Today there are many different Blackjack strategies available to players. Most of these strategies are based on mathematics (probability theory) or computer simulations of millions of different Blackjack hands. Many people dispute over the validity of these different strategies, and which strategy gives a player the best advantage, however the following basic strategy tables are commonly excepted by most players and are recommended for beginners.

The Hard Hand Total Chart

The Soft Hand Total Chart

The Split Hand Total Chart

Remember these basic strategy charts will increase the players' odds, but the casino still has an advantage. However by incorporating a little common sense and basic card counting techniques a player can even the odds or even gain an advantage over the casino.

Mathematicians and stataticions are advocates of these basic strategy charts and suggest that many players fall short of their true potential because they incorporate their emotions. Human nature limits many players to follow the strategy suggestions exactly.

Imagine a player who has just lost a significant amount of money, and is dealt two 5's against a dealers up card of 7. Basic strategy recommends the player to double down and hope that he or she will be hit with a 8,9,10,Jack, Queen, or King, however many people deviate from the basic strategy in this type of situation. Players start to focus on minimizing their losses as apposed to following their strategy and maximizing their wins. Players start looking for the safest way out, which seems logical in this type of situation, but it is mathematically incorrect and gives the casino an advantage. Obviously by refusing to double down the player limits his or her losses, but at the same time the player limits potential winnings, therefor it is recommended to stick with the strategy and take full advantage of any situation where the odds are in the players favor.

The main difference between a beginner Blackjack player and an advanced player is the ability of knowing how to decrease the casino advantage. One of the best ways of increasing the players' odds is to take advantage of a good situation, such as Doubling Down when the right opportunity presents itself. Blackjack is a game of variable odds, but these fluctuations are only useful if a player knows how to take advantage of them.

As mentioned in the Doubling Down section of this website "Doubling Down" is a player option to increase the wager if they feel they have a good opportunity to win a particular hand. This option is extremely powerful in reducing the casinos edge, however many player do not take advantage of this situation. As mentioned in the Blackjack Strategies section of this web site, basic human nature often has players focusing on reducing their losses, as opposed to maximizing their wins. Many players feel that even being in a situation where "Doubling Down" is recommended is good enough, why risk more? This of course may seem logical to many people, however it is mathematically incorrect and gives the casino a great advantage.

By not taking advantage of a situation where basic blackjack strategy recommends to "Double Down" a player will win just as often, but will win less. In order to keep the house edge as low as possible a player needs to "Double Down" whenever this option is recommended. There is no better opportunity given to the player is a game of Blackjack than the "Double Down", we recommend you take advantage of this situation whenever possible.