Best Blackjack Basic Strategy App
Tips for beating one of the world’s toughest card games
By J. Phillip. Vogel
The Blackjack Strategy Trainer is a free blackjack game that teaches basic strategy while you play. You select the exact rules that you want, and the Strategy Coach warns you if you make mistakes. Blackjack Strategy Trainer v1 Blackjack Strategy Trainer v2. Blackjack All-In-One Trainer has 3 modes; Play, Train and Simulate. Reduce the advantage the casinos have over you by learning and practicing Basic Strategy. Beat the house and shift the odds in.
Like many of our favorite casino games, the exact origins of blackjack are forever lost to history. One of the first recoded descriptions of the game places its appearance in France during the 17th century, where it thrilled gamblers under its simple, yet appropriate appellation “vingt-et-un.” Some gaming historians, however, contend that rather than originating in France, vingt-et-un was nothing more that a variation of Spain’s already popular game “One and Thirty” or perhaps even a spin-off of Italy’s baccarat.
Regardless of its origins, so popular was the game that it quickly emigrated globally, taking on slight changes in both name and rules to suit regional appetites. In Russia, the game was called “Ochko” (roughly translated as “the hole’). In England, where players were rewarded for drawing both the jack and ace of spades as their first two cards, it became known as “blackjack.” But whether it’s “21” “California Aces” or even “Ochko,” blackjack continues to be one of gambling’s perennial favorites.
Blackjack Basics
In its most basic form, blackjack is one of the easiest casino games to learn. The objective is to attain a hand value that is greater than that of the dealer, yet does not exceed 21. It can be played using anywhere from one to eight standard decks, with cards of rank 2 through 10 scored according to their face value, while face cards—jack, queen, and king—are valued at 10 points. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points. The game is further governed by the following rules:
- Players win if their hand has a greater total point value than the dealer’s, without going over 21.
- The best possible hand is called a blackjack. It consists of an ace and any 10-point card. A winning blackjack pays 3:2.
- If both the player and the dealer have a tie—including with a blackjack—the bet is a tie or “push” and money is neither lost nor paid.
- All other winning hands pay even money, 1:1.
- If either the player or the dealer exceeds 21 or “busts” the hand automatically loses.
- If both the dealer and player bust, the player loses.
A round of blackjack begins with the player placing a bet in the circle or designated betting area in front of him. Every player will then be dealt two cards (both typically face up) while the dealer receives two cards, one of which is exposed and the other (known as the “hole” card) face down. If the dealer has a ten or an ace exposed, he will check for blackjack, in which case all player hands lose, except another blackjack. However, should the dealer have an ace exposed, players may take “insurance,” a side bet that pays 2-1 and hedges the initial bet against a dealer blackjack.
If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues starting with the player seated immediately to the left of the dealer. The following options are then available:
Stand. If the players decide their hand is sufficiently strong, they may opt to take no additional action.
Hit. Players may draw additional cards until they either bust or decide to stand.
Basic Strategy Blackjack
Double down. If players hands warrants, they may opt to double their current bet and receive one additional card. This option is only offered on the first two cards, and in some cases on the first two cards after splitting.
Split. When a player’s first two cards are of equal point value, he may separate them into two hands with each card being the first card of a new hand. To split, the player must make another wager of equal value to the initial wager for the second hand. In cases where another identical point valued card is dealt following the split, re-splitting may be allowed. (Re-splitting aces is often an exception.) When allowed, players may also double down after splitting.
Surrender. In certain versions of blackjack, players may surrender or yield a poor hand on their first two cards, rather than play against a potentially superior hand. Surrendered hands return ½ of the wager to the player.
Once all players have acted, the dealer will then complete his hand. Unlike players, the dealer has no freedom to determine the best course of play and must abide by the house rules which govern all actions. Usually the dealer must hit until his cards reach a total value of 17 or more. In some casinos or game versions, if a dealer is dealt a soft 17 (an ace plus cards totaling six additional points) he must also hit. If the dealer busts, all players active in the hand win automatically.
Basic Strategy
Despite its simplistic premise, blackjack is one of the most difficult games in the casino. But with an extremely low vigorish—sometimes reaching 0.18%—it can also be one of the most profitable. Or at least it is if you master basic strategy.
