Blackjack Strategy Chart: Basic Strategy Guide
Although blackjack is a game of chance, mastering the gameplay demands strategic thinking and a thorough understanding of the blackjack basic strategy. A blackjack strategy chart is an essential tool to understand the game’s unique player perspective. Find more details and helpful blackjack basic strategy charts with this blackjack guide.
Blackjack Glossary – Must Know Terms
Before diving into the specifics of the blackjack strategy chart and basic strategy, it is crucial to understand the terminology commonly used in blackjack. Familiarize yourself with the terms discussed below, if you are not yet acquainted with them. Knowing the terms by heart will ensure clarity and precision in your blackjack gameplay.
Hit
Request an additional card from the dealer to improve your hand’s total value. The hit should only be considered if your hand totals under 17.
Stand
Decline the chance of receiving additional cards from the dealer and proceed with your current hand. Stand should always be your chosen action if your total is 17 or higher.
Double Down
Double your initial bet and receive exactly one additional card before sanding. This should only be done if your hand totals between 9 to 11 without an ace or between 16 to 18 with an ace.
Split
To divide a pair of identical cards into two hands and play each hand individually. Split is available with most variations of blackjack games and can increase to up to 4 hand splits in Vegas Strip Blackjack.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet that allows players to protect their original wager in case the dealer has a natural blackjack hand. Insurance is generally only available if the dealer has an exposed ace.
Bust
A bust is a loss. To exceed a total hand value of 21, resulting in an automatic loss of the bet.
Dealer shoe
Dealer shoes are present in multi-deck blackjack games and stand as the device from which the dealer deals.
Double
The double action is used to increase the initial bet by the same amount, plus an extra bet to equal the original amount.
Double after split (DAS)
Double after split is a rule allowing players to double down on a bet after splitting a pair in blackjack games.
Hard
A hard hand is a hand that does not include an Ace, which is considered a weaker position than a soft hand, where an ace can be counted as either 1 or 11 to benefit your desired total.
Hit 17
A rule in most variations of online blackjack where the dealer needs to hit on soft 17.
No double after split (NDAS)
No double after split simply means that players may not double after splitting a hand.
Push
A tie between the player and the dealer. If there is a tie between the player and the dealer, a push will be called, and the player’s bet will be returned.
Side Bet
An additional bet separates from the blackjack game. These bets are generally based on specific outcomes or card combinations as well as insurance.
Soft
A hand containing an ace value at 11, allowing for more flexibility in pursuing a strong total without the risk of busting.
Surrender
An option to fold the hand and sacrifice only half the original bet, typically available early in a game before any other action is taken.
With a thorough understanding of these blackjack gameplay terms, blackjack rules can easily be understood and be introduced into a blackjack perfect strategy chart.
How to use the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart?
If you are struggling to make the right decisions at the blackjack table, the use of a blackjack basic strategy chart can be your ultimate solution. Using a blackjack table chart, can assist in improving your gameplay and help you make informed decisions.
To use a blackjack basic strategy chart effectively players should familiarise themselves with the different scenarios and corresponding recommended actions. Actions are stipulated in the chart in the following manner.
- SP ‘Split’ – If possible, split your same-value cards and play separately
- S ‘Stand’ – Don’t ask for additional cards; simply play your hand
- H ‘Hit’ – Hit for additional cards to have a greater chance of reaching a numerical value close to 21
- D ‘Double’ – Double your bet and accept the additional card
The top line of the blackjack strategy chart indicates the upcard value of the dealer, simply align your hand’s total value to the dealer’s upcard value to see the best possible action to take.
Before testing the Casino Legends blackjack basic strategy chart, try free blackjack games instead of real money games as a means to practice. Furthermore, the Casino Legends Blackjack Guide serves as the perfect start for beginners to first get acquainted with the basic gameplay of blackjack.
Casino Legends Blackjack Strategy Chart – An Introduction
The basic strategy blackjack chart serves as a visual representation of the optimal actions and player options to action in any given blackjack scenario, based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s upcard. By referencing the chart, you can make informed decisions to maximise your chance of winning and minimise the chance of losses.
Simply download any of our 3 Casino Legends blackjack strategy charts, memorize the actions, and start playing. Each action can be found stipulated by colour reference and signification of standing, hit, double down, etc. The numbers stipulated on the left side of the chart provide guidance on which numerical value would require which action.
By studying and saving the Casino Legends blackjack basic strategy chart, you can easily avoid costly mistakes and witness continuous improvement in your ‘lucky streek’ frequency.
