Basic Blackjack Strategy

The phrase “blackjack basic strategy” is thrown around constantly on educational websites and in books, but few understand its relevance or importance. Therefore, this beginner’s guide explains how to play 21 and where to start if attempting to master one of the most exciting and profitable games hosted by casinos. Make no mistake, this is extremely valuable because a firm grasp of fundamentals is required before risking a single chip at tables.

Origins of Basic Strategy

When stripped down to essentials, just four possible decisions face players each hand, stand, hit, split, or double-down. Initial wager amounts cannot be increased once rounds begin, other than for staking aforementioned splits or double-downs.

Due to limited betting options, it occurred to Roger Baldwin, a private in the United States Army in the 1950s at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, that it should be possible to mathematically predict outcomes of every possible blackjack decision for every permutation of a deal. His hubris resulting from holding an advanced degree in mathematics from Columbia University and studying the game frequently.

Using merely paper, pencil and manual desk calculators, Baldwin and three friends, Wilbert Cantey, James McDermott and Herbert Maisel, set out to chart the optimal way to play 21 to maximize returns on investment. They wrote a book called Playing Blackjack to Win in 1957 laying out the first examples of basic strategy. The four mathematicians even devoted a chapter to the first-ever system for counting cards, which of course works, but is illegal to execute when gambling for real money.

Despite their primitive tools, schemes created by the Four Horsemen of Aberdeen, as they were known in professional circles, pretty much nailed it. Once computers were able to tabulate billions of hands in a day and spit out results, numbers, and odds, the Horsemen’s original conclusions needed to be tweaked only slightly to correctly predict outcomes.

Basic Strategy Charts

In its simplest form, basic blackjack strategy is usually presented in a spreadsheet with a grid indicating player hand in the first column and dealers’ cards in a row across the top. Each box then represents both combatants, showing proper decisions of hit, stand, split, or double-down.

Originally, the Aberdeen mathematicians devised a prescription for success based on a single deck, which was the only way it was dealt at the time. In decades since, multiple-deck versions have become popular via tempting odds and several different blackjack variations were invented as a result. Computers were therefore tasked with dealing billions of hands under every conceivable condition to create schematic blueprints for each unique option currently out there today.

A definitive strategy for each followed, iron clad and backed up by billions of computer-generated simulations. Specific charts are readily available throughout this iPublication, foundational cheat sheets displayed on numerous pages in an effort to reinforce best practices.

No elusive secrets need to be uncovered as everyone incorporates the same plan that never deviates. It’s even allowed to bring charts to tables if able to consult them without slowing down action. It’s not considered “cheating” by gaming establishments because it’s treated as common knowledge and assumed participants already know exactly what to do in precise situations.

Learning The System

Basic strategy can be picked up by simply dishing out hands and acting as both croupier and player until correct decisions become second nature. However, computers and online casinos with free blackjack are great ways to conduct drills and learn various possibilities. In addition, electronic trainers that scold when incorrect choices are made can be found at countless destinations, pace of play customizable if wishing to mimic real life action. This way, professionals won’t criticize if sitting in Las Vegas or live dealer tables at iGaming websites.

When first encountering guidance charts, large areas of grids indicating identical actions are noticed, with very few sections straying from the norm. By writing advice out in note form it’s possible to review unique situations, like flash cards to reference, until correct decisions are memorized.

Don’t rush to take this new knowledge and risk real money until charts have been studied profusely, or ideally, mastered. The noise and distractions won’t be a deterrent to correct decisions if arriving armed with the confidence of knowing what to do in all situations.

When to Use Basic Strategy

Not many attempt to utilize basic strategy, certainly far fewer than expected considering it’s complimentary, foolproof, tactical information. The reality is that even when utilizing perfect techniques, it only reduces House edge from approximately 2.5% to 0.5%. Surprisingly, players comprehending essentials may decide that fun and intuition trumps the discipline required to religiously follow accepted advice, especially after a few drinks.

It’s also true that core principles aren’t based on winning hands, but rather on reaping rewards, merely maximizing profits. It calls for hitting and busting more than most people are naturally comfortable with, so they may swerve in favor of what “feels right”. This is definitely a recipe for disaster.

So how did the Four Horsemen of Aberdeen do armed with the knowledge uncovered in fashioning the world’s first basic blackjack strategy? Well, they discovered there wasn’t a true way to beat the House in the long run and determined the best chances for financial success was sticking to academics, not risking bankrolls.