How Do You Read Blackjack Strategy Chart?

As a beginning blackjack player, you may find the game daunting and the number of choices you have to make overwhelming. One of the first things you need to do is learn how to read a blackjack strategy chart.

This will help simplify the game for you and teach you when it is mathematically correct to make certain decisions.

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A blackjack strategy chart is a grid that shows all of the possible player hand options in blackjack along the top and the dealer’s upcard down the left side. In the middle of the chart are all of the possible combinations of player hands and dealer upcards.

Each square tells you what action you should take based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

For example, let’s say you are dealt a 9 and the dealer is showing a 3. According to the blackjack strategy chart, you should always stand on a hard 9 or higher.

PRO TIP:When reading a Blackjack strategy chart, focus on the most common scenarios first. Start by learning the basic playing strategy for hard and soft hands, as well as pairs. Once you become comfortable with the basics, move on to more specific scenarios such as splitting and doubling down.

This is because your chance of winning is greatest when you stand with a strong hand.

On the other hand, if you are dealt an Ace and a 5 and the dealer is showing a 6, you should hit according to the chart. This is because your chance of winning is greatest when you hit with an Ace/5 hand against a 6 upcard.

The chart takes into account all of the possible combinations of player hands and dealer upcards and provides the mathematically correct decision for each one.

Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule. The blackjack strategy chart is based on statistical analysis and it does not take into account any other factors such as how much money you have, what type of mood you are in, or what type of player the dealer is.

However, if you follow it religiously, it will help you make better decisions at the table and improve your overall chances of winning.