The 3 Types of Casino Legends Blackjack Strategy Charts
Blackjack strategy charts are available for single-deck, double-deck, and 4-8-deck blackjack variations and serve as the most illustrative option in learning how to have the best chance at beating the dealer.
Follow each dedicated blackjack variations’ strategy chart below by simply aligning your hand total with the dealers up card to see the best possible action you can take.
Single Deck Blackjack Chart
The single-deck blackjack chart is the go-to strategy chart for players of all skill levels if they are not yet accustomed to using blackjack basic strategy. Although not many games are played with 1 deck of cards (52 cards), you can easily find them on Casino Legends Online recommended online casino for UK players.
Double Deck Blackjack Chart
Blackjack double deck charts can be used for games that make use of two decks of cards (104 cards). Due to double deck variations possessing different rules in regard to doubling down, the chart includes alternative actions to take in case doubling after splitting is not permitted. Furthermore, your overall strategy would depend on whether the dealer stands on soft 17 or not.
4-8 Deck Blackjack Chart
Your strategy with 4-8 blackjack also depends on whether the dealer stands or hits on a soft 17 as alternative charts would need to be used. At first sight, these charts may seem intimidating yet serve as the only way to have a true chance to implement basic strategy.
Together with the added decks and sophisticated nature, there are more terms to get to know.
- PH – Split only if doubling down is permitted. Otherwise hit.
- RM – Surender if allowed. Otherwise, Hit
- DH – Double down if permitted. Otherwise, hit
- RS – Surender if permitted. Otherwise, stand.
For a more thorough understanding of different blackjack variations within single-deck, double-deck, and multi-deck game groups, follow our guide on blackjack types.
The Basic Blackjack Perfect Strategy Rules
Other than learning the basics, incorporating basic strategy, and following a blackjack strategy chart, here are a few golden rules to consider when playing blackjack.
Always Split pairs of 8s and Aces
No matter what the dealer’s up card is, pairs of 8s or Aces should always be split to give you two chances to beat the dealer.
Try to Double Down on hands 9 to 11
This hand provides a good chance of winning the round, doubling down could potentially provide much larger winnings.
Stand with hands 12 to 16 total
Stand with a hand of 12 to 16 total If the dealer has an upcard between 2 to 6 take advantage of the dealer’s odds of busting.
Avoid hitting with hands 17 to 21
Hitting on this hand will most likely result in a bust.
Avoid Insurance Bets
Statistically, the odds are against the player when opting for insurance and do not really protect one’s hand against a potential dealer’s blackjack hand.
Winning Probabilities of Blackjack – What Are Your Odds?
Blackjack is known as one of the most player-friendly casino games due to its low house edge towards the casino. That being said, when compared with the blackjack basic strategy, the player stands an even greater chance of beating the casino’s 0.5 house edge. Does the use of a blackjack perfect strategy chart guarantee more wins? No. Yet it does provide a clearer player perspective over the game which in turn provides informed decision-making for lucrative blackjack basic strategy actions and a greater chance of beating the dealer.
Certain hands do however provide a stronger winning probability as discussed below
- Natural Blackjack hand (21 through an ace and a 10-value card) = 4.8% Chance
- Busting (Exceeding 21) with a hand totalling 12 = 31% Chance
- Busting with a hand totalling 16 = 62% Chance
- Busing when hitting on 14 = 56% Chance
- Busting when hitting on 13 = 39% Chance
- Busing when hitting on 12 = 31% Chance
- Busting when hitting on 11 or less = 0% Chance
FAQ
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Can the blackjack chart be used in a casino?
Yes. Basic strategy cards are completely legal and permitted for use in both online and physical casinos. By making use of a blackjack basic strategy chart, you can ensure safe gameplay through informed actions. Ensure that you’re using the correct strategy chart for each variation of blackjack e.g. single deck, double deck, and 4-8 deck.
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What are the rules of blackjack?
The rules of blackjack differ with each variation. Yet, the principles stay the same; simply strive to get closer to a total hand value of 21 than the dealer while avoiding going over the value of 21. Gameplay includes actions including hit, stand, doubling down, and splitting which are all essential rules of gameplay to consider.
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Can you really win at blackjack with a chart?
Blackjack is a game of chance, which makes it possible to win real money. By using a blackjack strategy chart, you can increase your chances of making informed decisions based on basic strategy and proven tactics for certain gameplay scenarios.
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How can I learn the blackjack chart?
Learning the blackjack chart is simple. Although it may seem intimidating at first, a couple of free blackjack gaming sessions can help you understand the basics. If you are still new to the blackjack basic strategy, we recommend using the chart while playing.