Although daunting and at times confusing, basic strategy is really nothing more than a breakdown of the optimal way to play every possible situation based on the house’s rules, your current hand and the dealer’s exposed card. Table A and Table B are a sample basic strategy table for use with multiple deck games.
Remember, optimal basic strategy varies with the version of the game you play, and there are tables such as these that outline exactly what action to take given the circumstances. And while they may be challenging to memorize, if making money as a blackjack player is your ultimate goal, there’s simply no other option.
Strategies to avoid
A lot of new players can be taken in by seemingly sound strategies that actually have no real place at the tables. Avoid the following dangerously ineffective methods:
Play as the dealer plays. Some people think because the house has an edge on the game that by playing according to the dealer’s rules (such as always hitting 16 or less, or never doubling or splitting) that same edge will apply. Wrong. Remember, the player acts first, and even if both you and the dealer bust, the house wins the hand. Such strategy results in a house edge of approximately 5.5%
Martingale System. Some players advocate an age-old, misguided betting system design ostensibly to guarantee winning. Called the “Martingale System,” this method requires players to double their bet for every hand following a loss. The theory is that by doubling the bet you will eventually win a hand and recoup any previous losses. Although it sounds powerful, this system is flawed and ineffective, and fails to take into account high-risk bets, a moderately bad run of cards, and table limits.
Never draw to a hand that can bust. Rather than take a card that could break the hand, some players prefer to always stand pat on hard totals of 12 or more. Such play is harmful in the long run and results in a vigorish of approximately 4%.
Although these and many other half-baked strategies may sound good in theory, at best they’re mildly innocuous and worst devastating. Stay clear of tricks and systems and stick with basic strategy, the only proven method of minimizing the house’s edge.
Variations on a Theme
While the traditional version is often the game of choice among blackjack enthusiasts, there are many other exciting and profitable variants available in both traditional and online casinos. Although the basic premise for each variation is akin to traditional blackjack, each has its own set of rules and strategy.
Game: Blackjack Double Exposure
Basic Rules: Offers many of the same traditional blackjack rules except: Both dealer cards are exposed, dealer wins all ties except on a natural blackjack, players may split only once, player blackjack pays 1:1.
Game: European Advanced Blackjack
Basic Rules: Available in regular and high limit versions. In this double-deck game blackjack pays 3:2, the dealer stands on soft 17, and both double down and
split options are available.
Game: Spanish 21
Basic Rules: Liberal blackjack game. Rules include: multiple 48-card decks (10s are removed from play), player 21 always wins, player blackjack beats dealer blackjack, player may double after splitting, double down rescue, five-card 21 pays 3:2, six-card 21 pays 2:1, and seven-card pays 3:1.
Game: Super Fun 21
Basic Rules: Very liberal single deck version of blackjack. Rules include: Dealer hits soft 17, player may double after a split, doubl on any number of cards, late surrender is available, as is double down rescue. Blackjack pays even money.
Here is our list of the best Blackjack apps for iPad. Blackjack is a simple, easy game to play, but not so easy to win. It’s a great app for the iPad and whether you want to play for money or just for fun, there are literally thousands of options available out there.
6 Jun 2020, by Cherry Mae Torrevillas
This application will teach you the game of BlackJack and how to play any hand, such that you maximize your chance of winning. Learn how to play BlackJack on your iPad, when to Hit, Stand, Split, Double or Surrender. This is not a blackjack game, but an application that teaches you the right play. Think of it as a school to become better at BlackJack.
- Hit, Stand, Split, Double or Surrender to the cards dealt
- Get feedback on your decision
- See the basic strategy table for the selected house rules
- Learn to play like a professional
This blackjack app offers a real-world gaming experience. It’s the standard rules for this classic game including paying 3:2 for blackjack, dealer stands on 17, insurance pays 2:1, and more. You can also double down, split or surrender. The game is for fun, but there are in-app purchases that cost real money. You can play at virtual casinos from all over the world including Vegas and Monte Carlo. Enjoy the cool graphics, card tables and view your in-game stats to see how you are doing.
