Internet Blackjack

General blackjack strategy is easy for beginners to learn.  If you have never played, or are a blackjack player who is relatively new to playing the casino table game, this information is for you. For educational purposes and because there are many variations of blackjack, the standard American casino blackjack rules are applied and considered for this article (the dealer stands on soft 17).

Since the dealer has a face-down card, players must make an educated guess as to the value of the hidden card (always assume it is a 10), and determine whether or not they should surrender, split, double down, hit, or stay their hand. The definitions of these terms are listed below.

Surrender – performed as soon as it is your turn to play; immediately ends your play with your hole cards and forfeits half of your bet. This command is nonverbally illustrated by drawing a horizontal line across the felt, below your cards.
Split – an option when dealt two matching cards or two 10-value cards (i.e. 8,8 or 10,J). It turns your single paired hand into two separate hands; requires an additional bet equal to the original bet. This command is nonverbally illustrated by giving a two-fingered “peace” sign below your cards.
Double Down – performed immediately upon your turn; deals a final card that is added to the value of your hole cards. This action requires an additional bet amount, not to exceed the original bet.
Hit – issues another card(s) until you choose to stand. This command is nonverbally illustrated by tapping or scratching the felt below your cards.
Stand – ceases your play when you are satisfied with the total value. This command is nonverbally illustrated by waving your hand once, horizontally, palm-down over your cards.

Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart

Players may want to purchase a basic blackjack strategy card to reference when needed. These pocket-sized “cheat sheets” are available in most casino stores. An online version can be seen here http://www.the21company.com/strategies/bj/bs12das.html and written instructions are as follows:

By Value
Always stand when the value of your cards is greater than or equal to 17
Stand when the value of your cards is 13-16 and the dealer’s up card is 2-6, otherwise hit
When the value of your cards is 12, stand only when the dealer’s up card is 4-6
Double down when your hole cards equal 10 and the dealer’s up card is 2-9
Double down when your hole cards equal 11 and the dealer’s up card is 2-10
Always hit when the value of your cards is 5-8
Always stand on A,8-10

By A,X (“Soft” hands)
Stand on A,7 when the dealer’s up card is 2, 8, or 9; double down 3-6; hit 9-A
Hit on A,7 when the dealer’s up card is 2, or 7-A; double down 3-6
Hit on A,5 and A,4 when the dealer’s up card is 2, 3, or 7-A; double down 4-6
Hit on A,3 and A,2 when the dealer’s up card is 2-4 or 7-A; double down 5 and 6

By Blackjack Pairs
Always split A,A and 8,8
Split 9,9 when the dealer’s up card is 2-6 or 8 and 9; stand on 7, 10-A
Split 7,7 3,3 and 2,2 when the dealer’s up card is 2-7; hit 8-A
Split 6,6 when the dealer’s up card is 2-6; hit 7-A
Double down 5,5 when the dealer’s up card is 2-9; hit 10-A
Hit 4,4 when the dealer’s up card is 2-4 or 7-A; split 5 and 6

Most blackjack tables will offer players the option to purchase insurance when the dealer’s up card is an A. Mathematical statistics prove that insurance loses money. Therefore, players should never take advantage of this side bet. Similarly, most blackjack tables allow surrender, in which case 9,7 or 10,6 (value of 16) should be surrendered when the dealer shows 9-A and when 9,6 or 10,5 (value of 15) is against the dealer’s 10-value card.

The aforementioned style of blackjack play is for beginning players. Variations of play exist and will depend upon the type of blackjack game, the blackjack strategy being used, and/or whether or not the player is counting cards. It is important to realize this since the style and rules of play will need to be changed accordingly.