Basic Theory Behind Basic Strategy

To simplify Basic Strategy and facilitate learning it QUICKLY understand the theory behind it in terms of Blackjack:
  • You are FOUR TIMES more likely to draw a "10" card than any other individual card! The Dealers hand will "gravitate" towards 10 points higher than his upcard.
  • That being said, it's NOT true that the Dealers hole card should be assumed to be a "10" card. There are almost 2.5x as many NON-tens as 10s. This means there is a nearly 70% that the dealer's hole card is NOT a 10 card!
  • The Dealer MUST hit, in most games today, to a HARD 17.
  • The Dealer MUST stand on any HARD total of 17 or better.
Understanding these principles will help you to both LEARN and UNDERSTAND Basic Strategy MUCH more quickly! 

The GOOD NEWS is that every casino will allow you to carry and consult a Blackjack Basic Strategy card ("Cheat Sheet").

Basic Basic Strategy!

But I Want to Play Blackjack NOW!!!

We won't make you sit in the corner like this poor fella if you refuse to learn the Basic Strategy Charts or are just a "casual" player. So here's our "Down and Dirty" tips for playing like a pro in less than a minute! 

At a minimum MEMORIZE these rules if you're not willing to memorize Basic Strategy!
  • ​If the Dealer shows a "Bust" card (2-6) do NOT take any hits if you are at "12" or higher!
  • If the Dealer shows a "Bust" card and you can SAFELY take a hit without "busting" (assume your next card will be a "10" card) take an additional card.  Stop when you are at risk of going over "21" on your next "hit."
  • ALWAYS "stand" on your first two cards if your total is a HARD 17 or Better!
  • If the dealer shows a 7-ACE, hit your hand until you have a HARD 17 or better (or "bust" trying)!
  •  "Double Down" when you have "10" if the dealer shows a 2-9.
  • "Double Down" when you have a "11" and the dealer shows a 2-10.
  • ALWAYS (no matter what!) SPLIT "8s" and "Aces!" 
  • Do NOT split ANY other Pair.
  • NEVER take Insurance or "Even Money" when offered!
​
To Summarize: Stand when the dealer shows a "Bust" card (2-6). Otherwise hit to a "hard" 17. "Double Down" on a "10" or "11" unless the dealer shows a "10" or "Ace." ALWAYS "Split" 8s and Aces!

It's EASY to Learn these Basic Rules of Blackjack. It will save you a TON of money instead of just playing by "hunch!"
Different Strokes for Different Blackjack Folks

There are different variations of Basic Strategy based on the Table Rules governing the Blackjack Table you're playing at. You'll find most of the rules on the Blackjack felt (see picture above).

Some examples:
  • Some tables will make the dealer "hit" on a soft 17. Others will not.
  • Some tables allow you to split any cards, some apply restrictions as to what cards you can split. 
  • Some Blackjack games you will be able to "Surrender," others will not allow you to surrender.
​If you have questions on the Rules of the game your sitting down at, ASK THE DEALER!

The most common Casino Blackjack rules today are:
  • "Shoe" games with 6-8 Decks.
  • Dealer Must HIT SOFT 17. 
  • Blackjack Pays 3:2
  • Double After Split (DAS) allowed.
  • Aces may be split ONCE and receive ONE CARD after split.
  • NO Surrender

Blackjack Basic Strategy PDF--
​Cheet Sheet

Here are "Cheat Sheets" for the most common Blackjack games today. They show you all the "basic strategy" plays for every possible hand.

 You can find these "Cheat Sheets" on Easy Money Blackjack under "resources."Click on the PDF that has the rules for the Blackjack game you will be playing.

To pick the right strategy card(s):
  • The first number indicates number of decks (e.g. 4-8)
  • The second piece of information is if the Dealer Hits or Stands on Soft 17(e.g. H17; S17)
  • DAS = "Double After Split."

NOTE: All hands under "7" will be played as a "7" on these cards.

You can also download a FREE basic strategy "Cheat Sheet" below. It's printable and covers the most common Blackjack Rules today.
basic-stategy-cheat-sheet.pdf
File Size: 3042 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
"MODIFIED" Basic Strategy 

As we talked about in our Review of Easy Money Blackjack, there are situations when it's best to deviate from Basic Strategy.  Like when you're in a downward spiral losing hand after hand.

To get the Modified Basic Strategy Cards, Click on the image below!
Protected by Copyscape