The mathematics of blackjack is the basis of rudimentary blackjack strategy. By means of computerized simulations the strategy has been examined and fine-tuned. You can diminish the house edge by approximately a minimal half percent if you adhere to the strategy properly.

The rudimentary strategy is modified by applying small changes according to changes in a specific rule that can be selected to be used by various casinos. There are casinos, for instance, which permit you to double down after having split (Double or Split) but others do not permit you to do so. For single and multi-pack games a number of modifications have been applied to the basic strategy.

Interpreting the Chart

The optimal method to carry this out is by interpreting the rudiments of the strategy into clear English that elucidates the manner in which to play a three or more card hand. For example, let’s look at this instance:

Assuming your total is eight when your first two cards are a five and three. Following the chart’s instruction you have to hit now. By drawing another card of three value you now total eleven. You have to now hit because according to the chart you should double on eleven; however only on the first two cards can this be performed.

On contending with different situations resulting from multiple cards the strategy chart is translated into clear English by applying the word otherwise. Thus in the above example we would write it as follows: if you hold eleven then double otherwise hit.

The way to deal with hard hand, soft hand and split pair multi card decisions has been written about. This know-how has been inserted below in the linked triple How to Play pages. When you have more than two cards in play it’s described in clear English how to play according to the rudimentary strategy.

All about playing Hard Hands: when an ace is not among your first two cards you begin playing with then this is known as a hard hand. Therefore:
Always hit when you eight or under.

If you hold a nine, then double if the dealer has three through to six, hit otherwise.

If you hold a ten, then double if the dealer has two through to nine, hit otherwise.

If you hold eleven, then double if the dealer has two through to ten, but if dealer has an ace then hit.

If you hold twelve, then hit if the dealer has two or three, but if the dealer has four through to six you should stand, hit otherwise.

If you hold cards of thirteen to sixteen then stand if the dealer has two through to six, hit otherwise.

You should always stand if you hold cards seventeen to twenty one.

All about playing Soft Hands: when an ace is one of your first beginning cards this is known as a soft hand. Therefore:

If the ace you’re holding is a three or two, and the dealer holds a five or six then double, hit otherwise.

If the ace you’re holding is a four or five, and the dealer has four through to six then double, hit otherwise.

If the ace you’re holding is a six: and the dealer has three through to six then double, hit otherwise.

If the ace you’re holding is a seven and the dealer holds a two, seven or eight the stand. Double three to six, otherwise you should hit.

Always stand if you’re holding and eight and ace or nine and ace.

Learning to play Pairs

Always split if you are holding a pair of eights or aces.

If the dealer holds two through to seven and you’re holding a pair of threes or two then split, otherwise hit.

If the dealer holds a four or five and you’re holding a pair of fours, then split, otherwise hit.

If the dealer holds a two through to nine and you’re holding a pair of fives, then double, otherwise hit.

If the dealer holds a two through to six and you’re holding a pair of sixes, then split, otherwise hit.

If you’re holding a pair of sevens, then split two through to seven, otherwise hit.

If the dealer holds a seven, ten or ace, and you’re holding a pair of nines, then stand, split through six, eight or nine.

You should always stand if you’re holding a pair of tens.

It’s much simpler to remember if you translate the basic rudiments of the blackjack strategy chart into clear English. You can assist in learning by the use of flash cards.