Understanding and Mastering Basic Blackjack Strategy – The Key Considerations

Posted by Harry Kane on Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Although slots dominate the iGaming market in the UK, blackjack remains one of the most popular table games on these shores. Slots account for 73% of the online GGY in the UK, for example, while a further 5% is generated through blackjack gameplay.

A blackjack table with playing cards lying on it

Roulette is the second most popular table game, but blackjack stands out as it remains a game of skill that affords players at least some control over their outcomes. For most beginners, it’s basic blackjack strategy that enables them to optimise their chances of winning, but what exactly is this and how can you adopt it?

Get Started by First Understanding Basic Blackjack Gameplay

Before we take a deep dive into basic blackjack strategy, we need to evaluate the fundamental rules of the game. Obviously, these may vary from one iteration to the other online, but there are some basic and universal rules that underpin most blackjack games. Let’s take a closer look at some of these guidelines!

  • The Game’s Objective: In most blackjack variations, the core objective is to build a hand that’s closer to the number 21 than the dealer’s. Exceeding this value with your hand will see you go ‘bust’.
  • Card Values: Typically, number cards (two through 10) are worth their face value during games. Face cards (namely Jack, Queen and King) are worth 10. Aces play a key role in most blackjack iterations, as they can be worth either one or 11 and help you to build flexible and winning hands.
  • Gameplay and Building Hands: Most blackjack games start with each player being drawn two cards (face-down). The dealer then receives one face-up and one face-down card, and players must decide to ‘hit’ (draw another card) or ‘stand’ (maintain their existing hand) in a bid to defeat the dealer.
  • Variable and Optional Rules: Other commonplace (albeit slightly less prevalent rules) include ‘double down’, ‘split’ and ‘surrender’. We’ll touch on these later in the guide, but they have a transformative effect on games and your chances of banking a return.
  • The Number of Hands Used: In online blackjack, games may feature anywhere between one and eight decks. This also impacts the odds of each potential outcome and the implied probability of you round being successful, which is why game selection remains a key part of successful blackjack strategy.

Introducing Basic Blackjack Strategy – What Does it Mean?

The term ‘basic blackjack strategy’ describes a rigid and methodological way of playing that’s based on mathematical rules and implied probability values. It’s also an incredibly simple and easy to follow strategy, making it popular among casual players and those who are new to the game.

But what are the fundamental principles of basic blackjack strategy? There are several ideals that will impact your choice of games and how you play each hand, alongside the type of bets that you place. Let’s analyse these principles in more detail and ask how they impact your gameplay experience!

Deciding When to Hit or Stand

This is the single most important decision that you’ll make when playing blackjack. You’ll need to calculate the value of your hand quickly during gameplay, while also working out the implied probability of your hand winning. This will be based in part on the individual rules of each game, but here are some basic rules to consider:

  • Always ‘Hit’ if your hand is worth eight or less (particularly if it includes an Ace)
  • Always ‘Stand’ once your hand reaches a total of 17 or higher
  • ‘Hit’ in instances where your hand is worth between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s face-up card is seven or higher
  • ‘Stand’ if your hand totals between 12 and 16 and the dealer’s up card is six or lower

By adhering to these rules consistently and methodologically, you can create a system that informs every decision that you make. This aids quick and efficient decision making, which is key when you consider the fast-paced nature of blackjack and the potential number of decks in play.

What About Doubling Down and Splitting?

We spoke earlier about ‘Doubling Down’, which basically enables you to double the value of your initial bet on the proviso that you ‘stand’ after you’re dealt one more card. This is highly recommended when you have a relatively low value initial hand, specifically nine, 10 or 11. Just be sure to pay attention to the dealer’s up card, but you should always consider enacting this rule (when available) in instances where your hand is worth 11.

Some games also allow you to ‘split’ pairs. This essentially lets you split your initial hand into two ideally stronger hands. It’s always highly recommended when you’re dealt Aces or eights, or twos and threes if the dealer’s up card is valued between 4 and 7. Never split fives and 10s, however, as you’re unlikely to construct strong hands in such instances.

Surrendering and Recovering at Least Some of Your Stake

While fewer blackjack iterations feature the ‘Surrender’ rule, this is incredibly popular as it enables you to recover at least some of your initial unit bet in instances where you have a poor or weak hand. This decision will be made based on both your hand and the dealers, and the implied probability of yours being successful.

For example, let’s say that you have been dealt a 16 (two eights) and the dealer’s up card is either a nine, 10 or Ace. In this instance, the dealer is in an incredibly strong position, so surrendering is recommended as it allows you to minimise your loss. This rule can prove highly beneficial when it’s made available, so look out for iterations that offer it!

The Last Word – How to Master Basic Betting Strategy

So, there you have it: our guide to basic betting strategy! Before we go, however, we’re going to offer some simple tips to help you master this strategy and optimise your potential returns when playing blackjack.

  • Make Practice Your Key Watchword: While understanding is key to the successful application of basic betting strategy, so too is practice. After all, this enables you to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, while there are free blackjack simulators that enables you to practice risk-free!
  • Always Start Small When Wagering for Real Money: When playing blackjack for real money, consider starting with a small and nominal unit bet. This will help with responsible bankroll management and minimise your exposure to risk, while you can scale your stakes in line with experience and success.
  • Showcase Calm, Composure and Patience: Patience is key when deploying basic blackjack strategy, both when you practice and play for real money. Remember, loss is inevitable when playing blackjack and you must be prepared to deal with this. Blackjack is also a game of streaks, so maintain your composure at all times and trust in the application of your strategy!