Yesterday, in my article on learning blackjack, I introduced the most basic concepts, terms, and tips for new blackjack players.
In this, the second article in my Blackjack Strategy Guide series, I’ve simplified basic strategy for blackjack so that anyone can learn it in a short amount of time.
First, I’ll talk about how basic blackjack strategy works.
Next, I’ll go over the rules to my easy blackjack strategy.
Finally, I’ll tell you about an awesome tool that generates the correct blackjack strategy charts while you’re playing at an online casino.
What makes basic blackjack strategy so powerful
When computers were invented, mathematicians & blackjack players developed a simple, yet powerful strategy that virtually eliminates the house advantage. This is what is commonly referred to as, Basic Blackjack Strategy. As casinos come up with rule variations to gain an edge, blackjack experts quickly counter with a new strategy for that game.
Although you should eventually make yourself familiar with all the rule variations and strategy adjustments, there are certain universal blackjack rules that you will follow nearly always. Here they are.
Easy blackjack strategy for beginners
There are 10 hard and fast rules for blackjack strategy that apply to all blackjack games. You should work on memorizing this easy blackjack strategy before you start risking a lot of money.
You should ALWAYS:
- Stand on 17 or better
- Split aces and 8’s
- Double down on 11
- Hit on 12-16 when the dealer shows 7 or higher
- Hit on 8 or less
- Double down on 10 when dealer shows 9 or lower
- Double down on 9 when dealer shows 6 or lower
- Stand on soft 19 and soft 20
- Double down on soft 13-18 when dealer shows 5, or 6
- Split 3’s and 2’s when the dealer shows 4,5,6, or 7
You should NEVER:
- Take insurance (or any other sucker bet)
- Split 5’s
- Split 20 with two 10/face cards
So many blackjack strategy charts… so little time
Once you start to master the easy blackjack strategy I presented in the last section, you’ll want to start using blackjack basic strategy charts. These charts will help you make tough decisions when the casinos change the rules. I’ve added a great tool for online blackjack players to manage different charts. If you took my advice from yesterday and started practicing blackjack for free (with no download) at Bodog Casino, it’d be wise to check out my new blackjack basic strategy charts to use while playing.
I hope you enjoyed this post about easy blackjack strategy. As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them in the comments.
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July 8th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
for a more accurate bj strategy chart i suggest you take a look at http://www.blackjackradar.com, it is free
July 8th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for the spam. After checking into your “free” Blackjack Radar, I found this thread http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?p=86456 that tells how your program installs a malware/spyware/virus that pops up ads even when the program is not being used.
As of right now, I’d recommend that anyone reading this stay away from Blackjack Radar.