Basic strategy refers to the set of mathematically correct plays for each hand that you can potentially be dealt. Basic strategy should be completely 100% memorized before you move on to counting cards. Basic strategy was developed by complex mathematics and computer simulations that determined the correct play for any given situation. As you will see, when the dealer has a good chance at busting (showing a 2 through 6), we are often standing or doubling down. We stand more on more hands when the dealer shows a bust card because we do not want to risk busting ourselves and we double down on more hands because we want to get more money on the table if we think there is a good chance that the dealer will bust. For the below charts the top row indicates the card that the dealer is showing and the side column indicates your hand. You do not necessarily need to memorize every chart, just the one that applies to the game that you will be playing. So if there is not a single deck game that pays 3 to 2 on blackjack (do not play games that only pay 6 to 5) within 500 miles of you are than there is no need to go over the single deck charts.
For basic strategy charts click here.
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