dealer plays his hand according to the rules of the table. He may not split pairs or double his hand. He must draw if his total is less than 17 and he must stand on 17 and more. The one exception is tables that allow a dealer to draw on a soft 17 (A + 6 or A + 4 + 2). If the dealer busts (exceeds 21) all remaining player hands are paid at even money.
If the dealer hasn't busted, he will pay all hands that are closer to 21 and take all the loser's chips. If your score ties with dealer your bet will remain. Once the dealer has removed your cards, you are allowed to handle your bet. Don’t touch them before they have done that
Basic Bets:
Blackjack:
There is one sure way of winning automatically, and that is to receive a total of 21 in the first two cards. That requires a ten-value card and an Ace. This is called a Natural or a Blackjack.
When a player is dealt a Blackjack, he wins a bonus. Normally winning bets are paid even money, but a Blackjack is paid at 3 to 2. If you played $10 you get paid $15.
In the hand held version you must turn over your cards immediately if you have a Blackjack. The dealer will pay your winnings
The only time a player can receive a Blackjack and not get paid immediately is if the dealer also has a Blackjack. In this case it’s a push and you get your bet back. You can protect this by taking Insurance - an option I’ll discuss later.
Doubling Down:
One of the attractions of Blackjack is the ability to increase your bets in mid-hand if you feel you have a good opportunity to win. This is the main reason that you can lower the House Edge of the Casino to almost zero. When you have the chance to increase your bet, you should know when to take advantage of it.
One of the circumstances in which you may increase your bet is called Doubling Down. This means that the Casino will allow you to make a second bet equal in size to your first bet. In return for this right, you agree to accept only one more card for your hand. You are only allowed to Double Down after looking at your first two cards. You cannot take a hit and then Double Down
Some Casinos allow you to Double Down for less than the amount of your original bet. This should be avoided because if the situation is worth Doubling Down, it is worth betting as much as you can, which is the amount of your original bet
To indicate to the dealer that you want to Double Down, slide a second wager next to your original wager in the betting circle. Do not place the additional bet on top of the original wager, because the dealer may think that you are trying to cheat by increasing your bet illegally
No hand-signal is necessary. The dealer will see your Double Down bet and give you one card, generally placed horizontally across your first two cards. In the hand held game turn your two cards over and place the Double Down bet in your box. The dealer will place the card face down under your betting chips. Wait until the dealer settles all bets to expose your hand
If you win the bet, you’ll be paid even money for the two bets, if you lose, both bets will be removed with your cards. In the event of a push (tie), both bets remain.
Splitting Pairs:
The second option to increase your original wager is known as Splitting Pairs. When you receive two cards of the same value, you are allowed to match your original bet, and split the two cards into separate hands. You are not required to split; you can play the hand like any other hand, but in some situations it is advantageous to make two hands out of a pair
Each card of the pair becomes the first card of a separate, totally independent hand, and each wager – the original bet and the second bet – applies only to the hand to which it is attached
To split a hand, place an identical bet next to your original bet. The wager must be the same amount. In Touch Blackjack turn your cards over and place the extra bet next to your original bet. The Dealer will now split the two pairs into separate hands and split the wagers as well
The dealer then gives one card on the first hand and then waits for further instructions. Once the first hand is completed he proceeds to the second hand in the same manner. Since the two hands are independent, you may win both, lose both or win one and lose one.
Depending upon the local Casino rules, you may be able to split a hand up to four times. For example, if you have two eights, split them, and receive a third eight, you may split that hand to make three independent hands. The rules concerning how many times you are allowed to do this varies from Casino to Casino.
The only card that has different Splitting rules is the Ace. When you are dealt two Aces and split them, you receive only one card on each Ace. If you are dealt a ten card on the Ace it is not a Blackjack, it counts as 21. A Blackjack must appear on the first two original cards.
In many Casinos, you may also Double Down after Splitting. The same rules apply for Doubling Down on a Split hand as it would for an original hand.
It's important to find out if this applies at your Casino. It influences the Basic Strategy - More Later
Insurance Bets:
The biggest argument at a Blackjack table is whether to Insure against a Dealer Blackjack or not. When the dealer turns an Ace as his first card, he will ask the players if they’d like to Insure their hands. If the player accepts the bet, which must be taken before any action is taken on any player’s hand, the player puts up an additional one-half of his original bet on the insurance bar. If the dealer does end up with a Blackjack the bet pays off at two to one odds. If the dealer’s second card is not a ten value, all insurance bets lose and the dealer collects them immediately, the dealer then completes his hand according to the rules and pay all winning hands.
