Basic Strategy 101 for Blackjack
Lesson description
If you want to win more at blackjack, you need to learn basic strategy. Mr Blackjack explains how basic strategy works and why you can trust it.
What this lesson covers
- How basic strategy was created
- How it helps you play blackjack smarter
- How to apply basic strategy to games
- Why players can trust basic strategy
Episodes
FAQs
Who created basic strategy for blackjack?
Four mathematicians called Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott created blackjack basic strategy in the 1950s at the Aberdeen Proving Ground military base in the US. They became known as the ‘Four Horsemen of Aberdeen’ and published their work in the classic book Playing Blackjack to Win: A New Strategy for the Game of 21.
Does blackjack basic strategy work?
Applying basic strategy reduces the casino’s edge, but it’s not enough to give players the advantage in blackjack. You need basic strategy and card counting to get an approximate 1% edge over the casino.
What is the best blackjack strategy?
Players stand the best chance of winning if they learn basic strategy and card counting, and practice these skills before playing real money blackjack games. You can practice strategy with our free blackjack arcade, and our blackjack apps guide offers recommendations of the best apps to improve your card counting and strategy skills.
Can I apply basic strategy to multi-hand blackjack games?
Yes — basic strategy applies to any hand in blackjack, regardless of how many hands you play simultaneously.
How can beginner players apply basic strategy to blackjack games?
After you have learnt how to play blackjack, you can start applying basic strategy to your game by using charts. These cards tell you the best move to make at a glance, and will help you memorize basic strategy.
Is basic strategy easy?
Basic strategy is easy to apply, but it does require memorization and practice, as well as an understanding of how a casino’s table rules can affect your blackjack odds.
Does basic strategy change between single-deck and multi-deck blackjack games?
There are small differences due to the proportion of 10-value cards in the game. In single-deck games, you can stay on ‘stiff hands’ (12-16) more often, for instance.
