Blackjack 21 Strategy Chart
Blackjack is a game that generally requires skills and knowledge. This is the only way that a player can win in the long run. It is very necessary to be aware of the rules of this game and you have to follow them s...
- The simple blackjack strategy chart is the a great tool for blackjack players and is mathematically proven to maximise the player’s chances of walking away a winner. Obviously it doesn’t eliminate the house edge completely, but it can cut it back to a manageable percentage.
- The Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart. The Blackjack basic strategy chart is one of the most essential things for any blackjack player. As the strategy recommends only the best decisions from a mathematical point of view, the blackjack strategy chart is the table that contains all the solutions recommended by blackjack basic strategy.
- Two blackjack strategy charts are shown here. Both strategies use the same statistical information but in different presentation formats. It's not necessary to memorize both charts but you need to know one of the two perfectly. The Condensed Optimal Strategy is the easiest for most to remember and use. Since the player's hand constantly changes.
Blackjack is a game that generally requires skills and knowledge. This is the only way that a player can win in the long run. It is very necessary to be aware of the rules of this game and you have to follow them so that you can win. A very famous rule is the basic strategy. The house edge of most casinos is usually estimated as long as the players follow this basic strategy. There is a blackjack strategy chart and it shows all the possible moves that players can make while playing Blackjack and in a particular situation of the game. Even though many players use the basic strategy, they don’t know how to apply it in the correct manner since they don’t understand the rules. Using the strategy chart is the best decision any Blackjack player would use to play any Blackjack game.
Show LessAs mentioned in the first paragraph, the Blackjack basic strategy is a good way for players to make a profit in the long run. However, for them to be able to do so, they have to put a lot of effort so that they get...
Read More21 - Blackjack 'Basic Strategy' Chart In his 1960s book Beat the Dealer, Edward O. Thorp introduced a calculated method for winning at blackjack.Reprinted countless times, Thorp's Blackjack Basic Strategy chart is a useful tool for knowing when to hit, stand, split, or double down.
As mentioned in the first paragraph, the Blackjack basic strategy is a good way for players to make a profit in the long run. However, for them to be able to do so, they have to put a lot of effort so that they get to understand how the chart works and what the secret behind the pattern of the chart is. A very important thing that players have to put in mind is the fact that they should stick to the Blackjack chart from the beginning of the game to the end.
A Blackjack strategy chart consists of the game’s patterns, mathematical equations that are based on odds and probability and the rules of the game. It is very obvious that nothing can ever go wrong. It is important to note that by using this chart, players won’t always win but in the end they will be winners. However, for any player to make a profit they have to have solid skills and knowledge but they have to have money management.
Show LessThe most important things to know about Blackjack are the Blackjack basic strategy chart. Playing according to this strategy chart is the best way to play in whichever possible situation. When it comes to beating B...
Read MoreThe most important things to know about Blackjack are the Blackjack basic strategy chart. Playing according to this strategy chart is the best way to play in whichever possible situation. When it comes to beating Blackjack, the strategy chart makes everything easier. For you to memorise this chart, it takes a lot of practice. The chart is more applicable to visual learners. At the end of it, you should be able to look at your hand total, and recite the rule in your head immediately. Memorising the chart makes you faster and have less mistakes.
There are some phrases such as surrenders, splits, soft totals, and hard totals. By learning the basic rules of these decisions a player stands a chance of winning as they play Blackjack. You can even print out the Blackjack strategy chart and tape it on the PC, this way you will be able to memorise it even faster.
Show LessAccording to professionals, there is only one correct basic strategy for Blackjack. But all the casinos offer different rules that is why there are different strategy charts from game to game. Another factor that a...
Read MoreAccording to professionals, there is only one correct basic strategy for Blackjack. But all the casinos offer different rules that is why there are different strategy charts from game to game. Another factor that affects the chart type is the number of decks used. Nowadays, there are so many variations of the original Blackjack chart. This works to the advantage of most players since they are able to find the basic strategy that works best for them. However, it is recommended you follow a well-established chart that has been proven successful and reliable.
The type of strategy chart depends on some factors such as whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. There is a 4 deck to 8 deck Blackjack strategy. For you to use the basic strategy, you look up your hand from the vertical edge and the upcard of the dealer. In these two cases, an A stands for an Ace. From the top to bottom of the chart are hard totals, the soft totals, and hands that can be split. If a player plays a mixture of 6-deck Blackjack games, the dealer hits a soft 17, and at some point stands. It is highly recommended players to read the chart where the dealer stands on soft 17.
Show Less4-Deck to 8-Deck
The mathematical way of playing Blackjack is known as the Blackjack basic strategy chart. This basic strategy has the ability for cutting the casino’s edge to 0.5%. The game’s chart was derived from a computer simu...
Read MoreThe mathematical way of playing Blackjack is known as the Blackjack basic strategy chart. This basic strategy has the ability for cutting the casino’s edge to 0.5%. The game’s chart was derived from a computer simulation. It is believed that someone taught a computer how to play Blackjack, how to play several hands of the game and record what happens. Through the trial and error of the computer, it got to figure out the decisions that were best for the players and giving the best combination of the player’s starting hands and the dealer up card.
The so-called “best decisions” are those decisions that make the player lose the least amount of money to the casino. Basic strategy doesn’t overcome the house edge of a casino until card counting is added. One of the most efficient ways to deal with things is using technology and especially computers. The basic strategy of this game was “created” by a computer which makes it one of the best methods to win Blackjack. So basically, if you memorise the strategy chart in the right way you stand a high chance of winning at this game. So the answer is yes, you can trust the strategy chart if you value making some real profit at any Blackjack game.
