Blackjack Online » Blackjack Strategy

Basic Blackjack Strategy

One of the keys to unlocking success at the blackjack table lies in understanding and implementing a well-established framework known as the blackjack basic strategy. As the game’s popularity soars, the demand for an effective strategy that maximizes one’s chances of winning becomes increasingly important. At its core, the blackjack basic strategy serves as a reliable roadmap for players seeking an optimal approach to each hand dealt. While it does not guarantee victory in every instance, it significantly enhances a player’s overall advantage over the house. This tried-and-tested strategy, based on mathematical probabilities and years of analysis, aims to minimize the inherent house edge while making the most strategic decisions based on the cards in play.

Top Blackjack Casinos

1

4.8

Welcome Bonus $2500 + 100 FS

Play Now 2

4.5

Welcome Bonus $250 + 100 FS

Play Now 3

4.3

Welcome Bonus $500 + 100 FS

Play Now

Top Blackjack Casinos

Join us as we explore the nuances of the blackjack basic strategy, unveiling its secrets and unraveling the optimal choices for every scenario. From understanding the importance of card values to deciphering when to hit, stand, double down, or split, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to elevate your blackjack prowess in South Africa.

What is Blackjack Strategy

A strategy in blackjack is like having a superhero sidekick that helps you make the best blackjack strategy decisions at the table. Blackjack is a game of probability and statistics.

Now, here’s the fun part: implementing a blackjack strategy that then tells you the mathematically correct move to make in any given situation. You can use a blackjack chart, blackjack cheatsheet, an app, or even just memorize the basic blackjack strategy. It’s like learning a new dance move, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be doing it like a pro! And, trust us, the casinos will be doing the cha-cha-cha all the way to the bank when you start winning big.

So, don’t be afraid to mix it up and try different strategies. Who knows, you might just come up with a unique and quirky blackjack strategy of your own. Remember, in the game of blackjack, a good strategy can be the difference between being a bust and being a boss.

The Basic Blackjack Strategy Knowledge

Blackjack is the ultimate game of strategy, skill, and just a little bit of luck. The aim of the game is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand total of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over. The cards in play are the standard deck of 52 cards, with all face cards counting as 10 and aces counting as either 1 or 11, depending on the hand. The options available to players are hit, stand, double down, and split. Now, let’s talk strategy. Always try to keep the count in your head, and never take insurance unless you’re a card-counting pro. And most importantly, always remember to have fun and keep that poker face on! If you want some more effective and specialized blackjack strategy tools, download our blackjack strategy guide and use it as you learn the ins and outs of casino blackjack tips!

What’s Your Move? Strategies in Practice!

Strategy in Blackjack is crucial, my friend because it can mean the difference between a night of winning big or losing all your casino blackjack real money South Africa chips. Knowing when to hit, stand, double down, or split can give you an edge over the casino blackjack side bets. But don’t just take my word for it, try out the online casino blackjack strategy for yourself!

Now, let’s talk about the blackjack perfect strategy rule variations. Some casinos use multiple decks, while others only use one. Some casinos allow players to surrender, while others don’t. And some casinos even offer side bets. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules of the specific casino you’re playing at.

And last but not least, the house edge. This is the built-in advantage the casino has over the players. It’s usually around 1-2% in traditional Blackjack games but can vary depending on the rules and number of decks in play. But don’t let the house edge discourage you, remember, with the right blackjack strategy, you can still come out on top! Here are some of the moves at your disposal when you join the table and want to start using your casino blackjack tips!

Ø  What is the dealer doing?

In Blackjack online South Africa, a dealer’s hand can have several different combinations, and each has a specific meaning for the game. Here are some of the most common hands a dealer can have:

• A “bust” hand occurs when the dealer’s hand total exceeds 21; in this case, any player who has not also bust will win their bets.
• A “soft” hand: This is a hand that includes an ace and can be counted as either 1 or 11 without going over 21. For example, if a dealer has an ace and a 3, their hand would be a “soft 14”.
• A “hard” hand: This is a hand that does not include an ace, or if it does, the ace can only be counted as 1 without going over 21. For example, if a dealer has a 10 and a 6, their hand would be a “hard 16”.
• A “blackjack” hand: This is a hand that consists of an ace and a 10-value card, such as a 10, jack, queen, or king. A blackjack hand automatically wins unless the player also has a blackjack, in which case it’s a tie.
• A “17” hand: This is a hand that the dealer must stand on, in most of the casinos, when the total value of the cards is 17 or higher.

