Basic Online Blackjack Strategy

In the Learn Blackjack section, we already discussed the fact that the blackjack dealer is bound by a set of rules. This bodes well for the player. Once of the most important constructs that the dealer has to follow is the set of rules governing the number 17. Note that the dealer is obliged to continue hitting until his/her hand reaches a card value of 17. However, the player is not bound by this rule. The player may stop hitting at any hand value - provided 21 has not been exceeded.

Another interesting rule comes into play once the dealer reaches 17+: the dealer must stand and may not hit. This rule does not apply to players however, and players may continue to hit until they are satisfied with the total hand value they hold. Of course, the hope is that the player who is already on a hand total of 17+ will draw low-value cards to boost his/her winning chances.

The advantage that the house has over the player is that a set of rules governs when the dealer may not hit. For the house, that number is 17. We have attached a commonly used chart with attendant probabilities and basic strategy that are employed by players the world over. Please take care to familiarize yourself with these blackjack actions, tips and strategies required to win more consistently.

The Blackjack Table

The below table is part and parcel of the holy writ of basic blackjack strategy that we have included. It's designed to help you to understand how to reduce the casino advantage to a smaller percentage. The strategy table is aimed at the Las Vegas Strip rules. This variant of the game is much more common than the Atlantic City rules where the dealer stands on a soft 17. Plus, most casinos no longer offer the option to surrender in games of blackjack.

Your Hand

Dealer's face-up card

Hard totals

18-21

13-14

5-8

Soft totals

A,9

A,8

A,7

A,6

A,4-5

A,2-3

Pairs

A,A

10,10

9,9

8,8

Rsp

7,7

6,6

5,5

4,4

2,2 3,3

Key:

S = Stand
H = Hit
D = Double
SP = Split
Rh = Surrender if allowed, otherwise Hit
Rs = Surrender if allowed, otherwise Stand
Rsp= Surrender if allowed, otherwise Split

An Easy-to-Use Blackjack Chart

While this chart may look somewhat complicated, it's fairly easy-to-use. The left hand column shows all the possible combinations that you, the player, might start with when play begins. The dealer, as you have already learned only shows his/her top card. Thus, we base all of our information only on these 3 cards. By using this chart, you will be better positioned about which actions to take.

For example, if you were dealt an 11 and a 4, your hand total comes to 15. Locate this row in the “Your Hand” column. If in the same game the dealer’s face-up card is a 9, move your finger across the 15 row until you reach the dealer’s 9 value column. The intersection of the two brings you to the letter ‘H’. This, according to the chart, is a situation in which you are statistically advised to hit. That is, the dealer has a high probability of beating your 15.

If you're aiming to become a smarter blackjack player, then we advise you to acquaint yourself with the aforementioned blackjack chart. A little insight and a lot of practice will certainly bode well for you to take down more monster pots in a game of blackjack.