RULES FOR PLAYING BLACKJACK
Blackjack is a favorite among gamblers around the world, partly because it is mathematically beatable and players
feel the odds are less random than the spin of a roulette wheel, or the pull of a slot machine handle. Some claim Blackjack
was invented in French casinos in the early 1700s where it was called "vingt-et-un" ("twenty-one"). It has been played in
the U.S. since the 1800's. Blackjack is so-called because if a player held a Jack of Spades and an Ace of Spades as the first
two cards, the player was paid out extra. The black suit 'spades' plus the winning Jack brought about the name 'Blackjack'.
Blackjack actually has very simple rules and can be learnt easily, however there are a number of strategies you can learn
to increase your winning odds. Blackjack uses a standard set of 52 playing cards and players compete against the dealer, not
each other.
Values of cards
King, Queen, Jack, 10 = 10
2-9 = Face value
Aces = 11 or 1
The player wins when the total value of cards in his hand is closer to 21 than those held by the dealer,
without exceeding 21. A hand with a value over 21 is called a "bust," and is an automatic loser. If you and the dealer have
the same card total (17 and up) neither of you wins and your bet is returned to you in a "push".
The player wins one and a half times his bet if his first two cards total 21 - a natural Blackjack. The only
way two cards can have a value of 21 is if one of them is an Ace, and the other is a 10-value card. (e.g. An ace and a king,
and an ace and a queen are both blackjacks.) A blackjack beats all other hands except for another blackjack. If you have a
blackjack, and the dealer has 3 cards that add up to 21, you still win the hand even though you both have hands valued at
21.
The Value of Winning payouts
Winning Hand 1 to 1
Insurance 2 to 1
Blackjack 3 to 2
If you lose a hand, you lose the amount you originally bet - no more, no less.
The steps of the game follow the same formula each time:
1. Between one and seven players can take part in any hand of Blackjack. The players put an initial wager forward
and two cards are dealt to each player (one at a time) with the dealer dealing him/herself last with one card face down.
2. You assess your cards total value and decide whether you need to take another card (hit) to increase your
total or keep the tally you already have and hope others will 'bust'. There is no limit on the number of hits a player can
take (however, a practiced player has a sense of when to stop).
3. When you draw an ace, you can decide whether it counts as 1 or 11.
4. When all the players 'stand' (choose not to take any more cards), the dealer reveals his hand by flipping
over the face down card. The dealer must 'hit' (add another card) until the total is 17 or above. If the dealer's hand is
between 17 and 21, the dealer is NOT allowed to take additional hits. He MUST stand. On the other hand, if the dealer's hand
is 16 or under, the dealer MUST take additional hits until the dealer's hand has a value of 17 or higher. If the dealer goes
over 21 while taking additional cards, he "busts," and automatically loses. If the dealer busts, all players that are still
in the game win. Between the players and the dealer, whoever is closer to 21 without going over wins.
5. Winnings are calculated on the amount of the bet for a winning hand (see the 'winning payouts' table above).
The only way you can lose with a blackjack hand is if the dealer has one too.
Options:
Split
If your first two cards have the same point value, you may split them into two separate hands by placing a second
bet equal to the original bet. You then proceed to draw cards. You are able to draw as many cards as you like on each split
hand, but if you split two aces, you receive only one additional card for each ace. If you split two aces and one of your
hands totals 21, it is counted as 21 and not blackjack. Any two ten value cards can be split, for instance a 10 and queen,
however we virtually never recommend splitting ten value cards. Two aces can, and should be, split. Normally the casino will
also allow you to re-split after the original split. For example, you split two eight's and now are dealt again an eight as
the second card of one of those two hands. You can split this hand again and now play three hands. Some casinos have limits
on re-splitting aces and if the player is unsure of the casino house rules he should ask the dealer. We recommend to always
split Aces and 8s.
Double
After you are dealt two cards, and think that another card will allow you to beat the dealer's hand, you can
increase your bet by an amount up to your original bet or double your bet. This is also known as 'doubling down'. Once you
decide to 'double down' you are allowed to receive just one more card. You cannot stand on your original hand or take more
than 1 additional card. For example, you may be dealt a 5 and a 6 for a total of 11. You can now double down, hoping to get
a 10 value card (the most frequent value card in an unplayed deck). The casino house rules vary for doubling down. For example
some allow only doubling down on 10 and 11 totals while others allow on any two card total. Some casinos allow it only on
original hands and not split hands, while others allow doubling down after splitting. Be sure to know the rules of your casino
before starting to play.
Insurance
Insurance is designed to protect you when you think that the dealer may have blackjack. When buying insurance,
you place ½ of your initial bet by pressing the 'Insurance' Button. If the dealer does have blackjack, you are paid 2 to 1
on your insurance bet. If the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you lose your insurance bet.
