Blackjack is one of the easiest casino card games to learn to play along with one of the lowest house edges to start with. But blackjack also has one of the easiest ways to lower the house edge. It is so easy that even novice players can do it.
The majority of blackjack games start out with a house edge of 2%-5% depending on the number of decks that are being used. The more decks being used the more the house edge goes up.
Basic strategy is the surest way of lowering the house edge. It is also the easiest. When used correctly, it can lower the house edge to 0.5%.
On the surface basic strategy appears to be only a chart. But that chart has the best statistical play for every single player hand versus any dealer up card. I say best statistical because all of those plays have been tested and put through simulation. So while they will not win every single hand, they will, over time, lower the house edge.
Using basic strategy to lower the housed edge and increase your own blackjack odds is actually very easy to do. After being dealt your hand, look for it on the left side of the chart. Hard hands, hands with Aces (soft hands) and pairs will be listed. All of the dealer’s up cards are listed along the top with columns running down the chart from each with the best play. When you find your hand check to see what play is recommended for that hand against the up card that the dealer is showing. Then make that play. It is that easy.
Being that easy to use is what makes basic strategy the easiest way to lower the hosue edge and increase your blackjack odds