Blackjack Basic Strategy Guide
Blackjack Strategy
If you are serious about playing blackjack, it is imperative that you learn about basic blackjack strategy. Blackjack has a lot of mathematics in it. In fact, one can say that skill in manipulating the mathematics of blackjack (and gambling as a whole) is the key to winning in it. Basic strategy is the first of these blackjack skills. You need to know it as it lays the foundation for other, more advanced techniques.
Blackjack strategy is a mathematically proven and computer tested system of play. Years of testing and research have proven that the use of strategy affects the odds of the game. Without basic strategy, the house edge is at about 8%. With basic strategy, this goes down to 0.5% to 1%.
Blackjack strategy sheets can be found everywhere. They vary slightly form one another depending on the rules and variant of blackjack. For example, the strategy sheets for single deck games differ from those for multiple deck (shoe) games.
How to Read a Blackjack Strategy Sheet
A blackjack strategy sheet has intersecting columns and rows like a multiplication table. On the left vertical column are your possible hand totals. On the top horizontal column are the dealer's possible up cards. Find their intersection with your index finger to see which move for that setup is recommended by the strategy sheet.
The abbreviations in the boxes stand for the moves. A legend in the sheet should explain them. As an example, they may go like this:
H - Hit
S - Stand
SP - Split
D - Double Down
Memorizing a Blackjack Strategy Sheet
At first it may seem difficult to memorize the moves in a strategy sheet. But this comes with practice. For your convenience, you can buy a blackjack strategy card and bring it with you when you play. A blackjack strategy card is a small laminated card with all the moves and hand combinations drawn out in it.
A blackjack strategy sheet or card may be color coded. This facilitates use and lets you know at a glance whether it's a split, double, surrender and so on that you need to do.
Don't worry. Most casinos allow these cards since basic strategy does not cost the house its edge.
Can You Win with Basic Blackjack Strategy?
Yes, you can. But you cannot beat the casino with it in the long run. At best, blackjack strategy will minimize your losses. But the house edge will still be there. This is why basic strategy is tolerated by most casinos.
So why learn basic strategy? Because it is necessary for other, more advanced blackjack techniques. Basic strategy lets you keep your losses to a bare minimum and your winnings to the maximum. Combined with card counting, shuffle tracking and others, it can make blackjack a very profitable game for you.
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