Show LessMany players are always asking how to win at Blackjack and there is certainly a way that this is achievable. The Blackjack basic strategy chart is one of the best ways to win this game. It is not a guarantee that y...
Read MoreMany players are always asking how to win at Blackjack and there is certainly a way that this is achievable. The Blackjack basic strategy chart is one of the best ways to win this game. It is not a guarantee that you will always win when you use the strategy chart but it is very possible for you to make a profit in the long run.
But first, you have to memorise the chart and learn what count indexes you require in order to deviate from the strategy chart. The deviations depend on the rules of the game that is offered and the rules of the region a player is playing on. For instance, in some of the games the dealer has to stand on soft 17; an Ace and any combination of cards that total to 6. That is why such a game is referred to as a “Stand 17”.
In some other games, the dealer has to hit on any soft 17, and such a game is called a “Hit 17”. In Europe and Canada, the dealers don’t have a hole card resulting in the name “European” or “European No-Hole” Blackjack.
Show LessWhen playing blackjack there are things you can do to make sure you optimise your chances of walking away from the table a winner. Mainly these optimisation skills are to do with decisions you make under certain circumstance. The blackjack strategy chart is a tool which can guide a player into making the decisions which give you the best odds of tasting success when playing 21.
When Dr. Edward O. Thorp first published Beat the Dealer, online blackjack did not exist so his optimal play strategies weren’t created with the Internet in mind. Lucky for us, players all around the globe who have been connected via the world wide web have created and shared strategy charts that have been tested by computers to ensure optimal play for standard blackjack titles.
Best online blackjack casinos
How to read the blackjack strategy chart
The most important key when using a blackjack strategy chart is you are reading it correctly as it tells you when to hit, stand, split, double, or surrender and if you mix these actions up and perform them at the wrong time you could lose when you potentially could’ve won.
Good strategy charts for blackjack are colour coded with letters standing for the action with a key to match. For example H stands for hit, S represents stand, P stands for split and so on. These could vary depending on what chart you’re using so read the key carefully.
The dealer’s card is generally along the horizontal axis while the player’s hand is along the vertical axis. There are sections dedicated to hard hands, soft hands, and splits. Each move recommended based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s hand has been created by statistics, but obviously there is still an element of luck.
There are two strategy charts, one for when the dealer hits on a soft 17 and one for when a dealer hits on a hard 17. It is imperative you know which rule variation you are playing when using these charts as there are moves that differ from one another depending on what the dealer does. There are also charts for other variations of blackjack, however these are less common.
If you are playing at a land-based casino where you can’t set the pace of the game, it might be best to memorise key moves instead of the entire chart, to keep it simple in your head. For example, players should hit if you have from five to eight for a hard hand and on 12 to 15 for a soft hand; double on a 10 if the dealer has two to nine with a hard hand and on 18 if the dealer has two to six on a soft hand; and finally never split fives, or 10s. These aren’t specific rules you need to learn, but it is better to take some moves from the chart than none if you can’t memorise them all.
Examples of optimal play in blackjack
While the strategy chart does not guarantee you will win if you choose to do the move it does mean you are playing at your best in terms of statistics. We mentioned above a few rules to possibly remember which are examples of optimal play, however we will give more depth to the following examples.
Hitting with a hard hand
If the dealer has anything from a two to an Ace, players should hit when they have anything from a four to an eight with a hard hand. When a player has a nine they should hit on any card the dealer may have but double down if they have a three to six if possible. These are just some of the possible examples of playing at your optimum when you have a hard hand. Again, the moves vary between the two charts.
Standing with a soft hand
With a soft hand it is recommended to stand for more possible combinations when the dealer hits on a soft 17, and less when the dealer stands on a soft 17. An example of this is when a dealer has a six and the player has a soft 19, with the rules that the dealer has to hit on a soft 17, it is recommended players double down if available. When the dealer stands on a soft 17 it is recommended the player stands. There are a few combinations where this occurs so it is important to know which chart you need.
When to split
As mentioned above it is suggested never to split fives or 10s. Splitting Aces and eights is a prime example of optimal blackjack play. It is also suggested to only split fours when the rule that you can split after doubling is in place but this only applies when the dealer has a four or a five.
This isn’t all of the examples possible, rather it is just a select few so it is best you view the chart and try it out for yourself.
Can I practice my blackjack strategy for free?
All our recommended online casinos offer a free play mode so players can open up the strategy chart in a tab and try out the moves. Once you are ready to play with real money just change modes, make a deposit and you can get going. The best thing about playing online whether you are in free mode or not is that you can take your time. At land-based casinos and live dealer versions, there is a set pace, and a set amount of time to make bets. When you are first learning to use the strategy chart, it is best to take your time so we believe playing online is the best option.
Real money blackjack websites
When you’re looking for a real money website to play 21 games at it is important to take several factors into consideration. It’s also very important to play at online casinos which are governed in a trusted location like the United Kingdom, Malta or Curacao, which are two of the online licensing bodies with strong reputations.
Blackjack 21 Strategy Chart Template
Generally casinos we endorse to international players are approved by eCOGRA which is an independent auditing organisation, based out of the UK.
Blackjack 21 Strategy Chart
If you visit a casino and there are not many deposit options, you should steer clear of playing there because there are better options available, catering to several currencies and payment methods.