As you see on the preceding page, there are many decisions that you must make when playing blackjack. If you play your hand properly you can reduce the house edge to less than one percent. To do this you must learn Basic Strategy, which is a mathematically proven method to determine when to hit and stand.
A Simple Strategy:
Here is a simple strategy to get you started.
If your first cards total 12-16 you have a «Stiff» hand. (one than can be busted with a hit.)
If the dealer’s up card is a 2 — 6, it is a «Stiff» hand for the dealer.
If you have 17 or better it is a Pat hand and you stand.
If the dealer shows a 7 -Ace, you consider it a pat hand.
If you have a stiff and the dealer has a stiff you STAND.
If you have a stiff and the dealer has a pat hand you HIT
Although this simple strategy will get you by for fist time you play the game, you really should make the effort to learn basic strategy. If you don’t want to memorize it you can bring a basic strategy chart to the casino with you. Most casinos will let you use them at the table if you don’t slow down the game.
Blackjack can be the best game in the casino with the lowest house edge if you play properly, however if you play by hunch it can be one of the worst games to play.
