Blackjack Strategy is purely based on the mathematics of the game. Several blackjack experts have tested and refined the basic blackjack strategies through computer simulations. It is seen that when a player plays following these basic strategies, the houses edge is reduced to the minimum, which is generally about one-half of a percent. In certain cases, small adjustments are made to the basic blackjack strategy according to some rule variations which the various casinos follow. For instance, some casinos permit players to double down after splitting, while some others do not. Also, there are some changes which are made to basic blackjack strategy for single deck blackjack and multiple deck blackjack.

Learning basic blackjack strategy is the key to becoming successful at blackjack. It is seen that the majority of blackjack players start learning basic strategy by referring to a basic blackjack strategy chart. However, most of the strategy charts explain how to play your first two cards based on the dealers up card. But to be successful in blackjack one needs to learn more in detail according to the progress of the game. In this article, we’ll discuss blackjack strategy on how to play ‘Hard Hands’, ‘Soft Hands’, and ‘Pairs’.

Playing Hard Hands

A hard hand is two initial cards which does not contain an Ace card.

• Always hit if your hand is 8 or less.
• Always hit if the dealer has an Ace and your hand has 11.
• Double if the dealer has 2 through 10 and your hand has 11.
• If your hand has 12, you have two options - hit (if the dealer has 2 or3) and stand (if the dealer has 4, 5 or 6).
• Always stand if your hand is 17 through 21.
• Stand if the dealer has 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 and your hand has 13 through 16.

Playing Soft Hands

A soft hand is one in which your starting hand has an Ace card.

• Double if the dealer has 5 or 6 and you have Ace 2 or Ace 3.
• Double if the dealer has 4 through 6, and you have Ace 4 or Ace 5.
• Double if the dealer has 3 through 6, and you have Ace 6.
• Always stand if you have Ace 8 or Ace 9.

Playing Soft Pairs

• Always split if you have a pair of Eights or Aces.
• Choose to split if the dealer has 2 through 7 and you have a pair of 2s or 3s.
• Split if the dealer has 4 or 5 and you have a pair of 4s.
• Double if the dealer has 2 through 9 and you have a pair of 5s.
• Split if the dealer has 2 through 6 and you have a pair of 6s.
• Split if the dealer has two through seven and you have a pair of 7s.
• Always stand if you have a pair of 10s.

Keep in mind that following basic blackjack strategy you can reduce the houses edge to a minimum. Thorough knowledge in basic blackjack strategy and applying it in the game can make you a successful player in this most popular card game – Blackjack.

Knowing these tips will help a prospective blackjack player to increase his/her winning chances. Enjoy a few games of online blackjack today! Download our industry leading software!