Basic Blackjack Strategy
Once you have learnt how to play blackjack online the next step you need to take is learning the basic strategy behind the game. When you’re learning the basic strategy of blackjack all you’re doing is learning when you should hit, stand, double down and split pairs. The strategy isn’t a perfect science and you can make exceptions to the guidelines as you see fit when you’re playing, but it’s a good stepping stone for players who have no clue where to even begin. Over time the below strategy has proven to be profitable and it also limits the house edge to only about 2% which is fairly good although you’ll be able to get it lower once you learn more advanced strategies.
Hitting
The most common play that you’re going to make when you play blackjack is hitting and it’s important you know when and when not to hit because if you don’t you could be throwing money away. You need to not only look at your hand, but also the dealer’s up card because if you have 12 which isn’t a good hand, but the dealer is showing a 6 then it’s ideal for you to stand and not hit which is one instance a lot of players won’t realize.
* Whenever your hand is valued from 4-11 you should hit no matter what because you can’t bust.
* When your hand is valued at 12 you should hit when the dealers up card is a 2-3 or 7-Ace.
* When your hand is valued from 13-16 you should when the dealers up card is a 7-Ace.
Standing
Knowing when to stand is more important then anything because if you don’t stand when you should then you could bust when you would otherwise have won. Follow the guidelines below for basic blackjack strategy standing and you will have a good chance of leaving with some profit.
* When your hand is valued from 17-21 you should stand every time.
* When your hand is valued from 13-16 you should stand when the dealers up card is a 2-6.
* When your hand is valued at 12 you should stand when the dealers up card is a 4-6.
Double Down
Doubling down is an important play to make whenever you can because often it’s where you’ll make most of your profits. You should follow the guidelines below when doubling down although you can also double down when you’re feeling lucky as long as you keep it in moderation if you’re not winning them.
* Double down every time your hand is valued at 11 except when the dealer is showing an Ace.
* Double down every time your hand is valued at 10 except when the dealer is showing a 10-Ace.
* Double down when you have a hand valued at 9 when the dealer is showing a 3-6.
Splitting Pairs
Splitting pairs can be very beneficial to the player because you will be able to play two hands against the dealer and you’ll have the chance to also make twice as much as usual. Follow the guidelines below although if you don’t feel like splitting pairs you don’t necessarily need too.
* Never split 5’s and 10’s – K’s.
* Always split 8’s and Aces.
* Split 2’s, 3’s and 7’s when the dealer is showing a 2-7.
* Split 4’s when the dealer is showing a 5-6.
* Split 6’s when the dealer is showing a 2-6.
* Split 9’s when the dealer is showing a 2-6 and 8-9.