Play Hard Hands Using Blackjack Basic Strategy

It's often said that when we play blackjack, we've got to apply blackjack basic strategy to have a winning chance against the house. Now, it's impossible to enter a casino with a printed strategy chart in hand so it's necessary to have blackjack basic strategy committed to memory. And here's an easy way to remember how to play hard hands using blackjack basic strategy.

We'll start with two of the simplest basic strategy for playing hard hands. First, if you receive a total of eight or lower, constantly hit or draw. Second, if you get a total of 17 or higher, always stand.

Obviously, there's nothing complex about remembering those two. But for totals nine through 16, blackjack basic strategy says that we should consider the dealer's face-up card already.

Among hard hands totaling nine through 11, there are two options that blackjack basic strategy recommends. These are hitting and doubling down.

When you get a nine and the dealer shows any card from three to six, it's best to double down. If the dealer shows any other card, you should hit or draw. If you receive a ten, double down except when the dealer shows a ten or ace in which case you should hit. And if you receive an 11, always double down unless the dealer has an ace in which case you should hit.

Among hard hand totaling 12 to 16, there are also two options recommended by blackjack basic strategy. These include hitting and standing.

When you receive a 12, stand when the dealer shows any card from four to six. If the dealer shows any other card, it's best to hit. Now, amid hard hands 13 to 16, blackjack basic strategy remains the same. That is, it's best to stand if the dealer has six or lower and it's best to hit if the dealer's showing seven or higher.

How to play hard hands using blackjack basic strategy is easily remembered in this context. Always hit on eight or lower and always stand on 17 or higher. Double down on a nine when the dealer has three to six, otherwise hit. Always double down a ten but hit when the dealer shows a ten or ace. Always double down an eleven but hit when the dealer has an ace. Constantly hit on a 12 save for a dealer's four to six where you must stand. And lastly, with 13 to 16 hands, stand on six or lower and hit on seven or higher. And that's how you play blackjack hard hands the right way.