How to Win at Blackjack with Basic Strategy
Did you know that a basic strategy for blackjack can help you increase your chances of success? I know what you all think — blackjack depends solely on luck. Indeed, you can’t go against the RTP, and you also can’t predict which cards will be on the table.
But according to this tactic, everything depends on probability. Years ago, I saw a chart with each eventual outcome that could happen during a blackjack round. Two main factors of this table are the dealer’s card and your hand. The table suggests when you should hit, stand, or double your cards.
So, does this strategy work? Believe it or not, I have been using it for years (not all the time), and my conclusion is that it can work. It is not 100% precise, but it can definitely raise your chances of winning.
Thanks to this basic strategy, I once multiplied my blackjack bet by 100x. Continue reading to understand exactly how to win blackjack with basic strategy.
Understanding the Basic Strategy
I have noticed that most people don’t even know what a basic strategy for blackjack is. For that reason, I would like to start explaining how to win at blackjack using basic strategy from the beginning.
What Is Basic Strategy?
The word “basic” is not always synonymous with “simple.” In that case, it’s a pretty complex strategy that directly depends on the mathematical probabilities. Once again — you can’t defeat the RTP of the game, but raising your chances of winning is possible.
Thanks to math experts, a chart has been created that explains which moves to make in every possible situation. Your only task is to learn how to read the chart. Fortunately, that’s not rocket science!
The History of Basic Strategy
We can all agree that rarely a gambling strategy has a history. That’s not the case here, which only confirms the influence it can have on the outcomes of each round.
Believe it or not, this strategy has existed since 1956, and it has four founders — James McDermott, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and Roger Baldwin. Gambling enthusiasts know these four guys, often called the “Four Horsemen of Aberdeen.”
Their evergreen invention is entirely based on mathematical probability. I like to say their tactic is like corals — the oldest one, and it probably won’t ever disappear.
How Basic Strategy Reduces the House Edge
Finding the blackjack variant with the highest RTP remains your task. A basic strategy can only increase it but can’t turn it into 100% or more.
It is so powerful because long-lasting research has been upgraded and confirmed with the appearance of advanced technology. With a basic strategy chart, you have guidelines for optimal decisions, which you should follow in every scenario. Following these, increases the odds!
Implementing Basic Strategy in Your Game
Understanding the basic strategy in theory and implementing it are two different things. I will explain how to use this tactic in the most straightforward way I can.
Learning the Strategy Charts
Learning how to read the chart is the first step you need to take. I have to say that I also struggled to do that since there are different chart formats. For instance, some will focus on hard and soft totals, while others will analyze pair splitting and surrender options.
Fortunately, when you look closer, you will see that the point of each chart is the same:
- In one part, you have the dealer’s cards
- In another, you have the player’s cards
- The common square shows which action you should take in each situation
Adjust for Specific Game Variations
Keep in mind that the rules are not the same for all blackjack variants. The chart might need to be slightly adjusted to a specific variant. For instance, the soft/hard 17 rule is not the same for each variant. Occasionally, As can be counted as 1 or 11, so pay attention to those tiny details.
I recommend you prepare yourself adequately. Learn more about the rules of the chosen variant and check out whether the chart can help you or not. Individual reading and analyzing…nothing more.
Practice Consistently
Things will not be as easy as you hope or may think. The basic strategy for blackjack requires consistent practicing. Some of you may say: “But I don’t have an opportunity to lose that much money for practicing,” and I genuinely understand!
Instead of playing games for real money, I recommend you start by playing the demo version of blackjack games. Many online casinos let you do that, and I used that opportunity. Furthermore, I played blackjack against friends without money, which allowed me to understand the basic strategy much better.
Overcoming Challenges with Basic Strategy
This strategy isn’t magical. Just like any other strategy, it comes with certain obstacles that a professional player will know how to pass.
Dealing with Casino Restrictions
You need to be aware of the strict rules of each casino you visit. Some of them may not give you an opportunity to use the strategy cards at the table. I am telling you this from my personal experience. The only way to solve this issue is to recall the strategy discreetly. No one on planet Earth has to know what exactly you are doing.
Handling Deviations Under Pressure
Another thing I can tell you from my long-lasting gambling experience is that pressure may lead to mistakes. You may mistakenly read the information from the chart in challenging moments when the bets continually rise, and fast thinking is necessary. Indeed, no one guarantees that the basic strategy will guarantee success, but you may not even increase your odds when something like that is possible.
A basic technique to reduce stress is visiting casinos during off-peak hours. The benefit is that then there is no crowd or noise. If you gamble online, clear your mind before applying any move that this tactic suggests.
Staying Committed to the Strategy
Patience is key! You may find yourself on a losing streak after following the guidelines provided by the basic strategy. Most players won’t bother waiting and will start playing blackjack with their hands. That is the biggest mistake you can make!
Losses are part of any gambling journey. There will be more of them compared to winnings. I lost ten hands in a row using basic strategy. However, thereafter, I started winning, and after 20 rounds, I made a profit (smaller, but not big). Do you really think I would rather not give up on the basic strategy? Be patient and calm.
Enhancing Basic Strategy for Greater Success
A basic strategy doesn’t have to be applied independently. A wise gambler always makes a cocktail of different blackjack methods and techniques to enhance tremendous success.
Introduction to Card Counting Light
Card counting and basic strategy for blackjack are a great combination. Logically, this will only help if you plan to gamble for a more extended period. Remember which cards were turned on the table in the previous round. Logically, if you play blackjack with multiple decks, this will be more challenging.
If you can predict which cards will appear (approximately), you will know which move to make with the basic strategy suggestions.
Bankroll Management with Basic Strategy
Don’t ever exceed your financial limits while gambling. As I said, a basic strategy isn’t magical and does not guarantee profit. It only reduces the house edge thanks to math probability analyzed by the experts mentioned.
Before reaching the blackjack table, determine the total amount you can spend. Divide it into the number of rounds you plan to play. Don’t either boost or reduce that amount of money. Keep it the same until you finish your session.
Check my guide on casino bankroll planning for more tips.
Combining Basic Strategy with Casino Perks
The best way to enjoy your blackjack session to the fullest is the combine the basic strategy with all the perks the casino has to offer:
- If you regularly visit a retail casino and are a high-roller, you may get free drinks and food while gambling. Get an orange juice that will open your mind and let you concentrate more on the games.
- If you play at an online casino, check your promotions tab to see the bonuses available. If the offer is eligible with table games, you can then boost your bankroll to spend more time playing blackjack.
And Now?
A basic strategy for blackjack can reduce the house edge (which is already low with this casino game). Give yourself the time to understand how things work and master this method of playing. I would love to hear about your blackjack experience in the comments section below, when and how this tactic helped you.
For more winnings tips on blackjack, check out my detailed blackjack guide.