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VARIABLES

There are certain variables that alter the casino's percentage advantage one way or the other and also have an effect on the correct basic strategy that should be used:

BASIC STRATEGY RULES

• General
  • Always stand on 17 or better.
  • Always hit on 12-16 when dealer shows 7 or higher.
  • Always hit on 8 or less.


• Doubling Down
  • Always double down on 11.
  • Double down on 10 when dealer shows 9 or lower.
  • Double down on 9 when dealer shows 6 or lower.


• Soft Hands
  • Always stand on soft 19 and 20.
  • Always double down on soft 13-18 when dealer shows 4,5, or 6.


• Hard Hands
  • If you have a 9 or lower, hit.
  • If you have 10 or 11, double down if your total is more than the dealer's upcard; hit otherwise.
  • If you have 12 through 16, hit when the dealer's upcard is 7 or higher; stand otherwise.
  • If you have 17 or higher, stand.


• Pairs
  • Always split aces and 8's.
  • Never split 10-face cards and never split 5's.
  • Always split 3's and 2's when the dealer shows 4,5,6, or 7.

A BRIEF EXPLANATION:
You never split two 5s or two 10s. If you have two 5s you have a total of ten and a very good chance of drawing a ten to make a strong hand of 20. If you have two 10s you are already there.

However, if you have two Aces or 8s you should usually split them. The two aces give you two chances for Blackjack, (although it generally only pays evens on split hands) and two 8s gives you two chances to make 18 instead of the rather poor 16 that you have.