Blackjack Strategy

Correct blackjack strategy changes according to the rules of the variant you’re playing. For example, when you have the option to surrender, correct play for certain hands changes. If the game you’re playing allows you to double after splitting, this changes how you play the game. This is true with each variation in the game, but it also changes when you start playing variations of blackjack like blackjack switch, pontoon,and double exposure. 

Blackjack Strategy Tables

To become a better blackjack gambler, find a printable basic strategy chart of the game you play and memorize that card. If you can find a basic strategy chart which is color-coded, this is even better. A good basic strategy chart should show you when to hit, stand, split, and surrender in all scenarios. This chart should show you when to double if it’s allowed. You might think memorization is too difficult, but the rote work isn’t that hard if you’re studying for only one set of game rules. The charts discuss a couple of specific types of strategy situations. Understanding how to play your hand correctly is based on two things—what your cards are, and what the dealer’s upcard is.Playing with a single deck provides a positive variation instead of playing with 4, 6, or 8 decks. Even playing a single deck instead of a double deck increases your chances–but only if you know what you’re doing.

How to Play Blackjack

These are just the basics, of course. Every time you begin learning a new game, remember to print off a new strategy card. Every rule, every side bet, and every game variant presents a different challenge. If you’re playing in a land-based casino, remember that most casinos have their own print-off strategy guides. These can be taken with you to the table in most cases. It might seem embarrassing to you to be looking a blackjack strategy chart, but this becomes a lot less embarrassing when your diligence pays off with winning blackjack.

Blackjack Hands

The hand you’re dealt is the first pivotal piece of information you have. Blackjack hands can be categorized into strong hands, weak hands, and marginal hands. Learning to recognize the differences in these is important. Knowing the strength of your hand lets you know when to be aggressive or when to play it safe. Knowing how to play marginal hands is especially important, because this is where most beginning and intermediate players make their mistakes. It’s easy to know what to do with ace-ace or 10-10, but knowing what to do when you have an 8-7 or an 8-6 is what separates the top players from the chumps.

Dealer Upcard

The next major piece of information you have for decision making is the card the dealer is showing. With this information, you can make educated guesses on how strong the dealer’s hand is eventually going to be. If the card showing is an ace or a card with a rank of 10, then the dealer is showing the possibility of a natural blackjack. Unless you’re holding a natural at the same time, the dealer could beat you straight up and there’s nothing you can do about it. If the dealer has such a hand, the peek rules become important, and knowing the surrender rules (if any) is also important.