Blackjack basics
Does blackjack basic strategy work?
Yes, in the sense that it is the best way to play every hand. It keeps the house edge as small as it can be, but it does not remove it, and you will still lose hands and sessions.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Basic strategy is the play that loses least or wins most for each hand against each dealer card, worked out over millions of hands. Players who guess give the house far more than players who follow it.
It works over many hands, not on any one hand. You can play it right and still lose the hand. That’s blackjack.
The play against every dealer card
| Basic strategy | Yes or no |
|---|---|
| Makes the best play every hand | Yes |
| Removes the house edge | No |
| Wins every session | No |
| Beats guessing | Yes |
Questions players ask
- Can you win with basic strategy?
- You can win sessions, but over time the house keeps a small edge.
Related answers
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
- Common blackjack mistakes beginners make
- Should I take insurance in blackjack?
Learn blackjack from someone who dealt it for 15 years
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