The dealer’s action is determined by the rules of the specific casino and the cards they have in their hand. Knowing the different types of hands a dealer can have can help you make better decisions based on your blackjack cheat sheet.

Ø  What can you do? 

• Hit or Stand
  Hit when you want to take another card and Stand when vou’re happy with your hand
• Double Down
  Double down is like putting all your chips on the table and going for broke. When vou “double down” in Blackjack, you’re doubling your original bet and taking one more card.
• Split
  When you split in Blackjack, you’re taking a pair of cards of the same value and turning them into two separate hands. It’s like breaking up a boy band of twins!
• Insurance
  Insurance is like buying a safety net for your bets. When the dealer is showing an Ace, players have the option to insure their bets against the dealer having a blackjack.
• Surrender
  When you surrender  in Blackjack, you’re giving up half of your bet and ending the round. It’s like admitting defeat and moving on to the next battle.

The Perfect Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack strategy charts are like cheat sheets for the Live Blackjack game. They’re a handy tool that shows you the best move to make based on the cards in your hand and the card the dealer is showing. It’s like having a personal coach cheering you on from the sidelines.

You can utilize a blackjack strategy chart by simply looking up the cards you have and the card the dealer is showing, and following the recommended move. It’s that easy! You can find these charts on our site and others. If you’re playing in a casino with different rules or using a different number of decks, the chart might not be accurate. So, always make sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the casino you’re playing at before relying on a strategy chart.

Remember, Blackjack is a game of chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. The most important thing is to have fun and always keep in mind the importance of knowing the rules of the game you’re playing.

Here is your own Blackjack strategy card:

Surrender	Surrender is a rule that allows a player to forfeit their hand and lose half of their initial bet instead of playing the hand to completion. This option is usually available to players after the dealer has checked for blackjack and before any other action is taken. When it comes to surrendering, it is generally best to do so when you have a hand that has a low chance of winning, such as a hand with a value of 15 or 16 against the dealer’s 10. It’s also a good option if you have a hand with a value of 15 or 16 and the dealer’s upcard is a 9 or an Ace.
Splits	It is generally best to split cards when you have a pair of cards that have a value of less than 10 or when you have a pair of cards that are of the same value (such as two 85). This is because splitting these pairs gives you a better chance of getting a high-valued hand, which increases your chances of winning. Do not split 105. Splitting a pair of aces is also a good option, as it allows you to play two hands with a higher potential to win. However, it’s worth noting that you can only hit once on each ace after split.
Soft Totals	A “soft total” refers to a hand where an Ace is present and the hand can be counted as either 1 or 11 without busting. An example of a soft total would be an Ace and a 6, which can be counted as either 7 or 17. When it comes to soft totals, the best combinations to split would be a pair of Aces, as this gives you the best chance of getting a high-valued hand. Additionally, when you have a soft total of 13-17 and the dealer’s upcard is a low card (2-6), it’s generally a good idea to stand rather than hit, as the chances of busting are lower.
Hard Totals	A “hard total” refers to a hand where no Ace is present or if an Ace is present, it can only be counted as 1. For example, a hand that consists of a 10 and a 6 is a hard total of 16. When it comes to hard totals, the best combinations to split are pairs of 8s and Aces. Splitting a pair of 8s is generally recommended because they have a low value, and if you hit, it’s more likely that you’ll bust. Splitting aces, as I mentioned before, gives you the best chance of getting a high-valued hand and two chances to win.

Blackjack Charts

Blackjack charts are like a secret decoder ring for the game of Blackjack. They’re like a map to the treasure, a key to the kingdom, a cheat sheet to casino blackjack tips of success! Essentially, they’re a handy reference blackjack guide that shows you the statistically best move to make in any given situation. They consider the dealer’s up card, your hand total, and other factors to help you make the perfect blackjack strategy and mathematically sound choice. They can be used as a reference while playing, or some players may even memorize them to make quick decisions during the game.

Are they accurate? Well, they’re based on a basic blackjack strategy chart of mathematical probabilities and have been tested and refined by experts. So, you can trust that they’ll guide you to the best odds of winning with your casino blackjack strategy. But remember, no chart or strategy can guarantee a win, and blackjack is still a game of luck and chance.

In a nutshell, blackjack charts are like a trusty sidekick, always there to give you a hand and guide you on your journey to Blackjack glory. So, don’t play without one, it’s like going on a treasure hunt without a map. Here are a few of the poetic abbreviations used in the basic strategy blackjack game.

