Blackjack Strategy

Rule #1

Quit While You're Ahead

The bankroll of a skilled player will fluctuate up and down, while an unskilled player's will fluctuate mostly in a downward direction. Learn to walk away from the table when your winnings start to pile up. Remember, the object of the game is to walk away with more money than you started with--not to play all night or win a free buffet meal.

"That's great, but I want specific advice on playing BlackJack..."

Ok, Ok, here goes... The plays below are basic strategy. If you're not already making these moves you're probably losing a lot. There are more moves not covered in the info below.

When shoud I stand?

Stand on all totals of 17 or higher.
Stand on all totals of 13 or higher if the dealer is showing a 2 through 6.
Always stand Soft 19 and 20. (That's Ace, 8 or Ace, 9)
Always stand Ace, 10 (That's because you've got BlackJack!)
Always stand a pair of 10's

When should I Hit?

Hit all totals of 12 to 16, provided the dealer is showing a 7 through Ace.
Always hit all totals of 5 through 8.
Always hit Soft 13 through Soft 17 if the dealer is showing 7 through Ace.

 

When should I Split Pairs?

Always split pairs of Aces and 8's.
Never Split pairs of 4's,5's or 10's.
Split other pairs depending whether the dealer's up card is weak or strong. The same goes for doubling down!

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