Blackjack - Basic Strategy

Blackjack is one of the most favored table games in a casino. The reason for this is that almost everyone thinks they can beat the dealer. The fact is that they may be right. It was shown years ago by several computer programmers that by using the basic blackjack strategy you can almost negate the house edge. The operative word is "almost" as the house will still maintain a slight edge of approximately 0.5% But with such a low edge it is possible for the blackjack player to experience regular wins and when combining with sign-up and loyalty bonuses they can experience regular profits.

The blackjack basic strategy provided below is based on a multi-deck game where the dealer stands on a soft 17 and the player can double after splitting. The top row of the table shows the dealer's up-card while the left column shows the player's hand starting with totals in the first rows and then specific card combinations in the later rows. The table key is:

H - Hit

D - Double

S - Stand

SPT - Split

To determine the play, locate the dealer's up card on the top row of the table, and your hand in the left column and follow the directions given by the intersection of the row your hand appears on and the column the dealer's up card appears on.

For example, the dealer shows a 6 and you have a 7 and a 5 in your hand which totals 12, if you follow the row which totals 12 until it intersects the column for a dealer 6 you will see that the play is to stand. As another example, the dealer shows a 6 and you have a pair of sixes. Your total is 12 but as two sixes is shown on the table as a specific combination you split rather than stand as is shown by following the row which indicates 6-6 to the column that indicates the dealer 6.

It is important that you follow the table and not go on instinct or a gut feeling. The basic strategy is a tried and proven system that does work when followed precisely. There are variations which take into consideration for different rules such as no doubling after splitting so if you use this table ensure the game rules include doubling after splitting and the dealer stands on a soft 17.

Recommended Casinos for Playing Blackjack

The following online casinos have multi deck Blackjack where the dealer stands on a soft 17 and you can double after spliting. They have been thoroughly checked out by the Zen Gambling team and are highly reputable. We recommend them for trying out our Blackjack strategy, whether you want to play for free/fun, or if you want to play for real money. Good luck!

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