Blackjack Strategy
Play blackjack with a simple basic strategy
In blackjack the strategies are the simple set of rules
which tells you and any other player the correct way to
play your hand. The basic strategy tell your when to hit,
stand and double by taking into account only two factors.
1) Your cards
2) Dealer's upcard
The basic strategy makes you to optimize your play such
that you win more often then you loose.
The following terms are useful when learning basic
blackjack strategy:
HARD HANDS: all hands not containing an Ace.
SOFT HANDS: all hands containing an Ace coupled
with a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9.
PAIRS: all hands that contain a pair of cards with
the same value. A simplified approach to basic blackjack
strategy is as follows:
HARD HANDS:
If you have a 9 or lower, hit.
If you have 10 or 11, double down if your total is more
than the dealer's upcard; hit otherwise.
If you have 12 through 16, hit when the dealer's upcard is
7 or higher; stand otherwise.
If you have 17 or higher, stand.
SOFT HANDS:
If you have 13 through 18, double down when the dealer's
upcard is 5 or 6.
If you have 17 or lower, hit.
If you have 18, hit when dealer's upcard is 6 or less;
stand when dealer's upcard is 7 or more.
If you have 19 or higher, stand.
PAIRS:
Always split a pair of 8's or Aces.
Never split 10's, 4's, or 5's.
Split all other pairs when dealer's upcard is 6 or less.
Insurance is NOT recommended!
Splitting pairs: If your two cards are the same
value, you can 'split' them into two separate hands. The
catch is that you also have to make two bets (one for each
of the hands you now hold). Each split pair can be split
again, for a total of four hands. If you split on an ace,
you can only take one hit, but for all other cards you can
take as many hits as you want.
Doubling down: When your total is 10 or 11 (after
being dealt your first two cards) you can choose to
'double down'. This is starting a second bet (up to the
same amount as your original wager).
When doubling, you can only take one hit. (It is dangerous
to split two fives - you are replacing a hand that is
potentially excellent for drawing on or doubling down on,
by what will probably be two poor hands.)
Insurance: If the dealer's face-up card is an ace,
you can make a side bet. You can wager up to half your
original bet that the facedown card is worth 10 or more
(i.e. a picture card or a 10).
If you are correct, and the dealer has a Blackjack, the
player wins the side bet (the insurance bet) but loses the
original bet. Therefore the player feels no net loss or
gain. If it's not a face card or a 10, you lose the side
bet or 'insurance'.
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