Blackjack Strategy

Online blackjack is a game of luck, but it is mainly a game of strategy. If you learn blackjack strategy, you will become a better blackjack player and you will also get more enjoyment from your blackjack game.

Blackjack Basic Strategy

The blackjack basic strategy is a series of charts or tables that plot your cards along the side of the chart and the dealer's up card across the top. For each situation, the blackjack basic strategy chart advises you to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender. The charts are based on the probability that you can draw another card, and thus come closer to 21, without busting. The basic strategy is the most useful strategy for beginners and for experienced blackjack players alike.

Blackjack Card Counting

Some strategists will tell you to try card counting. The card counting strategy requires a very good memory and also takes a lot of practice before it can be put to use. Trying to recall, or hold in your mind, how many of each face card has been played, is not easy. Also, even being good at card counting will not ensure a winning hand. It undoubtedly helps the player in blackjack games but it also may get him into trouble. Online blackjack games at many online casinos have an "autoplay" feature that helps the player with card counting and other basic strategies. The autoplay feature uses probability charts to minimize a player's losses.

Shuffle Tracking

Then there is the strategy called "Shuffle Tracking". Shuffle tracking is even harder to learn and absorb than card counting. Furthermore, some casinos consider it illegal and will ask a player to withdraw if they can determine that he is using this strategy. Shuffle tracking involves memorizing where excess large or small cards are placed in the discard pile and then trying to predict where they will end up in the next shuffle. It sounds like a magician's card trick and is just as difficult to master. It is definitely not popular with amateur players.

Shuffle tracking is of no use in online blackjack because the dealers in online games are computers which shuffle the decks in even and fair fashion.

Bottom Line Blackjack Strategy

The bottom line in blackjack strategy is that each player really evolves his own strategy as he learns to play. Some players mimic the dealer, some use the blackjack basic strategy charts, some use the card counting system, and some try the shuffle tracking system. Some players use one strategy at a brick-and-mortar casino, and a different strategy when they play at an online blackjack casino.

However, the best strategy of all is to learn the rules of the blackjack game you are playing, and then decide how you want to play.