Winning Strategies for Blackjack: The DB Strategy

Iravan774

The rules of blackjack are simple: players and the dealer compete to get their hand's point total as close to 21 as possible. Players have an advantage because the dealer must continue to draw cards when their total is below 17, which can put them at risk of going over 21. This small advantage has driven the game's ups and downs over the last half-century.

The most common rules are based on a 6-deck shoe, allowing players to double down on any two cards (DA2), permitting players to double after splitting (DAS), requiring the dealer to stand on soft 17 (S17), and not allowing surrender (No Surrender).

The basic strategy table, which players should memorize, provides guidance on how to act in various situations. Here is a simplified version of the basic strategy table based on the mentioned rules:

Basic Strategy Table (6-Deck, DA2, DAS, S17, No Surrender):

- 5-8: Always hit.
- 9: Double down on 3-6; hit on 2, 7-10; double down on A.
- 10: Double down on 2-9; hit on 10-A.
- 11: Double down on 2-10; hit on A.
- 12: Stand on 4-6; hit on 2-3, 7-10; double down on A.
- 13-16: Stand on 2-6; hit on 7-10; double down on A.
- 17 and above: Always stand.
- A,2-A,6: Double down on 5-6; hit on 2-4, 7-10; stand on A.
- A,7-A,9: Double down on 3-6; hit on 2, 7-10; stand on A.
- 2,2-8,8: Split on 2-7; hit on 8-10 and A.
- 9,9: Split on 2-6 and 8-9; stand on 7, 10, and A.
- 10,10: Never split; stand on 10 and A.
- A,A: Always split.

Now, let's simplify this further to make it easier to understand. For instance, if you have a 9, the rule is to double down against the dealer's 3-6, and hit against any other dealer card. So, we can simplify this to "9: Double on 3-6, hit on the rest."

When you have a pair of 3s, and you can double down after splitting, you should split against the dealer's 2-7 and hit against other cards. This rule can be simplified to "3,3: Split on 2-7, hit on the rest."

It's crucial to note that these rules apply to the specified ruleset (6-decks, DA2, DAS, S17, No Surrender). You should develop your basic strategy based on the specific rules of the casino you're playing at. Finally, remember that card counting is not allowed in casinos, and players must not show signs of counting cards to avoid being asked to leave.

Niti998

"Is a winning strategy really reliable?"

Kamal531

"I need to take my time to study all this content; there's so much of it."

Kahn332

"Winning Strategies for Blackjack: The DB Strategy"

Kalkin995

"A strategy needs to be executable to be good."