basic blackjack strategy
Here is how to play basic strategy when there are more than two cards involved written out in plain English.
How to Play Hard Hands: -A hard hand is two starting cards that do not contain an ace.
If you have eight or less, always hit.
If you have Nine: Double if the dealer has 3 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ten : Double if the dealer has 2 thru 9 – otherwise hit.
If you have Eleven: Double if the dealer has 2 thru 10, Hit if dealer has Ace.
If you have Twelve: Hit if the dealer has 2 or 3, Stand if the dealer has 4 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 13- 16: Stand if the dealer has2 thru 6, otherwise hit.
If you have 17 – 21: Always Stand.
How to Play Soft Hands: – A soft hand is when one of your starting hands contains an ace.
If you have Ace 2 or Ace 3: Double if the dealer has 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 4 or Ace 5: Double if the dealer has 4 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 6: Double if the dealer has 3 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 7: Stand if the dealer has 2, 7 or 8. Double 3 -thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always Stand.
How to Play Pairs
If you have a pair of Aces or Eights: Always split.
If you have a pair of twos or threes: Split if the dealer has 2 – 7, otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of fours: Split if the dealer has 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of fives: Double if the dealer has 2 thru 9 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of sixes: Split if the dealer has 2 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of sevens: Split 2 thru 7 – otherwise hit.
If you have a pair of nines: Split 2 thru 6, and 8 or 9. Stand if the dealer has 7, 10 or Ace.
If you have a pair of tens: Always Stand.