Blackjack is one of the most popular games in any physical and digital casino. It’s a game that’s easy to understand, where even a novice can pick it up in a couple of minutes. Blackjack is also a game of odds, and this can make it tricky to play well.
Luck plays the biggest part in blackjack, but having a firm understanding of the best odds can also help in allowing you to make the safest decisions. This is where the blackjack chart comes in, as a visual representation of the moves with the highest odds.
To help our readers we’ve created this page to break down what the blackjack strategy chart is, how to read it, and when it could and should be used. Whether you’re a newcomer to the game, or an older fan looking to return to the table, here’s everything you need to know about the basic blackjack strategy chart.
What is a Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart?
A blackjack strategy chart is a visual representation of the most statistically safe moves that a player can take on any given hand. A strategy chart is built on statistical analysis and converted into a readable table form that can be printed out and carried by a player.
This is possible because, unlike a lot of online casino games, blackjack is one of the easier titles to convert into odds format. With only 52 cards in a deck, and some simple rules governing the game, number crunching is relatively simple.
A blackjack strategy chart will usually take the form of a small single page, with borders and coloured sections demonstrating the different situations you can find yourself in (like our talkSPORT BET one below). It then suggests a move in that situation, which you can follow if you wish.
Will Using a Chart Guarantee a Win?
Simply put: no. There are no guaranteed ways to win casino games, that’s the whole point. Playing online blackjack entirely sticking to a basic blackjack strategy chart will minimise the house edge, but the house will still ultimately have an edge over the player.
The chart is more a way to show what the safe choice is, rather than demonstrate the path to victory. Some charts might even be labelled “cheat sheets”, but they aren’t actually cheating.
How to Use a Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
To use a basic blackjack strategy chart you first need to understand what the different sections of the sheet mean, and how to read your position. The column on the left side will typically show your hand, with each number representing your potential scores.
The top-right side of these charts is commonly taken up by the dealer’s hand on their revealed card. To the right of your hand score and below the dealer’s card hand score is the list of options that the chart represents. These will be labelled letters explained by a legend next to the table.
For example, if your hand is scored at 8, then no matter the dealer’s card, the recommended move will be “H”, for hit. If your hand is scored at 17, then you’ll be recommended to “S”, or stand, no matter the dealer’s hand.
Other options include splitting, doubling/hitting, surrendering/hitting, and more. As long as you understand the basic rules of blackjack, you should be able to instantly understand what each position recommends, and how you should implement that move.
You could also consider using the chart alongside special bonus offers that can help you take your betting further. These special features like deposit matches can provide more ways to play, giving you more practice with your strategy chart, and more ways to experiment with how to use it.
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When Should a Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart be Used?
The best time to use a basic blackjack strategy chart is when you’re new to the game, and not yet familiar with the odds. Referring to the strategy chart as you play will help you learn the statistical best course of action until it becomes second nature.
A blackjack strategy chart is also useful as a backup if you suffer a momentary lapse of concentration, and forget what the best bet might be, just to play it safe.
Ultimately, you should use a blackjack strategy chart when you feel comfortable using it. Some players might learn the chart only to abandon it and go by feel, while others might prefer sticking closely to its suggestions. Some players might prefer to mix the two, combining their betting strategy with what the chart suggests. It’s up to you, and as long as you’re under control, there are no wrong answers.
If you find yourself in a situation where you find yourself unhappy with play, we’d also recommend checking out our safer gambling portal. This service provides helpful information on reducing problem gambling, alongside resources that can block casino access to reduce access. You can even take a questionnaire to see where you land on the betting spectrum, to be more secure with your playstyle.
Blackjack Strategy FAQs
While individual casino rules will vary, the answer is almost always yet. Using a chart is not cheating and it will not give you an unfair advantage, so most casinos won’t mind. You might get looks from other players, however, if that matters to you.
Not always. Some casinos will offer different forms of the game, like Spanish 21, which will not be compatible with basic blackjack strategy charts. You might be able to find strategy charts for these different versions online, however.
In real-life circumstances, there is no way to tell completely. Blackjack is a game of odds, so you might find a game sticking closely to what the chart suggests, or it might be very far off.