In the situation described previously with the player having a Blackjack and the dealer having an Ace as a first card, the Player Blackjack will not be paid immediately. Instead the player has two options. The first is to take insurance against a Dealer Blackjack by betting an additional one-half of his or her original bet on the insurance bar. If the dealer has a Blackjack the original bet is pushed and the insurance pays 2 to 1. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, the insurance is lost and the original bet is paid at 3 to 2. In both scenarios the player ends up with even money win on his original bet. Most Casinos will offer the player another option. They will offer the player with Blackjack an immediate even money payout for his Blackjack. If the player accepts he is paid immediately. If the player decides not to accept this offer, he must wait until the dealer completes his hand. If the dealer makes Blackjack he pushes the Player bet, if not the player gets paid at 3 to 2 odds.
It might sound logical to take insurance if you have a Blackjack, but if you don’t do it, you gain a 4.1% edge on the casino. The truth is that if a player uses Basic Strategy, he should never take insurance against a Dealer Blackjack. The only time that it can be considered is when you use the Card Counting strategy and the index number tells you to do it. I’ll explain this later.
Another interesting scenario is when a player has a Blackjack and the dealer’s first card is a ten value. The player is not paid immediately and has to wait for the dealer to complete his hand. Insurance is not available in this scenario. If the dealer’s second card is an Ace, the Player Blackjack is pushed. If not, the player gets paid at odds of 3 to 2.
| House Edge on Insurance Bets: | |
| Number Decks | House Edge |
| 1 | 5.88% |
| 2 | 6.80% |
| 4 | 7.25% |
| 6 | 7.40% |
| 8 | 7.47% |
Surrendering Bets:
Surrendering your bet is not offered in all Casinos. Some Casinos only allow surrendering if the dealer’s first card is an Ace or a ten-value card, others allow Surrendering regardless of the dealer’s first card.
Using Basic Strategy you should only consider surrendering if the dealer’s first card is an Ace or a ten value. If you do not like your first two cards, and believe that you cannot beat the dealer, you may announce “Surrender!” It is the only play where a verbal command is allowed at the Blackjack table. You may only Surrender after the dealer has dealt all players their two cards. The Dealer will ask the players if anyone wants to Surrender their bet
There are two rule variations for Surrendering your bets. It is called Early Surrender and Late Surrender, and applies when the dealer’s first card is an Ace or Ten value.
In Late Surrender the dealer will mark your bet, after you have surrendered it, by placing a plastic token on your bet or by placing your chips on your cards. If the dealer has a Blackjack he will remove the entire bet. If the dealer does not have a Blackjack he will remove half of the original bet and return the other half to the player.
In Early Surrender the dealer will immediately take half the bet and return the other half to the player. This is the best type of Surrender because you get half your bet back whether or not the dealer has Blackjack.
When the Casino allows surrendering regardless of the dealer’s first card, the dealer will immediately take half the bet if the dealer’s first card is a 2 to 9 value. The dealer can’t make a Blackjack in this scenario. This is not Early Surrender.
Basic Strategy:
Understanding and Perfecting Basic Strategy in Blackjack can make the difference between winning and losing. Besides Poker, Blackjack is the only Casino table game where the player can affect the outcome by his or her skilful play.
While Card Counting may yield slightly greater results, Basic Strategy is much easier to master. Luck still plays a major role in the outcome of playing sessions, but over the long term, utilizing Basic Strategy gives a player the best chance of winning.
As described earlier one of the most important aspects of Basic Strategy is finding a table that gives the Casino the lowest possible House Edge. Not all tables in a Casino play to the same rules. It pays to study the table rules. Look for a table with the lowest number of decks used, one deck is ideal, two to four decks can provide good opportunities while five or more decks make it very difficult to win.
The playing rules also affect the Basic Strategy. Ideally Basic Strategy should be adapted to account for the different playing rules. The most important variation is the dealer hitting or standing on a soft 17. The ability to hit a soft 17 gives the dealer an edge of 0.2%
The other variation that affects Basic Strategy is restrictions placed on Doubling Down. Some Casinos only allow Doubling on totals of 10 and 11. This gives the dealer an edge of 0.17%. Others only allow Doubling on totals of 9, 10 or 11. This gives the house an edge of 0.08%. These negative variations should be avoided.
