Basic strategy

Blackjack is a game that can be influenced by the right amount of knowledge and skills. The basic strategy is a set of rules that indicates the optimal (mathematically correct) way of playing any hand against any dealer up-card so that in the long-run the house advantage (the expected loss of the player) is minimized. In order to make the most of every deal, you need to determine your probability of winning or going bust in a particular situation. The basic strategy can vary slightly depending on the casino rules.

Card counting

The counting system is another technique that can increase your chances of winning. Card counting is a more sophisticated method which is used by advanced players, however, you don’t need any superior mental abilities to learn and use it, since the technique doesn’t involve memorizing the cards. A card counter simply keeps track of the number of high and low cards left in the deck. The system is based on statistical evidence that high cards (aces and tens) benefit the player more than the dealer, while the low cards, (e.g. 3s, 4s, 6s) help the dealer.

One of the most popular and easiest techniques of card counting is the Hi-Lo method. To start counting cards using this method follow these simple steps:

1. Assign a value to each card as follows:
   2

   +1♦

   3+1♠

   4+1♥

   5+1♣

   6+1♠
   70♠

   80♥

   90♣
   10-1♦

   J-1♣

   Q-1♥

   K-1♠

   A-1♦
2. Keep a running count, which is the sum of cards (their values) already dealt.
3. Calculate a true count by dividing the running count by the number of decks left in the shoe.
4. Make in-game decisions based on the basic strategy and the calculated true count. When the true count increases, try to place higher bets. Keep your bets low if the count decreases and the current deck is not in your favor.