For example, if the running count is +6 and there are 4 decks left, you do 6÷4=1.5. This doesn’t have to be exact and can be a rough figure, so don’t worry if you’re terrible at math. The running count gives you a better indication of whether there are more high or low cards in the deck, allowing you to make a smarter decision on your next move.Card values are as follows: Card rankĪt the end of every deck in the shoe, you divide the running count by the number of decks remaining. You then use these values to increase or decrease the running count. In this card-counting strategy, each card is assigned a value. As a result, learning how and when to play these deviations will increase your EV.The hi-lo card counting system is one of the most popular thanks to its simplicity. When you have the true count of the shoe, you’ll be able to see that the composition of the shoe has changed, and suddenly basic strategy is no longer the most valuable way to play a certain hand. If you’re serious about beating the house and walking away with a positive EV, you need to be using a counting system with your basic strategy. You should make these moves in place of a double down if available. There is a live blackjack table from Evolution Gaming called Power Blackjack that allows you to triple and quadruple down.

Usp = Surrender (if not allowed, then split).

Us = Surrender (if not allowed, then stand).

Uh = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit).

Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand).

This is a basic strategy chart that you can use when playing blackjack.

These moves are called deviations and are the moments when you should not follow basic strategy. However, when you add card counting there are times when following a basic strategy can be detrimental to your EV. Some casinos offer a 1 deck game, where playing the best strategies can cut the house edge down to 0.014%. This is for 8 decks which is the standard for online casinos. But, there are other strategies, such as card counting, that you can play at the same time to cut this edge down to 0.5% and help you increase your expected value (EV). If you follow the basic strategy, you can cut the house edge down to around 1.5%, depending on the table rules. The best blackjack players memorize the move that should be made in every situation, or you can print out a chart or use a blackjack hand calculator to do that or you. To play basic strategy, you make the move which gives the highest probability of winning based on your cards and the dealer’s card.

Single deck blackjack basic strategy