BLACKJACK STRATEGY
Blackjack players have a greater role in their own destiny than almost any other gambling players because the Blackjack
dealer follows set rules and makes no real decisions of his or her own. An intelligent, well-informed player uses this knowledge
to his or her tremendous advantage. There are three different strategies a Blackjack player can utilize:
Play Blackjack as a game of luck: Use a money management scheme and decide when to call a card and when to stand regardless of what the dealer
shows. Apply a suitable money management system like the Paroli System and know when to quit by setting appropriate profit
and loss limits.
Use basic strategy: Follow the game and analyze the dealer’s cards in order to determine whether to call a card or stand. Apply
a suitable money management system like the D'Alenbert System and set appropriate profit and loss limits so you know when
to quit.
Card Counting: This is difficult and if casinos catch you doing it they won’ t be too happy. If you utilize this method,
it is best to learn from the experts. There are many books that detail Blackjack card counting strategies.
Paroli System
This system is in a way the opposite of the Martingale system. You start with one bet and you increase your bet
when you win rather than when you lose.
However, you will need to plan a betting procedure whereby you know how far you will let the bet build before you take
it down to the initial starting bet and how much to raise after each win. This obviously depends on the type of game played
and the odds of the bet. The advantage of this system is that you do not require a large bankroll. It lets the profit run
and cuts short the losses.
D'Alenbert System
This is a mixture of Martingale and Insurance systems. Bets are raised one unit after each losing bet and lowered one unit
after each winning bet. The sequence and amount raised or lowered can be varied to suit particular games and odds.
Basic Rules
If the dealer's up card is a seven (7) or higher, you should play to seventeen. That means that if you were dealt a 10
and a 2 (you have 12), you must hit this hand until you reach 17.
Let's say your next card is a 4 (you now have 16), You
must hit this hand again, until you reach 17.
If the dealer's up card is a six (6) or lower but higher than a three (3)
you must play to twelve and stop.
If the dealer has a six (6) showing and you were dealt a 10 and a 2 ( you have 12),
you must stand on this hand.
If the dealer's up card is a two (2) or a three (3) you must play until 13.
If you were
dealt a 10 and a 2 (you have 12), you must hit this hand. Let's say the next card is an Ace (you now have 13), you must stand
on this hand.
Basic Strategy
Some of the most favorable odds found in any casino game can be found in Blackjack. However, these odds diminish greatly
as the gambler strays from what we call "basic strategy." "Basic strategy" is a chart that an individual player follows that
tells he or she exactly when to hit, stand, split, or double down.
The charts that follow outline the basic strategy for a game that contains two decks, and one that forces the dealer to
stay on a soft 17. If you follow this strategy your chances of a successful round of Blackjack will increase significantly.
When played closely, the Basic Strategy can reduce the House's edge in Blackjack to 0.5% or less, depending on the rule variations
in effect.
Basic Strategy — Single Deck
Your Hand vs Dealer's Upcard
8 Double on 5 to 6. Otherwise hit.
9 Double on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
10 Double
on 2 to 9. Otherwise hit.
11 Always double.
12 Stand on 4 to 6. Otherwise hit.
13 to 16
Stand on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
17 to 21 Always stand.
A,2 to A,5 Double on 4 to 6. Otherwise
hit.
A,6 Double on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
A,7 Double on 3 to 6. Stand on 2,7,8 or A. Hit on
9 or 10.
A,8 Double on 6. Otherwise stand.
A,9 Always stand.
A,A Always split.
2,2 Split on 3 to 7. Otherwise hit.
3,3 Split on 4 to 7. Otherwise hit.
4,4
Same as 8 above.
5,5 Same as 10 above.
6,6 Split on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
7,7
Split on 2 to 7. Stand on 10. Otherwise hit.
8,8 Always split.
9,9 Split on 2 to 9 except
7. Stand on 7,10 or A.
10,10 Always stand.
The above chart assumes the casino doesn't allow doubling down after pair splitting. If the casino allows doubling down
after pair splitting then use the following pair splitting rules.
Your Hand vs Dealer's Upcard
2,2 Split on 2 to 7.Otherwise hit.
3,3 Split on 2 to 7.Otherwise hit.
4,4 Split
on 4,5 or 6. Otherwise hit.
6,6 Split on 2 to 7. Otherwise hit.
7,7 Split on 2 to 8. Stand
on 10. Otherwise hit.
Basic Strategy — Four, Six, Eight Deck
Your Hand vs Dealer's Upcard
5 to 8 Always Hit.
9 Double on 3 to 6. Otherwise hit.
10 Double on 2 to 9.
Hit on 10, A.
11 Double on 2 to 10. Hit on A.
12 Stand on 4 to 6. Otherwise hit.
13
Stand on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
14 Stand on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
15 Stand on 2 to 6. Otherwise
hit.
