It is a total-dependent strategy, therefore decisions on whether to hit, stand, double down or surrender are solely based on comparing the total of the player’s hand to the dealer’s face-up card. There is no question that each player following the rules of basic strategy, is playing his hand in the optimal fashion and as a result, cutting the dealer’s advantage to the absolute minimum. In other words, the decisions do not take into account which cards have been played already. It is commonly known as Basic Strategy or “The Book.” Blackjack Basic Strategyīlackjack basic strategy is not a composition-dependent strategy. The strategy is now available all over the internet for single and multi-deck games. It was devised in the 1950’s and became widely available in Ed Thorp’s 1963 card counting work Beat the Dealer. I know you think I am wrong but let me explain, starting with some background. In Blackjack there is a mathematically supported way to play every possible hand. If you have played Blackjack for any length of time, I am certain you have heard table mates scolding other players with, “Why did you hit? You ruined it for the table.” Or perhaps you heard, “ The book says, you have to stand or you will take the dealers break card.” It is a very commonly held misbelief that the play of other people at the table has a negative effect on the results for the other players.

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