Basic Strategy Chart

Each casino has a distinct house advantage for blackjack. The rules of the casinos decide the house advantage of the blackjack games offered. There is a typical 2% player disadvantage in every blackjack game. This means the player who bet $100 on a game, but does not know the existence of the blackjack basic strategy chart, stands to lose $2 on an average.

The game plan that a player comes up with to minimize the house advantage and increase his chances of winning is referred to as the "blackjack basic strategy". There can be no better tool than the blackjack basic strategy chartto help the player decide on a particular strategy based on the circumstances. There are a number of charts that have been designed by computer simulation programs and using even one of them can reduce the house advantage to 0.5% from 2% which can prove to advantageous to the player. It is imperative to learn the "stands", "hits", "splits" and "doubles" using the chart if you want to be a winner in this game all your life.

Variations of the Game

The game varies between casinos and it is important to vary your strategy based on the game being played at the table you are seated in. A few factors that vary are mentioned below.

The number of decks

This is the first point to take into consideration before determining your game plan. While some blackjack tables may play just a single deck, there are many other casino tables that may use eight decks before re-shuffling the cards.

Dealer's rules for "soft 17"

The rule for "soft 17" also varies greatly between casinos. Though the dealer is allowed a "hit" on this is some casinos, in others the dealer has to "stand". The felt of the casino table will list this rule below the dealer's chip rack. Before you formulate your basic strategy, you need to know the rule followed at the casino.

"Double Down" rules

The decision to "double down" also affects the hand significantly. Some casinos allow a player to double down any card, but limit it to two; however, in some casinos, the player can double down only on eleven, ten and nine. While some casinos allow the players to "double down" post the "split", there are many others that don't. Since this rule affects "house advantage", it is important to know the rule being used before formulating your strategy.

* Rules to "surrender"

Very few casinos offer the player an option to "surrender". If a player decides to "surrender", then, he will end up losing 50% of the total bet placed. You strategy should also take this rule into consideration.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Given below is a sample chart that will give you an idea of the strategies you can apply in a given situation.