• H = Hit it now!
• S = Stand your ground!
• Dh = Double down if you can, if not, hit it out of the park!
• Ds = Double down if allowed or hold your ground and stand!
• Rh = Surrender soldier, it doesn’t look good. If not, stand and defend!
• Rs = Run from that hand in surrender, otherwise you’ll have to stand your ground.
• Rp = Surrender now if you can, if not, split the group and reconsider!
• P = Split up your options and play two hands instead of one!
• Ph = Split now if you can and double after hit is allowed, if not, hit it in right in the chip!
• Pd = Split it up if a double has arrived and the hit is allowed. If not, double that bet
• Ps = Split it in two right here if double cards arrive. After your hit is allowed, if not,stand fast!

Ø  Here are your own versions of blackjack deck charts to help you win big! 

Single Deck Blackjack Chart

Hard totals: (NO Ace)

• 8 or less: Always hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, otherwise hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 2-9, otherwise hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 2-10, otherwise hit
• 16: Stand if the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher, otherwise hit
• 17 or higher: Always stand

Soft totals: (With Ace)

• A,2: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 5 or 6, otherwise hit A,3: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 5 or 6, otherwise hit A,4: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,5: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,6: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, otherwise hit
• A,7: Stand if the dealer’s upcard is 2-6, hit if the dealer’s upcard is 7-A A,8: Always stand
• A,9: Always stand

Double Deck Blackjack Chart

Hard Totals (NO Ace)

• 8 or less: Always hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, otherwise hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 2-9, otherwise hit
• Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 2-10, otherwise hit
• 16: Stand if the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher, otherwise hit
• 17 or higher: Always stand

Soft Totals (With Ace)

• A,2: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,3: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,4: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,5: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, otherwise hit A,6: Double down if the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, otherwise hit
• A,7: Stand if the dealer’s upcard is 3-6, hit if the dealer’s upcard is 7-A A,8: Always stand
• A,9: Always stand

Blackjack Strategy Chart for 4 and 8 Deck Games

4 Deck Games

• Hit if the player’s total is between 5 and 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 10.
• Stand if the player’s total is between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 6.
• Stand if the player’s total is between 17 and 21.
• Split pairs if the player has a pair of aces or 8s.
• Double down if the player’s total is between 9 and 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 10

8 Deck Games

• Hit if the player’s total is between 5 and 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between2 and 9.
• Stand if the player’s total is between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 6.
• Stand if the player’s total is between 17 and 21.
• Split pairs if the player has a pair of aces, 8s, or 7s against the dealer’s upcard of 2 to 7.
• Double down if the player’s total is between 9 and 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 9.

Different Types of Blackjack Game Variants

Spanish 21:

The game uses 48-card decks (all 10’s removed) and has a bunch of player-friendly rules. Some examples include being able to “surrender” half your bet after seeing the dealer’s hole card, and being able to re-split aces up to four hands! Just remember, the dealer hits on soft 17, so don’t get too wild with those extra cards!

21st Century Blackjack:

It’s like regular blackjack on steroids! It’s played with a single deck of cards and has a bunch of new rules that will blow your mind! The dealer stands on soft 17, you can split up to 4 times, and the player can surrender any time after the first two cards. It also has a side bet that pays if the player’s first two cards are a pair.

Double Exposure Blackjack:

In this variation, both dealer’s cards are exposed face up, giving you a peek into the dealer’s hand. But watch out, the dealer wins all ties, so the odds are slightly in the house’s favor. Another twist is that the player can’t double down or split, and blackjack only pays even money.

Double Attack Blackjack:

Here, players have the option to make an additional “Double Attack” bet after seeing the dealer’s up card, allowing you to potentially increase your payout if the dealer busts. But, be warned, the dealer hits on soft 17, and blackjack only pays even money. It’s a fast-paced and exciting way to play Blackjack with the added thrill of an extra bet.

Blackjack Switch:

Blackjack Switch is like playing with a magic wand! In this variation, players play two hands at once and can switch the second card dealt to each hand, potentially creating two stronger hands. But, there’s a catch, blackjacks only pay even money and the dealer hits on soft 17.

Super Fun 21:

Super Fun 21 is like playing Blackjack on steroids! In this variation, players can split and double down multiple times, and blackjacks pay 2-1. But the dealer hits on soft 17 and the player loses ties.