Learn Basic Blackjack Strategy with Flashcards
It is indispensable for an aspiring blackjack player to learn basic strategy. Basic strategy is a complete set of mathematically correct decisions for every possible hand. While using basic strategy does not mean you will win every hand, it does ensure you will get the most wins possible in the long term.
Basic strategy for blackjack must be strictly followed. When you are using a basic strategy card, you must stick to it at all times. Even if you lose the hand every time you make a certain decision based on the strategy, you must still make the same decision every time that combination comes up. In short, when you play blackjack with basic strategy, your moves are all predetermined, like the dealer's.
You should also know that since blackjack rules vary from one casino to another, the basic strategy for each game is different. When you look around the Web for basic strategy sheets then, keep that in mind.
Blackjack basic strategy for each game offer decisions for splitting pairs, soft total and hard totals. Soft totals are for hands that have an ace. Hard totals are for hands with no ace.
Strategy sheets may seem tough to memorize but it comes with practice. A typical strategy is given below. This is for a six-deck game, with double down permitted for any first two cards, double after splitting a pair and the dealer stands on A6.
Your Hand Decisions Based on Dealer's Up Card
5 - 8 Hit 9 Double 3 - 6, otherwise hit 10 Double 2 - 9, otherwise hit 11 Double 2 - 10, otherwise hit 12 Stand 4 - 6, otherwise Hit 13 - 16 Stand 2 - 6, otherwise Hit 17 - higher Stand A,2 Double if 5&6, otherwise Hit A,3 Double if 5&6, otherwise Hit A,4 Double if 4 - 6, otherwise Hit A,5 Double if 4 - 6, otherwise Hit A,6 Double if 3 - 6, otherwise Hit A,7 Double 3 - 6, Stand if 2,7,8 Hit if 9,10, A A,8-A,9 Always Stand 2,2 Split 2 - 7, otherwise Hit 3,3 Split 2 - 7, otherwise Hit 4,4 Split if 5 & 6, otherwise Hit 5,5 No Split, treat as "10" 6,6 Split 2 - 6, otherwise Hit 7,7 Split 2 - 7, otherwise Hit 8,8 Split 9,9 Split 2 - 9 except 7; otherwise Stand 10,10 No Split A,A Split
Now on the use of flashcards.
To help memorize your basic strategy, make flashcards. Get as many cards as the player's possible hands on the left column. Write the hand total on the front of the card. On the back of the card, write down the decision(s) for that hand.
Practice drawing up the cards and guessing what decision they require based on the basic strategy. Then turn the card to see if you are correct. Do this in your spare time as often as you are able. It will become second nature to you before you know it.