Blackjack basic strategy is based on mathematics and computer simulations have been designed to test and refine all possibilities and permutations of the strategy.  It is safe to say that, when applied correctly, basic strategy can be used to effectively reduce the house edge to the minimum, which is usually about 1 ½ percent.  The easiest way to learn basic blackjack strategy is to convert the basic black jack strategy chart into plain and simple English.

How to Learn the Chart

Since basic black jack strategy is not only based on mathematics but has also been tested and refined by computer simulations, it does not vary too much although minor adjustments can be made depending on certain ‘local’ rule variations that casinos choose to use.

In order to become a successful black jack player, you must first possess a thorough understanding of basic black jack strategy.  Players typically gain this knowledge from the basic black jack strategy chart, which shows you how to play your first two cards based on the dealer’s ‘up’ card.  It is a fact that the house gets its edge because the player must make the first move.  Of course, just because the chart only deals with the first two cards, it doesn’t mean you won’t have to learn about what decisions to make after taking a hit.

Translating the Chart to English

When the chart is translated into plain and simple English, it is much easier to follow.  An example of how to play a hand with three or more cards follows:

The chart will tell you to hit if your first two cards are a three and a five and you have a total of eight.  If the extra card is a three, the chart will tell you to double on 11, but you can only double on your first two cards so you must hit.

The word ‘otherwise’ is used when translating the chart to plain English to denote situations that are different because of multiple cards.  For instance, the example described above would be written as: If you have 11, double – otherwise hit.
The multi card decisions are written out for hard hands, soft hands and split pairs. The information is divided into three “How to Play” categories that can be seen below.
This explains in plain English how to apply basic strategy when more than two cards are involved.

Hard Hand: (A starting hand of two cards which does not include an ace).

If you are holding:
Eight or less: Always hit.
Nine: Double if the dealer is holding three or six, otherwise hit.
Ten: Double if the dealer has two through nine, otherwise hit.
Eleven: If the dealer has two through ten, double.
If the dealer is holding an ace, hit.
Twelve: If the dealer has two or three, hit.
If the dealer is holding four through six, stand.  Otherwise hit.
13-16:  If the dealer is holding two through six, stand.  Otherwise hit.
17-21: Always stand.

Soft Hands: (A starting hand of two cards one of which includes an ace).

If you are holding:

Ace 2 or Ace 3: Double if the dealer has five or six.  Otherwise, hit.
Ace 4 or Ace 5: Double if the dealer has four through six. Otherwise, hit.
Ace 6: Double if the dealer has three through six.  Otherwise, hit.
Ace 7: Stand if the dealer has two, seven, or eight.
Double if the dealer has three through six.  Otherwise, hit.
Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always stand.

Playing Pairs:

If you are holding:

A pair of eights or aces always split.
A pair of twos or threes: Split if the dealer is holding two to seven.  Otherwise, hit.
A pair of fours: Split if the dealer has four or five.  Otherwise, hit.
A pair of sixes: Split if the dealer has two through six.  Otherwise, hit.
A pair of sevens: Split if the dealer has two through seven.  Otherwise, hit.
A pair of nines: Split if the dealer has two through six, eight or nine.
Stand if the dealer has seven, ten or ace.
A pair of tens: Always stand.

It is apparent that it is much easier to memorize the basic black jack strategy chart once it has been translated into plain English.  Some people also find it useful to use flash cards to help memorize the different possible card combinations.