16 Stand on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
17 Always stand.
18 Always stand.
A,2 Double on 5,6. Otherwise hit.
A,3 Double on 5,6. Otherwise hit.
A,4 Double
on 4 to 6. Otherwise hit.
A,5 Double on 4 to 6. Otherwise hit.
A,6 Double on 3 to 6. Otherwise
hit.
A,7 Double on 3 to 6. Stand on 2,7 or 8. Hit on 9,10 or A.
A,8 to A,10 Always stand.
A,A Always split.
2,2 Split on 2 to 7, Otherwise hit.
3,3 Split on 2 to 7.
Otherwise hit.
4,4 Split on 5,6. Otherwise hit.
5,5 Never split. Treat as 10 above.
6,6
Split on 2 to 6. Otherwise hit.
7,7 Split on 2 to 7. Otherwise hit.
8,8 Always split.
9,9
Split on 2 to 6, 8 or 9. Stand on 7,10, or A.
10,10 Always stand.
The above multiple deck basic strategy is valid if the players are allowed to double down after pair splitting. If doubling
down is not allowed after pair splitting, then use the following pair splitting rules.
Your Hand vs Dealer's Upcard
2,2 Split on 4 to 7.Otherwise hit.
3,3 Split on 4 to 7. Otherwise hit.
4,4
Never split. Always hit.
6,6 Split on 3 to 6. Otherwise hit.
Splitting Pairs
This table shows when you should Split identical pairs. (A "T" in the Pairs column represents any pair of ten-valued cards).
A "Y" means you should split when you have the indicated pair, and the Dealers shows the indicated upcard.
Dealer's Upcard
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
(A,A) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
(T,T) N N N N N N N N N N
(9,9) Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N N
(8,8)
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
(7,7) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N
(6,6) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
(5,5) N N N N N N N N N N
(4,4) N
N N Y Y N N N N N
(3,3) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
(2,2) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
Key:
Y = Yes, split the pair
N = No, don't split the pair
Soft Totals
A "soft" hand is one that includes an Ace,
which can be counted as 1 or as 11. The general rule of thumb is that you can always improve a soft hand with a total of 17
or less by hitting. Only hit a soft 18 when the Dealer shows a 9 or better.
Dealer's Upcard
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
(A,A) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
(T,T) N N N N N N N N N N
(9,9) Y Y Y Y Y N Y Y N N
(8,8)
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
(7,7) Y Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N
(6,6) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
(5,5) N N N N N N N N N N
(4,4) N
N N Y Y N N N N N
(3,3) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
(2,2) Y Y Y Y Y Y N N N N
Key:
H = Hit
S = Stand
Hard Totals
A "hard" hand does not include an Ace. This table is the core of the Basic Strategy.
A "D" in this table means you should Double in those situations.
Dealer's Upcard
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
17 S S S S S S S S S S
16 S S S S S D D D D D
15 S S S S S D D D D D
14 S S S S S D
D D D D
13 S S S S S D D D D D
12 H H S S S D D D D D
11 D D D D D D D D D D
10 D D D D D D D D H H
9
D D D D D H H H H H
8 H H H H H H H H H H
Key:
H = Hit
S = Stand
D = Double; if unable, Hit
Card Counting
The technique of card counting allows the player to take note of changing probabilities and by altering playing and betting
strategies accordingly, they can gain a statistical advantage over the casino.
To learn the the skill of card counting is relatively simple. And no - you don't need to have a photographic memory or
a freakish mathematical ability.
The card counting system described below is designed only as a rough guide to give you an idea how card counting is done.
It is not recommended that it be put to use in a practical sense. This is intended only to give a feel for how card counting
is done, and is not recommended for actual practice.
For single deck games:
Start the count at -4 when the deck is shuffled.
Count -2 for 10, J, Q, K.
Count +1 for everything else (including
Aces).
Bet low when the count is negative, high when the count is positive (actually, simulations show that you can bet
high for a count of -2 or above).
Take insurance when the count is positive.
Play basic strategy at all times.
A note about card counting
The principle behind card counting is that a deck of cards rich is tens and Aces is favorable to the player, a deck rich
in small cards is favorable to the dealer. A deck rich in tens and Aces, is likely to bust the dealer more often.
To gauge the richness of the deck in high cards or lack of them, the player needs to keep track of the cards that are already
played and assign a point value to each card. The calculation is quite complex, but basically the card counter will give a
plus point each time the deck of cards becomes more favorable and a minus point each time it becomes less favorable. Basically,
the high cards have a -1 point and the low cards a +1 point and the in between 0 point.
The counter then counts by adding and subtracting points according to the cards played and keeps a running total of the
count called 'running count'. Then he also needs to divide the running count by the proportion of the size of the deck of
cards left to get the 'true count'. Now he knows the relative richness of high cards in the remaining deck.
