Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack, along with video poker, is one of the few casino games that actually force the player to make meaningful decisions. The decisions you make directly affect the outcome of the game, and can either reduce the house edge if you’re playing properly, or drastically increase the house edge if you’re not playing properly. This article will discuss basic Blackjack strategy, why it is important, and how you can start using proper strategy at the Blackjack tables.
What is Blackjack Strategy?
Blackjack strategy is the tactical moves used by a player to reduce the house edge in the game of Blackjack. There are many different strategies players can use, including basic strategy, advanced strategy, and even card counting which drastically improves a players odds and can even put the player in a position of advantage.
To use basic strategy all you need to be able to do is read a card and understand what you’re seeing. You can find free blackjack strategy cards all over the Internet, and casinos will gladly let you bring them into the casino because the house knows they’re still at an advantage even when you use perfect strategy. If you want to card count you’ll need to get quite a bit more advanced, and we have a separate card counting article that discusses that.
Blackjack strategy cards tell a player the correct move in every possible situation, so all you have to do is follow the instructions and you’ll be playing perfectly. If you use a basic strategy card to a T, you can reduce the house edge to less than 1%.
Why is Blackjack Strategy Important?
Blackjack strategy is extremely important to a serious Blackjack player. The reason strategy makes such a big difference is because in every situation there is a mathematically correct move that will produce the most long term return on investment (ROI). If you deviate from the mathematically correct moves you are sure to be a big loser in the long run, even if you have a decent stretch over the short run.
How to Use a Strategy Card
Strategy cards are very easy to use – you just find your hand on the card, and follow the instructions. There are nine different moves on the strategy card for you to make:
· H = Hit
· S = Stand
· D = Double if allowed, if not Hit
· Ds = Double if allowed, if not Stand
· P = Split
· H/P = Split (if you can double after split), if not Hit
· H/R = Surrender if possible, if not hit
· P/R = Surrender if possible, if not split
· S/R = Surrender if possible, if not stand.
The reason there are multiple options for some hands, such as H/R, is because some Blackjack games don’t allow players to surrender, so if that is the case you use the second option provided.
Can I Win at Blackjack?
It’s always important to remember that even if you’re playing with perfect strategy you are not guaranteed to win. The house still has a small edge regardless of how perfect you play, so you should play expecting to lose slowly, and if you happen to win, then great. The only way to actually consistently beat the Blackjack tables is by counting cards. We have an article on that as well, so read about Card Counting to learn more.
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