When it comes to casino table games, blackjack is one of the top dogs. In fact, many consider blackjack as the game that rules the roost. Unlike games of pure chance like roulette, baccarat or craps, blackjack gives you the chance to influence the outcome of your games with strategic gameplay.
That’s why both seasoned and new casino players love it. It’s one of the few casino games where skill has an influential role on the outcome of your hand. Better still, there’s heaps of strategies and systems you can apply to your blackjack sessions too.
However, blackjack strategies differ in difficulty. Good news: there are some that are more complex, but there are also simpler strategies that can help you on your next game of blackjack.
Whether you’re stepping up to a blackjack table for the first time or you’re looking to take a light approach the next time you play, this guide has got you covered.
Below, we’ll introduce you to the best basic blackjack strategies that can improve your decision-making, as well as the way you play.
Basic Strategy of Blackjack
The basic strategy of blackjack was conceived as a mathematically sound approach to blackjack decision-making in the 1950s, not too long ago in the history of blackjack. The “Four Horsemen”, known individually as Wilbert Cantey, Roger Baldwin, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott, formulated an optimal strategy that helps to minimize the game’s house edge.
Math professor, Edward O. Thorp, acknowledged that the math checked out in his own publication “Beath the Dealer” just a few years later.
There are different approaches to Basic Strategy depending on whether you’re playing:
- Single-deck blackjack
- Multi-deck blackjack
Single-Deck Basic Strategy
In single-deck blackjack, card distribution plays a much bigger role, since there’s only one version of each playing card in the deck. This makes strategy adjustments highly effective.
Below are a few simple pointers:
- Always split pairs of Aces and 8s – never split pairs of 10s or 5s!
- Stand if your hand is worth 12 or higher against a dealer’s 6 or lower.
- Double down on 11 in any scenario – except if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
Multi-Deck Basic Strategy
Many casinos now use between four and eight decks simultaneously.
Fortunately, there’s steps you can take to still minimize the game’s house edge:
- Always hit if your hand is worth 8 or lower after two cards.
- Double down on 10 so long as the dealer’s upcard is 9 or lower.
- Don’t take insurance under any circumstances – the odds don’t match with the probability of the dealer having a blackjack.
Flat Betting Strategy
The Flat Betting system works for bankroll managemement, but is a key part of the basic blackjack strategy because of how it works, as there’s very little deviation involved. It just requires you play the same amount per hand each time, no matter how much you win or lose.
Unlike some blackjack strategies that require you to double down after losses or even during winning streaks, the Flat Betting approach keeps things steady and highly predictable.
Why Does Flat Betting Work Well in Blackjack?
For starters, you can manage your bankroll better. Since you’re not drastically altering how many coins you play with, you can avoid massive swings that can wipe out your bank. It’s ideal for casual players and novices looking to play blackjack without incurring too much volatility.
Another reason the Flat Betting system works so well in blackjack is that it can be paired with other approaches like Basic Strategy. You can still keep the house edge as low as possible without having to use too many coins at a time. Consistent small amounts played properly can prolong your time at the tables.
Card Clump Tracking
This is a strategy that’s reserved solely for offline play. Card clump tracking is an approach that works only in brick-and-mortar casinos. It’s based on the premise that some casinos don’t shuffle their playing card decks adequately.
Consequently, rather than getting truly random hands that are generated by online random number generators (RNGs), “clumps” of high or low-value cards can stick together in the deck. Experienced blackjack players will look to monitor these patterns to anticipate when there’s a clump of high-value cards waiting to be unleashed from the deck.
How to Spot Card Clumping Opportunities?
Well, just wait for streaks of low-value cards being dealt. It can mean a run of high-value cards is on the horizon. It’s a basic form of card counting which we’ll come onto shortly.
It’s certainly a useful tactic to deploy in land-based casinos where shuffling isn’t carried out thoroughly or frequently. However, automated card shufflers are steadily being deployed at venues to guard against this strategy.
A Quick Reminder of the Rules of Blackjack
If you’re totally new to blackjack, don’t worry, the rules are a cinch to pick up. The ultimate end goal is to beat the dealer’s hand by making a hand that’s worth as close to 21 as possible – without going over. If you go over, this is known as “busting” your hand.
If you bust your hand, you automatically lose your initial play, regardless of the dealer’s hand.
A game begins by each player being dealt two cards face-up to the table. The dealer also receives two cards, but only one is dealt face-up. Numbered cards are taken at face value, while face cards are worth 10. An Ace is slightly different as it can be worth either 11 or one, whichever value improves your hand most.
Want to know more? Head over to our how to play blackjack guide and find everything you need.
Our Final Round-Up
There are other blackjack strategies, such as blackjack card counting or shuffle tracking & edge sorting,
Whichever blackjack strategy or system you deploy, always manage your gaming responsibly and have fun at the tables. Be sure to try different approaches to find the one that hits the spot for you best.
Try them safely at McLuck social casino and have more fun today.
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