- The classic blackjack card game
- Nice graphics, In-game stats
- Play at casinos from around the world
- Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split and Surrender
- In-app purchases for chips and other in-game commodities
BlackJack Online - Just Like Vegas! is an action-packed gambling game you’re going to enjoy. You get to play against real people from all over the world with fun social features. Choose the table you want to play at. On signup you get $5,000 chips for free, and there’s a free daily bonus that can go as high as $100,000. The gameplay is realistic and intuitive, and you can log in using Facebook or play as a guest. There are bonus games for collecting free coins, live chat so you can talk with friends or other players, you can send gifts in real time, and the gameplay is fast and easy. If you just want to practice blackjack on your on your iPad before you head to Vegas for the weekend, this is a great app to do it on.
- Hi-Lo game to win free coins
- Login using Facebook or as a guest
- Authentic casino feel
- Free chips on signup
- Free with in-app purchases
The Blackjack 21 app offers a real casino-like atmosphere where you can play against players from all over the world. You can chat and message other players, get free chips every day, and even play without registering. Your account will be linked to Roulettist and Pokerist Texas Poker so you can use chips, achievements, and contacts in all three apps. If you’re a new player, this app can help you learn. There are daily quests where you can complete quests and earn rewards, too. Make some friends, practice your skills, and have some fun!
- Free chips
- Learn to play
- Chat and messaging system
- User-friendly interface
- Free with in-app purchases
Best Blackjack Basic Strategy Apprentice
Blackjack 21 will help you improve your real-life card skills while you play for fun. You get theme-specific cards, high-def graphics, and an easy user interface. You can tap or drag to place your bet, tap to split your cards, and if the dealer has Blackjack, insurance pays 2:1. You can play multiple hands against the dealer, choose from between different table themes, and Blackjack casino rules pays 3:2. The gameplay is interactive, with voiceovers, and the daily bonus spin will give you the chance to win free chips. This blackjack app runs smoothly, feels like a real game, and the animations are fun. The in-game trainer is helpful.
- Improve your real-life card skills
- Play for fun
- Win free chips with the daily bonus spin
Blackjack Basic Strategy Practice
The Blackjack 21 Free app! gives you the game you love with no muss and no fuss. You won’t have to buy chips to play. Follow standard Las Vegas rules as if you were at a real casino, track your stats to see how you’ve improved over time, and enjoy the table customizations with HD graphics. You can customize things like tables, face card style, decks, music, sfx, hints, surrender, and more. If you don’t already know how to play, there’s a help screen to give you some pointers. The controls are easy to use and learn, and you’ll play Double Down, Insurance, Surrender, and Splits just like in Vegas. Hints are enabled by default so if you would rather do without, you can turn it off using the “Move Advice” setting.
- No chip buying
- Deck shuffle animation
- Help screen and hints
- Simple controls
- Free with in-app purchase
BC Blackjack offers a realistic blackjack experience that users are praising. The app features full sized cards, chips and 3D rendered tables. If you are new or need to improve your skills, this app has a built in trainer and basic strategy cards to help you learn new and proven strategies. The gameplay is realistic, there are advanced plays, free chips without waiting and more. An in-app purchase for the Pro version opens up more features like tables with higher limits, customizable table settings, practice modes, speed deal and you can remove ads. BC Blackjack brings the casino experience to you.
- A realistic casino experience
- Cool graphics, Full sized cards, 3D tables
- Built in trainer, Learn basic strategies
- In-app purchase for Pro version, Remove ads
- Pro version has many more great features
Card Counter is a game based on card counting techniques for Blackjack. This app will teach you what you need to know. You get to pick the counting system you want to learn. Choose from Silver Fox, Zen Count, Hi-Lo, KISS II, or others. There are many different modes, like Challenge, Tutorial, Medium, Easy, Hard, and Expert to keep improving your skills. You’ll be able to learn everything you will need to know to count cards and win money at the real tables while you are on the plane to Vegas. Never use this app at a real casino table. This app is worth the purchase.
- Voice-over by Oscar Santana
- Many game modes
- Pick the card counting system you want to learn
- Track your progress with Game Center leaderboards
- One-time purchase