How did you first memorize basic strategy?
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April 16th, 2021 at 4:54:54 AM
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Particularly for soft hands and splits.
Soft hands with H17, I just remembered "2 2 3 3 4 5 1". 2 meaning there are 2 dealer upwards with which to double if possible (5 and 6), and working leftward from there, until the 1, which is A8 v 6.
Splits (again, H17)
"2 3 7, 2 through 7
6, 2 through 6
4, only 5 and 6
8 always but surrender on ace
9 no 7 10 and ace
5 is 10, 10 is 20, ace is yes"
Soft hands with H17, I just remembered "2 2 3 3 4 5 1". 2 meaning there are 2 dealer upwards with which to double if possible (5 and 6), and working leftward from there, until the 1, which is A8 v 6.
Splits (again, H17)
"2 3 7, 2 through 7
6, 2 through 6
4, only 5 and 6
8 always but surrender on ace
9 no 7 10 and ace
5 is 10, 10 is 20, ace is yes"
April 16th, 2021 at 6:38:48 AM
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Memorize? I bring a card with me to the table. In fact, there was a time I would put a basic strategy table on the back of my business cards. (If you can think of a better way to get people to keep your business card, let me know.)
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Sep 1, 2024
April 16th, 2021 at 8:20:14 AM
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Most importantly, never play a game that pays less than 3:2 on blackjack
Dealer <7 hit 11 or less, otherwise hit 16 or less. Unless double/split applies
Double 10 and 11 unless dealer shows higher
Double 9 on dealer 3-6
Always split AA and 88
Split 22. 33, and 77 on dealer 2-7
Never take insurance
I estimate those simple rules cover 98% of situations then you can add:
Hit 12 against dealer 2-3
Always hit soft 17. Hit soft 18 if dealer has <8. Unless double applies
Double A2, A3 on dealer 3-6
Double A4, A5 on dealer 4-6
Double A6, A7 on dealer 5-6
Split 66 on dealer 2-6
Split 44 on dealer 5-6
Split 99 on dealer 2-9 x 7
I generally don’t bother with surrender since it’s often not allowed. There are very minor, probably immaterial adjustments to above rules for things like whether or not double after split is allowed (if not, you don’t split 44)
Dealer <7 hit 11 or less, otherwise hit 16 or less. Unless double/split applies
Double 10 and 11 unless dealer shows higher
Double 9 on dealer 3-6
Always split AA and 88
Split 22. 33, and 77 on dealer 2-7
Never take insurance
I estimate those simple rules cover 98% of situations then you can add:
Hit 12 against dealer 2-3
Always hit soft 17. Hit soft 18 if dealer has <8. Unless double applies
Double A2, A3 on dealer 3-6
Double A4, A5 on dealer 4-6
Double A6, A7 on dealer 5-6
Split 66 on dealer 2-6
Split 44 on dealer 5-6
Split 99 on dealer 2-9 x 7
I generally don’t bother with surrender since it’s often not allowed. There are very minor, probably immaterial adjustments to above rules for things like whether or not double after split is allowed (if not, you don’t split 44)
Last edited by: Ace2 on Apr 16, 2021
It’s all about making that GTA
April 16th, 2021 at 8:29:01 AM
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I used flash cards.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
April 16th, 2021 at 8:33:07 AM
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Ditto.Quote: ThatDonGuyMemorize? I bring a card with me to the table. In fact, there was a time I would put a basic strategy table on the back of my business cards. (If you can think of a better way to get people to keep your business card, let me know.)
And here’s the back of Mike’s card, which I designed for him several years back.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 16th, 2021 at 8:36:46 AM
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I used flash cards, then started applying baseball players names to the numbers. Jeter=2, Mantle =7,etc etc.
Everything was easy except a handful of splits and doubles.
Everything was easy except a handful of splits and doubles.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
April 16th, 2021 at 8:45:12 AM
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We've all had to memorize stuff before. So whatever works for you. I started out by saying to myself ( over and over and over again - I think it helped that the radio in my car was broken, so it gave me something to do ):
Hard Hands:
"5-6-7-8 Hit; 9 Double to a 6 but hit on a 2, 10 Double to a 9; 12 hit on 2-3; 13-14-15-16 stand to a 6 otherwise hit....."
Pairs:
"2,3's split up to a 7; 4's split on a 5,6; 6's split up to a 6; 7's split up to a 7; 8's always split; 9's split up to a 9 but stand on 7; 10's never split; ACES always split.
Etc
https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/strategy/4-decks/
Hard Hands:
"5-6-7-8 Hit; 9 Double to a 6 but hit on a 2, 10 Double to a 9; 12 hit on 2-3; 13-14-15-16 stand to a 6 otherwise hit....."
Pairs:
"2,3's split up to a 7; 4's split on a 5,6; 6's split up to a 6; 7's split up to a 7; 8's always split; 9's split up to a 9 but stand on 7; 10's never split; ACES always split.
Etc
https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/strategy/4-decks/
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
April 16th, 2021 at 8:49:17 AM
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Facsimile of my early '90's casino bought BJ strategy card. Now on Amazon for $7.25.
https://tinyurl.com/yzmpwumn
https://tinyurl.com/yzmpwumn
April 16th, 2021 at 9:00:39 AM
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I'd play on this battery operated blackjack home game (from 1991) which encouraged card counting, so I had a dozen other flash cards I typed up and put under mailing tape based on the True Count. I'd get $1,000 to start and it allowed bets of $10-$1,000 in increments of $10. When the battery dies, I'd lose all my money, which could be weeks or months.
Saitek Pro Blackjack Electronic Handheld Trainer Training Strategy Game - 1991 With Manual In Original Box
on etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/790563043/saitek-pro-blackjack-electronic-handheld
also on e-bay https://tinyurl.com/yfcoj2x4
Saitek Pro Blackjack Electronic Handheld Trainer Training Strategy Game - 1991 With Manual In Original Box
on etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/790563043/saitek-pro-blackjack-electronic-handheld
also on e-bay https://tinyurl.com/yfcoj2x4
April 16th, 2021 at 9:11:25 AM
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Quote: WizardI used flash cards.
This is what I did. I used to have it running on my computer screen all the time.
April 16th, 2021 at 9:37:28 AM
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I actually worked out basic strategy by hand (and calculator) - but accept that isn't easy for everyone.
My tips are remember the easy strategy and then the variations. My early days were based on the UK rules at the time incl S17.
(i) Hit 16 vs 7+, stand on 12 vs 6-.
(ii) Hit soft 17.
(iii) Split everything vs 2-6 (in the UK you weren't allowed to split 4s 5s 10s so split A236789).
(iv) Split A2378 vs 7 (they add up to 21!)
(v) Split A89 vs 8 9
(vi) (UK) Split A vs T (US rules are split A8 vs TA)
(vii) Double [everything] vs 2-6 (in the old UK rules you could only double 9-11)
(viii) Double 10-11 vs 7-9
(ix) UK doesn't double 11 vs T/A, so you need to adjust this for US and/or H17.
(x) