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If you are an experienced player, then you most likely know what a blackjack strategy chart is. However, if you are just starting out, you can find all the information you could possibly need on the subject at Sugarplay.
What is Blackjack Strategy Chart
As you may have guessed, a blackjack strategy chart is a table full of recommended moves in the game. Of course, they depend on your hand, your cards, and the choices the dealer makes. Have you ever wondered what your odds are of winning blackjack? Well, technically a chart like this represents blackjack strategy and the best way to play it, and it improves those odds.
Benefits of Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart to Your Gameplay
Many players choose to trust their instincts at the beginning of the game, or believe that they have read enough blackjack strategy knowledge. Therefore, they do not use blackjack strategy charts and underestimate the benefits it brings. As a beginner, it helps you make the best decision based on the situation. You don’t have to learn it word for word, obviously, the point is, if you choose to play online, you can actually have a blackjack strategy chart. Let’s see what the main advantages are and then we’ll review them one by one:
Helping you make the best decision based on your hand
Provide you with a reference point if you have questions
You can learn it while playing the game
Convenient online gaming
We fully realize that the Blackjack Strategy Chart can be a little overwhelming when you first see it, with its various colors, text, and sections. We can assure you that once you start using it and become familiar with it, it will make your life easier and less scary. The first thing you should know is that the sections we mention apply to both soft and hard hands, as well as split pairs. You can also check out the different blackjack strategies you can use.
How to use the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
To use the Blackjack Strategy Chart, you first have to understand what each box means and differentiate between the different sections we have already discussed. Typically, on one side you see a combination of your cards (left or right), and on the other side are the dealer’s cards. You just have to follow the line to the “golden” middle – statistically the best move. Regardless, there are multiple actions you can take, and we’ll list them below for easier understanding. In certain hand combinations, one action is preferable to another, and this table can provide you with an easy reference.
beat
stand
separate pairs
Double down
surrender
Different pairs of cards lend themselves to different choices, which is what the chart helps you with. If you follow it, you can make the best moves possible and increase your chances of winning. The entire chart is based on statistical probability, and it would be difficult to calculate the odds yourself, unless of course you are a math genius.
Variations of Blackjack Strategy Chart
You will see that there are different variations of the Blackjack Strategy Chart. This is because the game itself can have different rules and can be played with a different number of decks. Since then, everything has changed. Include the best choices you can make. In general, Sugarplay recommends that you only stick to one blackjack variation, at least until you memorize the corresponding chart. This may take time, but it is the safest method. the following
Sugarplay will be discussing advanced and basic blackjack strategy charts so you can get a sneak peek.
Basic blackjack strategy tips that remain the same
Your starting point should always be the blackjack basic strategy chart. Sugarplay mentioned that they can be overwhelming, and trust us, if you decide to go the extra mile and start with the premium version, you’ll give up on the mission in no time. Also, if you memorize charts like this, the more difficult charts are easier to understand because the core movements don’t change regardless of the variables. These are the foundations of every strategy, and it’s crucial for you to understand them:
Always Split Aces – Aces count to 11, which is a great kickoff to get another card.
Always Split Eights – Eights are also a great starting point that you can use to form winning combinations.
Always stand on a hard 17 or higher – your chances of busting are higher with a hand like this.
Never split a 10 – you will win unless the dealer has a blackjack or blackjack.
These four games apply to almost all online blackjack variations, and they are the nuts and bolts of any strategy. You should try to only play games that have standard rules and start flying low. You’ll have plenty of time to upgrade your strategies and eventually play the game in more complex ways.
Advanced Strategy Charts
Once you improve your skills at the game and gain enough confidence, you can try more advanced blackjack strategy charts. However, for this, you must understand what card counting is and how to practice it. First, please note that while not illegal, most casinos prohibit this because it has the potential to reduce the house edge. You can read more about it in our blog dedicated to card counting strategies.
Other than that, the basics that Sugarplay showed you in the previous paragraph remain the same. These changes are about the correct moves when the total number of cards in the dealer’s and player’s hands is smaller. Of course, when there are different rules, the chart will adapt to them. You can use them to fine-tune your entire strategy, thereby increasing your odds of winning.
Most commonly used charts
Different variants have different popularity. Of course, the most commonly used blackjack strategy charts are those of the most played games. The most common characteristics are the dealer’s behavior with certain card combinations and the number of decks with which the game is played. Below we will show you which are the most popular blackjacks of all time.
As you might know, there are two main types – live dealer and RNG games. In our opinion, it is better if you go for the live dealer ones. They are, as a starter, much more consistent in their rules and the entire setting reminds you of a real casino. The atmosphere is perfect, and the dealers are professional and polite. The RNGs have different rules, the decks are reshuffled after every played hand and it is impossible to actually monitor the cards.
Is there a perfect blackjack strategy chart?
Unfortunately, the short answer is no. There is no such thing as a perfect blackjack chart. It is nearly impossible for one table to accommodate all the variations of different rules, and moving between multiple charts during a game is uncomfortable and impractical. The best approach is to follow one of the basic blackjack strategy charts and eventually combine it with more advanced strategies that suit your preferred variation.
Things to remember when playing real games
After testing the online blackjack strategy charts in demo mode, you can also try them with real money. Sugarplay is here to give you advice on how to do this in the smartest way possible. As a beginner, don’t think that following a form like this will make you a winner, and be prepared for some losing matches. Start with a variant with standard rules and make sure you’re familiar with them.
Last but not least, remember that the chart does not predict the remaining cards in the deck in any way, but rather gives you suggestions for the best moves based on statistics. If you’re willing to give it a try, you can work with the most trustworthy and well-known operators, which can be found on Sugarplay‘s page dedicated to the best blackjack sites of 2024.
Further reading: What are the bets in the blackjack game?
FAQ
We’ve reached the end of the page and it’s time to show you the final section we’ve crafted. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about blackjack strategy charts and their advantages. Additionally, after them you can see other handy blackjack guides provided by Sugarplay. We hope we are useful to you and that you found everything you were looking for.
❓Should I memorize the Blackjack Strategy Chart?
unnecessary. Even basic blackjack strategy charts are quite complex, and they can give you a challenge. At first, you can watch as you play, and as time goes on, you’ll find that you need to check the table less and less often. It’s all about getting used to and familiarizing yourself with the information during the game.
❓What is the best blackjack strategy chart?
It’s impossible to say which is the best blackjack strategy chart as it depends on many factors such as variation, number of decks, etc. You can take a basic table and mix it with a more advanced table by adjusting it to the variations of your playing.
❓How to read blackjack charts?
It’s quite simple. Typically, you can see the combination of your cards on the left and the dealer’s hand on the top. Then you just follow the lines and where they intersect is the best decision you can make. You can also check out our short guide on how to use blackjack charts.
❓How to use blackjack charts?
After you learn how to read, there are a few rules that are the basis of every blackjack chart, so to speak. You can read more about them in our Essential Strategy Tips section. In short, you should always split two aces and two eights, always stand on a 17 or higher, and never split a 10.