Other Casinos restrict the number of times players can Split Pairs. Since theoretically players only Split Pairs when they have an advantage to begin with, Casinos that deny this want to limit their exposure. It is for this reason that some Casinos bar players from doubling down after splitting. Whenever possible, players should look for the most liberal rules when scouting out a positive Blackjack situation
Read the section on Finding The Best Table again, before proceeding
It’s important to know the following tables if you plan to use Basic Strategy whilst playing Blackjack. Don’t be intimidated by the information contained within. The rules are simple and you will easily pick up the various rules.
Be sure that you know the Basic Strategy that is applicable for the table that you plan to play at. You won’t have time to think about the options. If you don’t play Basic Strategy correctly you will lose any advantage that it gives you. Mistakes are costly. Practice at home before you play for real in the Casino
The Casinos don’t mind people playing Basic Strategy. They know that even the people that know Basic Strategy make mistakes. Be sure that you are not one of them
Key to Basic Strategy Charts:
| Key to Basic Strategy Charts: | |
| Action | Explanation |
| Ht | Hit for one More card |
| St | Stand - No More cards |
| Sr | Surrender - If unable - Hit |
| Sp | Split Pairs |
| Dh | Double - If unable - Hit |
| Ds | Double - If unable - Stand |
By using the key above you can interpret the following tables. This will allow you to use Basic Strategy in all the possible scenarios in Blackjack
American Blackjack - One Deck Game:
| American Blackjack - One Deck Game: | ||||||||||
| Basic Strategy for Hard Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| 18+ | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| 17 | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | Sr |
| 16 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 15 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 14 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 13 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 12 | Ht | Ht | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh |
| 10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| 9 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 8 | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 7 and less | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Soft Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,9) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,8) | St | St | St | St | Ds | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,7) | St | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | St | St | Ht | Ht | St |
| (A,6) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,5) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,4) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,3) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,2) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | St | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and No Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | St | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
American Blackjack - Two Decks Game:
| American Blackjack - Two Decks Game: | ||||||||||
| Basic Strategy for Hard Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| 18+ | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| 17 | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | Sr |
| 16 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 15 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 14 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 13 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 12 | Ht | Ht | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh |
| 10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| 9 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 8 | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 7 and less | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Soft Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,9) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,8) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,7) | St | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,6) | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,5) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,4) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,3) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,2) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and No Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
American Blackjack - Four+ Decks Game:
| American Blackjack - Four+ Decks Game: | ||||||||||
| Basic Strategy for Hard Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| 18+ | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| 17 | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| 16 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr | Sr |
| 15 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 14 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 13 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 12 | Ht | Ht | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht |
| 10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| 9 | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 8 | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 7 and less | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Soft Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,9) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,8) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,7) | St | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,6) | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,5) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,4) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,3) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,2) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and No Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
European Blackjack - One Deck Game:
| European Blackjack - One Deck Game: | ||||||||||
| Basic Strategy for Hard Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| 18+ | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| 17 | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | Sr |
| 16 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 15 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 14 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| 13 | St | St | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 12 | Ht | Ht | St | St | St | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| 11 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| 10 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| 9 | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 8 | Ht | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| 7 and less | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Soft Totals: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,9) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,8) | St | St | St | St | Ds | St | St | St | St | St |
| (A,7) | St | Ds | Ds | Ds | Ds | St | St | Ht | Ht | St |
| (A,6) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,5) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,4) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,3) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (A,2) | Ht | Ht | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (5,5) | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Dh | Ht | Ht |
| (4,4) | Ht | Ht | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| (3,3) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr |
| (2,2) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Ht | Ht |
| Basic Strategy for Splitting Pairs and No Double after Split: | ||||||||||
| Dealer's 1st Card | ||||||||||
| Player's 1st Card | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
| (A,A) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht |
| (T,T) | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St | St |
| (9,9) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | St | Sp | Sp | St | St |
| (8,8) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sr | Sr |
| (7,7) | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Sp | Ht | Ht | Sr | Sr |
| (6,6) | Sp | Sp | Sp | |||||||