Strategy

Simplified basic strategy

For new blackjack players the thought of memorising basic strategy rules or tables may seem daunting. For this reason we have outlined simplified basic strategy rules below. While these rules are ideal for those beginning in the game or for casual players, more prolific players will be disadvantaged by 0.35% following these rules as opposed to generic basic strategy.

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Even following these simplified rules, in a 6 deck game you will have reduced the house edge to less than 1%. So for every $100 you wager, it is expected that you will lose only $1. Not too shabby. Especially if you are getting free drinks, comp points or other benefits. Online, if this strategy is used with some kind of bonus offer it is feasible (depending on wagering requirement) that you could still make a sizable profit.

The simplified rules are below, remember, a hard hand is one which does not include an ace, or where ace is counted as one. Soft hands include an ace at one or eleven. Pairs are two cards of the same value e.g. 8,8 or A,A.

Never take insurance.

For hard hands:
• With 17 or more, always stand.
• With 12 to 16, stand against if the dealer has 6 or less, otherwise hit.
• With 11 or less, always hit (unless doubling).

For soft hands:
• With soft 18 or more, always stand.
• With soft 17 or less, always hit.

For splitting pairs:
• Always split pairs of aces, 8s or 9s.

For doubling down:
• With 10 or 11, double down if the dealer has an up-card of 2-9.

Once you are confident playing with this simplified basic strategy be sure to read our generic basic strategy guide to reduce the house edge even further (less than 0.5%).