Basic Blackjack Strategies
When playing blackjack there is a basic strategy based on statistical probabilities that can help you get smarter as a player. Although luck has a lot to do with your game, being well informed of the skill you can acquire will give you a better edge over the House.
Truth be told, you will never completely eliminate the House advantage but you can, however, lower it to increase the odds in your favor.
The basic strategy is based on three numbers, the two cards you hold as your initial hand and the face card showing in the dealer's hand. Since it's impossible to know exactly what card the dealer holds in the hole card, a chart has been mapped out to statistically guide players in the probabilities of certain situations.
This chart can be found on the internet in many different sites where it explains the action a player can take in different scenarios. The different suggested actions to take are: S=Stand, H=Hit, D=Double, SP=Split, Rh=Surrender (if allowed) otherwise hit, Rs= Surrender (if allowed) otherwise stand, Rsp=Surrender (if allowed) otherwise split.
This basic strategy chart can help a player become more educated if they memorize it and apply it to their game. Although the chart is too big to explain in a short description, here is an example you can go with, if you have anything below an 8 that doesn't include an Ace, you should always Hit. On the same note, if you have any number above a 17, you are usually recommended to Stand.