Since the essential features of basic strategy were developed, a number of refinements have given us the current set of principles for standing, hitting, doubling, splitting, and surrendering. These, along with the other more sophisticated forms of play were worked out based on the computer analysis of billions of hands. The following description of basic strategy is based on the multi-deck blackjack game found in several Atlantic City and Las Vegas casinos.

"Soft" & "Hard" Hands:

A hard hand is a hand without an A where the payer's total is given by the face values of the cards, or a hand with an A that can only be counted as 1. A soft hand is a hand with an A which can be counted as either 1 or 11. For example, A, 4 is a soft hand because the A may be counted as a 1 or 11; but A, 4, 7 is not, since counting the A as 11 would be a bust.

Hit or Stand:

The guidelines for hitting are rather straightforward. If the dealer shows a 2 or 3, you continue to take a hit until you have a hard 13 or a soft 18. If the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6, you continue to take a hit until you reach a hard 12 or a soft 18. If the dealer shows 7 or 8, you continue to take a hit until you have a hard 17 or a soft 18. It the dealer shows anything higher than 8, you continue to take a hit until you have a hard 17 or a soft 19.

When to Split:

Always split A's. The totals of 2 or 12 are not nearly as good as hitting 11's.

Never split 10's. Two 10's is a great hand -- don't screw it up!

Never split 5's, but you may want to double down!

Splitting 4's is a close call. Don't do it in one or two deck games. Do it in multideck games when the dealer shows a 5 or 6.

Split 9's against a dealer card of 2 - 9 except 7. The reason for this exception is simple. You have 18. The dealer's most probable total is 17. Don't screw up a good thing.

Splitting 8's, like 4's, depends on casino blackjack rules. Always do it when the dealer shows 2 - 9. If the dealer shows 10 or A and you happen to be lucky enough to be playing in a game that allows early surrender, you should surrender. If surrender is not an option, split.

Splitting 6's and 7's is straightforward. If the dealer's card is higher than your card, don't split.

Always split 2's or 3's if the dealer's card is less than 8. You should also note that the "value" of splitting is increased if you are playing in a game that allows doubling down after a split.

When to Double Down:

The principle behind doubling down (and splitting) is that it increases the amount of your money in play when the conditions of the hand are in your favor. These are both very important parts of expert blackjack play and must be mastered. Once again, the best way to present the guidelines is in a table. Double Down on 11 if the dealer shows 2 - 10 . Double down on a 10 if the dealer shows 2 - 9. Double down on 9 when the blackjack dealer shows 3 - 6. Double down on A, 7 or A, 6 when the dealer shows 3 - 6. You should double down on A, 5 or A, 4 when the dealer shows 4 - 6. Double down on A, 3 or A, 2 when the dealers up card is a 5 or 6.

When to Surrender:

Late surrender is still permitted in some casinos. The guidelines are straightforward. If Dealer shows A,9, or 10 surrender If holding any 16 except 8 , 8. You should surrender if the dealer is holding a 10 and you're holding 15.

Early surrender provides a tremendous advantage for the player which is why you may never find a game that allows it. If you are lucky enough to find one, if dealer shows A, early surrender if holding all hard 5 - 7 and 12 - 17 . If the dealer is showing 10, early surrender if you are holding all hard 14 - 16. Finally, if the dealer is showing a 9, you should early surrender if holding 10, 6 or 9 , 7.

When to Take Insurance:

...Never! You should note that there are certain times when taking insurance could be advantageous to the player, but these circumstances can only be detected by the best card counters.

You have learned how to bring the odds to just about even in most casino blackjack games. If you Follow the rules of blackjack basic strategy presented here, it will essentially remove the casino's advantage over you while you play. This will allow the recreational blackjack player to play casino blackjack as much as he wants without fear of losing his life savings.