This article, simple basic blackjack strategy, is geared for the beginner or individual that wants to brush up on the basics of Blackjack strategy. Great if you want to learn some "what to do if?" techniques. Learn to win at blackjack.
I am often asked by new players on their first trip to Vegas "Can you teach me how to beat blackjack before next Sunday when I leave for Vegas?" The answer is always no, but I can teach you how to lose less than you would if you played blackjack with next to no knowledge of proper play. Then I show them basic strategy, and right away they are ready to give up.
If dealer shows 2 or 3 take cards until you have 13 or more.
If dealer shows 4 5 or 6 take cards until you have 12 or more.
If dealer shows 7 8 9 10 or Ace take cards until you have 17 or more.
If you have an Ace in your hand, take cards until you have 19 against the dealers 9 10 or Ace, 18 for anything else. When your Ace can only count as a 1, go back to the above rules.
Double your 2 card total of 11 against anything less.
Double your 2 card total of 10 against anything less.
Double your 2 card total of 9 against 3 4 5 or 6.
Double Ace 7, Ace 6 against 3 4 5 or 6.
Double Ace 5 Ace 4 against 4 5 or 6.
Double Ace 3 Ace 2 against 5 or 6.
Always split Ace's and 8's.
Never split 10's 5's or 4's.
Split 9's against 2 3 4 5 6 8 or 9 only.
Split 7's against 2 3 4 5 6 and 7.
Split 6's against 3 4 5 and 6.
Split 2's and 3's against 4 5 6 and 7.
Never take Insurance.
That's a lot of info to put to memory in a few days. I know many can do so, but many more will not be able to find the time to memorize it outright. So I break it down for them. I use the age old "How do you eat an elephant? One bight at a time" approach. Simple basic are these few rules:
13 vs 2 3
12 vs 4 5 6
17 vs 7 and up
Double 10 and 11 against anything less
Always split A,A and 8,8
Never take Insurance
"I can remember that!" Great! For a $5 flat bettor, you will end up losing between $5 and $10 an hour, which is reasonable for the entertainment value of playing blackjack. This is NOT a winning strategy. If they give you two free drinks you will be ahead in complimentaries. "If I can remember that, what should I learn next?" Ahhh, there's that positive attitude showing!
Double 9 vs 3 to 6. Easy to remember this way 9=3+6. It is easier to remember new information by attaching it to already stored info in the files of your grey matter. "Easy! What else?"
Double Ace 7 6 5 4 3 2 against 5 or 6. 5 and 6 are "the weakest link" for the dealer. On that note, you can split 2,2 3,3 6,6 7,7 and 9,9 vs 5 and 6 too. "Why can't I split 4,4 and 5,5 vs 5 and 6?" Well, 4,4 is a good starting hand of 8, and 5,5 is actually 10, which you will be doubling. "Oh yeah, right! I forgot about that already. Thanks Rob. I'll let you know how I do!" Great! Remember, this is not a winning strategy. Flat bet the table minimum. Now when you get back you can use this as a winning strategy ONLINE. When you get back, I'll hook you up, ahight? "Ahight!" Feel free to contact me at robmcgarvey@rogers.com
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