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Learn Blackjack Strategy

In this section, we'll explain the best strategy for blackjack, so you know how to minimize the edge of the casino when playing blackjack. Basic blackjack strategy is pretty simple and your action depends on what cards you have and what the dealer shows. I recommend just learning all about basic strategy and what to do in each situation, so you can minimize the edge of the casino and increase your chance to win some money while playing blackjack. If you want to actually have an edge over the casino, you'll have to do some form of card counting and betting the right amounts when you are the favor. This is much more difficult, but definitely possible.

If you learn the following actions, you'll have basic strategy down and will be able to minimize the edge of the casino as much as possible without actually counting cards:

Hitting / Standing

When dealer shows 2 or 3 and you show 13 or more, you should stand.
When dealer shows 4, 5 or 6 and you show 12 or more, you should stand.
When dealer shows 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit until you have 17 or more.
When you have an Ace and a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on the second card and the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit.
When you have Ace - 7 and the dealer shows 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit.
When you have Ace and 8 or 9, you should always stand.

Splitting Pairs
Split a pair of 2s or 3s when the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
Split a pair of 4s when the dealer shows 5 or 6.
Never split a pair of 5s.
Split a pair of 6s, unless the dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Split a pair of 7s, unless the dealer shows 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Split a pair of 9s, unless the dealer shows 7, 10 or Ace.
Never split a pair of 10s.
Always slit a pair of 8s and Aces.

Doubling Down
Double down on 9, unless dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Double down on 10, unless dealer shows 10 or Ace.
Always double down when you have 11.
Double down when you have Ace and 6 or 7 and the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Double down when you have Ace and 4 or 5 when dealer has 4, 5 or 6.

This is the basic strategy for blackjack. Pretty simple, right? Now, just study these tables and follow them the next time you play blackjack. However, always remember that this will only help you decrease the edge of the casino, but not actually give you an edge over the casino. Of course, anything can happen during the short-term when playing blackjack.

By the way, NEVER take insurance. The odds for that are simply not good enough even though it might sometimes be tempting, especially when the dealer is running "hot." The reason you don't ever take insurance is because mathematically, it's never correct and basic strategy just follows basic math for each action that should be taken.

Now, a great way to play blackjack is obviously in the casino. However, there are also tons of blackjack tournaments around that allow you to play blackjack for a fixed fee. Maybe this is a good way for you to get some good blackjack practice in, without having to risk too much money.