Blackjack Basic Strategy – How to Count Cards in Blackjack
The basic strategy of how to count cards in blackjack means that you first need to learn the mathematics of the game. If you want to be a successful blackjack player, basic strategy is needed. The term “basic strategy” when referring to blackjack simply means, the optimal strategy for each hand you are dealt. It can be memorized due to there being a limited number of possible hands that go up against a limited number of potential dealer up-cards. Some learn basic strategy using a chart which can be found in many places.
Basically the idea behind basic strategy is to break down the possibilities and make probable decisions based on the odds. This is accomplished by recognizing certain hands such as:
* Hard Hands- Hard Hands include any hand where an ace must be used as a 1 to avoid busting and any hands without an ace.
◦ If you have 17-21: Always stand
◦ If you have 13-16: Stand if the dealer has 2-6, otherwise hit
◦ If you have 12: dealer has 2 or 3, hit. If dealer has 4-6, stand. Otherwise hit.
◦ If you have 11: Double if dealer has 2-10, if dealer has ace, hit.
◦ If you have 10: Double if dealer has 2-9, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have nine: Double if the dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have 8 or less: always hit
* Soft hands- Soft hands are any starting hand that contains an ace.
◦ If you have Ace 10 or higher, dance.
◦ If you have Ace 8 or 9: Stand.
◦ If you have Ace 7: Stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8. Double 3-6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have Ace 6: Double if the dealer has 3-6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have Ace 4 or 5: Double if the dealer has 4-6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have Ace 2 or 3: Double if the dealer has 5 or 6. otherwise hit.
* Pairs- Two of the same card
◦ If you have a pair of 10’s: Always stand.
◦ If you have a pair of 9’s: Split if the dealer has 2-6, 8 or 9. Stand if dealer has 7, 10 or Ace
◦ If u have a pair of 8’s: Always split
◦ If you have a pair of 7’s: Split if dealer has 2-7, otherwise split.
◦ If you have a pair of 6’s: Split if the dealer has 2-6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have a pair of 5’s: Double if the dealer has 2-9, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have a pair of 4’s: Split if the dealer has 5 or 6, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have a pair of 2’s or 3’s: Split if dealer has 2-7, otherwise hit.
◦ If you have a pair of Aces: Always split.
Having basic strategy laid out in this way may make it easier to remember or using a basic strategy chart could benefit you more, it all depends on the person. Memorize these situations as best you can to drastically improve your play and increase your advantage over the house. Once you have mastered the basic strategy, you can move on to your count cards in Blackjack strategy.
