• Basic Strategy

A novice player who is just learning the game of blackjack isn't able to simply sit down at a table and know what the optimal decision for each hand is. After all there are over 100 different possible dealer vs. player hands and not everyone has a photographic memory.  For example how would you play the following hand: You have 16 and the dealer has a 7?  Most people would stand – but though years of research into how the optimal blackjack strategy works it has bee revealed that that play is incorrect.

The proper way to play a hand is known as "basic strategy" and was developed by early blackjack pioneers with the help of computes in the 2026's.  Basic strategy charts are available on our site for you to download and print out when you are playing for fun or real money online.  You can also use basic strategy carts at land based casinos.  A sheet that tells you the best moves is not cheating because it is not an unfair advantage and not collusion.  One of the best things I ever saw in a casino was a guy sitting in a T-Shirt that had the blackjack basic strategy printed on it upside down so he could look at his big fat stomach while he was playing and known the right move to make.

• Blackjack Odds and Rules

Each blackjack table will have slightly different rules.  At an online casino you can click an info box on the side of your software to usually see this information.  But at land based casinos there just might be a little sign on the table or none at all.  It's important to know the house rules because your chances of winning depend on how loose the rules are.  In this section I'll go over two good rules and one bad rule to stay away from when playing blackjack

• Positive Rule Change - Any Player is Allowed to Split a pair of Aces

When you are dealt a pair you can split them into two separate blackjack hands.  The best move is splitting aces, but some casinos don't allow this.  If you are allowed to split aces, this rule will shave 0.19% off the house edge.  Even though this doesn't sound like a lot consider this.  If you play blackjack for $25 a hand you'll make an extra $10 for each hour you play on average if you can split aces.

• Positive Rule Change - Early Surrender Against Ace

Early Surrender lets you return half your wager when you don't think you have a chance. When the dealer holds an Ace taking the early surrender before he checks for a blackjack will be very kind to your bankroll.  This moves takes 0.39% away from the house edge.

• Negative Rule Change - Blackjack Pays 6-5

This rule turns blackjack into a game with a low house edge to one with a high house edge.  Never go to these tables even if they have other rules that are extra loose.  Getting paid 3-2 on a blackjack is where players make most of their profits.  By lowering the payout you'll take a big hit in the wallet.

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