How Do You Read a Basic Strategy Blackjack Chart?

When you sit down at a blackjack table, you’ll be presented with a chart. This is called a basic strategy chart.

It outlines the optimal way to play every possible hand in blackjack.

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The chart is based on statistical analysis and takes into account the fact that the dealer always has a small advantage over the player. By following the chart, you can minimize the house edge and give yourself the best chance of winning.

However, it’s important to note that basic strategy is not a guaranteed path to success. It’s simply a tool that can help you make better decisions at the table.

Even with perfect play, you will still lose some hands.

That said, if you want to improve your blackjack game, learning basic strategy is a good place to start. In this article, we’ll explain how to read a basic strategy chart and put it into practice at the table.

How to Read a Basic Strategy Chart

A basic strategy chart is divided into two main sections: hard hands and soft hands. A hard hand is any hand that doesn’t contain an ace, or any hand with an ace that can only be counted as 1 point.

PRO TIP:When reading a basic strategy blackjack chart, start at the top and work down. Look for the player’s hand total on the left side of the chart. Then look across to the right and find the dealer’s up card. Once you’ve located those two pieces of information, read down to determine what action to take (stand, hit, split, double down, etc).

A soft hand is any hand with an ace that can be counted as 11 points.

Within each section, the chart lists all possible player hands in descending order from left to right. The dealer’s up-card is listed along the top of the chart.

For example, if the dealer is showing a 5, find 5 along the top of the chart and look down until you find your hand (let’s say it’s 13). The correct play will be listed next to your hand (in this case “hit”).

If you can’t find your hand listed on the chart, look for the closest one above or below it and use that play. For example, if you have 16 and the dealer is showing a 7, you would look for 16 on the chart but not find it.

The closest options are 15 (hit) and 17 (stand), so you would hit in this situation.

Some charts also include variations for when the dealer hits or stands on soft 17 (a combination of an ace and any six). These variations are based on whether or not it’s favorable for the player.

If you see “S17” next to a particular play, it means that you should use that play when the dealer hits on soft 17; if you see “H17,” it means that you should use that play when the dealer stands on soft 17. If there is no notation next to a particular play, it means that it applies in both cases (S17 and H17). .

In conclusion, basic strategy charts are essential tools for blackjack players of all levels of experience. By following these charts, players can make better decisions at the table and give themselves a better chance of winning.