Blackjack Tips Information & Video Source:

This is a simplified version of the full basic strategy. Making the chart easier to memorize means that some of the strategy decisions are not optimal, but the cost of incorrect decisions is minor.

To get a free printout or PDF file for this strategy, go to http://blackjackcalculation.com and click the “Simple” link.

The left side of the chart explains the strategy verbally, while the right side displays the same information graphically, with your total in the column on the left and the dealer’s up card in the row along the top. After the cards are dealt, start from the top of the chart and work your way down:

1. Always split Aces and 8s, never split 4s, 5s, faces, and 10s, and split all other pairs when the dealer has a low card showing (2 through 6).

2. Always double on 11. Double on 10 against 9 or less. Double on 9 against low cards. Double on A-6 or A-7 against low cards.

3. Do you have a soft total (Ace=11)? Hit soft 17 or less, stand on soft 18 or more.

4. Against a dealer low card (2-3-4-5-6), “never bust” (stand on 12 or more). Against a dealer high card (7-8-9-10-A), “mimic the dealer” (hit until you get at least 17).

The top half (blue and purple part) of the chart applies only to your initial two cards. The bottom half (green and red) applies to your initial cards and your total after you receive one or more hit cards.

The cost of non-optimal decisions is about 0.14% of the amount bet, or about $1.40 per hour based on betting $10 per hand, 100 hands per hour. The overall house edge using this strategy is about 0.8 percent, based on typical Las Vegas rules and a 3:2 payout on blackjacks.

It is assumed that you are already familiar with the rules of the game. For a good introduction to the game of blackjack, go to the Wizard of Odds Blackjack page: http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/basics/

For other basic strategies (Super-Easy, Great, and Perfect), see http://blackjackcalculation.com

Source: YouTube