A positive count is good and a high positive count is best and the card counter will assess his hand, the dealer's up card,
weigh up his options and intensify his betting accordingly.
To be a successful card counter you need to have a powerful memory and fast reaction while amassing information as you
play. And for what? If everything works out well, you will be looking at a slow and tedious 1% average profit. If you wager
large sums of money to make the 1% worthwhile, you are likely to be noticed by the pit boss and prompt frequent shuffling
of the cards. Card counting is hard, not liked by the casinos and is not as rewarding as it may seem.
Shuffle Tracking
This is a fairly new technique that has not been publicized very much. The best definition I have seen is this one: "'Shuffle-tracking'
is the science of following specific cards through the shuffling process for the purpose of either keeping them in play or
cutting them out of play." The concept of Shuffle tracking appears to have resulted from bored mathematician's research and
computer simulation of shuffling cards.
Of course, just because someone shuffles a deck (or decks) of cards does not mean that the cards are "randomized". The
methods mentioned in the two previous sections (Basic Strategy and Card Counting) assume a random order of cards. (According
to some authors, a single deck of cards must be shuffled twenty to thirty times to ensure a truly random dispersion. If a
Casino is using a 6 deck shoe, that's 120 to 180 shuffles!) As in the Card Counting section, I am going to restrict the discussion
to the basics of shuffle tracking as the combination of references listed at the end of this section provide a complete discourse
of the topic.
A beneficial (to the player) shuffle for a one deck game is executed by dividing the deck equally into 26 cards and shuffling
them together a minimum of three times. This allows the cards to be sufficiently intermixed to yield a fairly random distribution.
An adverse shuffle prevents the cards from mixing completely.
The simplest example is the Unbalanced Shuffle. As its name implies, the dealer breaks the deck into two unequal stacks.
As an example, let's say you are playing two hands head on with the dealer and the last 10 cards in the deck are dealt. The
result of the hand was that both your hands lost to the dealer primarily due to the high percentage of low value cards in
the clump. Note that if you were counting, you would have bet a single unit since the deck was unfavorable. The dealer is
now ready to shuffle the deck, and separates the deck into 31 cards in one stack and 21 in the other stack. The dealer shuffles
the two stacks. If the shuffle is done from the bottom of each stack on up, the top ten cards of the larger stack will remain
intact without mixing with any of the other cards. Those ten cards can remain in the order they were just dealt throughout
the shuffle if the process of bottom to top shuffling is not altered. You are now asked to cut the deck. If you don't cut
the deck, the 10 cards that were dealt last hand will be dealt as your first two hands. The result will be the same as your
last and you will lose the two hands. However, if you cut the deck exactly at the end of those ten cards, you have just altered
the future to your benefit. Those cards will now be placed at the bottom of the deck. Should the dealer shuffle up early,
you will avoid them altogether. In addition, if you were keeping count, you would know that the deck was favorable during
the first 3-4 hands since there would be an abundance of tens in the portion of the deck that will be played. You would accordingly
increase you bet size to maximize your winnings.
Some dealers will unknowingly split the deck into unequal stacks. However, more often than not, they are required to split
the deck into unequal stacks. If they are required to do this, they are performing the House Shuffle. The casino has trained
the dealer to shuffle a particular way... on purpose! Why? In the long run, the house will benefit from this because most
players will not cut any bad clumps out of play. If you have played BlackJack in a casino, how much did you pay attention
to the way they shuffled? Like most people you were probably oblivious to it.
There are a number of shuffle methods, some of which have been labeled as: the "Zone Shuffle", the "Strip Shuffle", and
the "Stutter Shuffle". The Zone Shuffle is particular to shoe games (multiple deck games) and is probably one of the most
common shuffle methods. It is accomplished by splitting the shoe into 4 to 8 piles depending on the number of decks in the
shoe. Prescribed picks from each pile are made in a very exact way with intermittent shuffles of each pair of half deck sized
stacks. The net effect is a simple regrouping of the cards pretty much in the same region of the shoe as they were before,
thereby preventing clumps of cards from being randomly mixed. If the dealer won 40 hands and you won 20, this trend is likely
to continue until you are broke or until the unfavorable bias is removed through many shuffles.
What if the players are winning the 40 hands and the dealer only 20? If the dealer has been mentally keeping track of how
many hands each side has won in the shoe, the dealer will probably do one of two things. One is to keep the shuffle the same,
but 'strip' the deck. When a dealer strips a deck, he/she strips off one card at a time from the shoe letting them fall on
top of one another onto the table. This action causes the order of the cards to be reversed. The main consequence is to dissipate
any clumping advantages (a bunch of tens in a clump) that the players may have. The second thing the dealer may do is simply
change the way they shuffle to help randomize the cards.
Numbers and rules may vary depending on the casino.
Good luck at the Blackjack Tables!
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