How to Win at Blackjack Using Basic Strategy

Basic strategy in blackjack is a based on mathematics. Back in the early days, professional mathematicians such as the revered Edward O. Thorp developed their strategies through difficult computations. Today, blackjack strategies are tested and developed using computer simulations.

The first thing to remember in basic blackjack strategy is that the player’s objective should be to beat the dealer. Anytime a player’s hand totals higher than the dealer’s cards without going over 21, the player wins. Do not play to get close to 21. If you try to make 21 and go over, you bust and lose automatically, no matter what the dealer does.

Cards are counted at face value 2 – 9. Tens, Jacks, Queens and Kings each count 10. Aces count 1 or 11, depending on the total of the hand. An Ace and a 10-count card is known as Blackjack. To draw another card is to “hit.” To stay with the hand as dealt is to “stand.”

Here are basic strategies that have been developed by professional blackjack players through years of experience. These strategies are for playing what are known as Hard Hands, Soft Hands and Pairs.

How to Play Hard Hands
A hard hand is made up of two starting cards that do not contain an ace. Play the cards these ways:

If you have Eight or less, always hit.
If you have Nine: Double if the dealer has 3 through 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ten : Double if the dealer has 2 through 9 – otherwise hit.
If you have Eleven: Double if the dealer has 2 through 10, hit if dealer has Ace.
If you have Twelve: Hit if the dealer has 2 or 3, Stand if the dealer has 4 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 13- 16: Stand if the dealer has 2 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 17 – 21: Always Stand.
How to Play Soft Hands
A soft hand is one in which one of the starting cards is an ace.

If you have Ace 2 or Ace 3: Double if the dealer has 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 4 or Ace 5: Double if the dealer has 4 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 6: Double if the dealer has 3 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 7: Stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8. Double 3 through 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always Stand.
How to Play Pairs
Pairs are a tricky part of Blackjack. Played correctly, pairs can win big for a player. Splits can cost a player plenty if handled incorrectly.

If you have a pair of Aces or Eights: Always split.
If you have a pair of twos or threes: Split if the dealer has 2 – 7, otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of fours: Split if the dealer has 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of fives: Double if the dealer has 2 thru 9 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of sixes: Split if the dealer has 2 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of sevens: Split 2 thru 7 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of nines: Split 2 thru 6, and 8 or 9. Stand if the dealer has 7, 10 or Ace.
If you have a pair of tens: Always Stand.

Many players find these rules easier to learn in words than from a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart. However, it’s legitimate to take a basic strategy card with you to a casino blackjack game. Such cards are often pocket-sized and laminated to make them more useful. Don’t be shy about showing your strategy card to the dealer if you’re a novice. They’d rather know you’re using a legitimate guide than think you’re trying to cheat if you keep peeking at your strategy card.

Memorize this basic strategy completely, and you’ll be more likely to win at any game of blackjack.