Some players at land based casinos are hesitant to use basic strategy, usually because they’re afraid they’ll look like novices or because they’re afraid that it’s not allowed. Playing blackjack online will take care of both of those fears.
But first what is basic strategy? It is the most effective way to lower the house’s edge in the game. What basic strategy does is tell a player how to play every hand in the game. This includes when to split, double down and surrender as well as how to play both soft and hard hands. Sure that sounds like it takes some of the thrill out of the game, but which is a better thrill: choosing how to play a hand or winning? Winning. Blackjack strategy was created by the mathematics of the game, and the best method for playing each hand was tested countless times with simulations. While basic strategy can lower the house edge to half of a percent from the normal 5%-8%, it doesn’t guarantee that you will win every hand. If you play using basic strategy it will allow you to win more often than without. But don’t think that you will win every time or that you’ve beaten the house edge.
The first reason some players are hesitant to play with basic strategy is that they’re afraid that they will look like novices. Playing blackjack online overcomes this easily. A player is at home playing where no one else can see them. It’s even best to have the casino open in one window and a basic strategy chard in another. This way you have the chart right there and no one can see you use it. There is no fear of being considered a novice.
And as for the other reason about not being able to use the chart in a casino, again, you’re at home. There’s no casino staff standing around looking over your shoulder. You are free to use basic strategy online. In fact, it’s advisable to do so, as it’s the best way to lower the house edge and card counting is ineffective online. And even if you were playing in a land based casino, basic strategy is perfectly legal to play with.
Basic strategy is highly beneficial if only because it is the only tool at your disposal to lower the house edge. But you have to stick with it, follow it. Even if you lose a few hands, don’t become discouraged and stop using it. Basic strategy works over time. Meaning that you will win more hands using it than if you don’t.