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Blackjack Variations
Using different number of decks: all other conditions being the same, as a general rule the fewer the decks, the better for the player.
Allowing the dealer to hit a soft 17: a disadvantage to the player. It gives the dealer a chance to improve.
Allowing a double down after splitting pairs: can be advantageous to the player if used wisely.
Allowing re-splitting of Aces: a clear advantage to the player.
No dealer hole card: common on cruise ships, this variation is a disadvantage to the player. The dealer does not deal himself a second card until the players have played and they can lose the doubles and splits.
Basic Strategy
If allowed, surrender (where a player may forfeit half his bet and decide not to play the original hand against the dealer) hard 15 against a dealer's 10, and 16 (but not 8's) against a dealer's 9, 10 or Ace. Never take insurance unless you are counting cards.
Never split 10's.
Always split Aces and 8's, no matter what the dealer's showing card is.
Double down on two card combinations totaling:
9 if the dealer's up card is 3, 4, 5 or 6
10 if the dealer's up card is anything but a 10 or an Ace
11 if the dealer's up card is anything but an Ace.
Always stand on hard 17 or higher if the dealer's showing card is 7 or lower.
Always stand on hard 13 through 16 if the dealer's showing card is 6 or lower, but hit if the dealer's showing card is 7 through Ace.
Always stand on hard 12 or higher if the dealer is showing 4, 5 or 6.
Hit a hard 12 if the dealer's up card is 2, 3, 7 or higher.
Hit until you have at least 17 against a dealer's 10.
Hit a soft 17 against a dealer's 10.
Standing on 17 and lower relies entirely on the dealer's busting to win. Since you cannot bust a soft hand with just one hit, do the following:
Hit soft 13 through 17 against a dealer's 7 or higher
With hands of three or more cards, always hit soft 13 through 17
Double down with two-card soft 13 through 17 against a dealer's 5 or 6. (You can only double down with your first two cards)
Double down soft 17 against a dealer's 3
Double down soft 15 through 17 against a dealer's 4
Most players will stand on soft 18, but you may find that in the long run you will be better off to hit a soft 18 if the dealer's up card is 9, 10 or Ace , stand on soft 18 if the dealer's up card is 2, 7 or 8, and double down if the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5 or 6
Always stand on soft 19 or higher.
Three Kinds of Players
Unlike most other casino games, blackjack is a game whose outcome is greatly influenced by the player, right from the moment the player cuts the deck of cards. The dealer is practically like a robot. He follows set rules and makes no decisions of his own.
There are three different approaches to the game a player can take using three different strategies:
1) Play blackjack as a game of luck using money management only. Determine when to call a card and when to stand irrespective of what the dealer shows, apply a suitable money management system like the Paroli system and set appropriate profit and loss limits for when to quit.
2) Use basic strategy. Follow the game and take into account the dealers card to determine whether to call a card or stand. Apply a suitable money management system like the D'Alenbert system and set appropriate profit and loss limits for when to quit.
3) Card counting. This is not easy to do and some casinos don't like it. If you choose to play blackjack this way, it is best to learn from the experts. There are several books for sale that should teach you how to go about it.
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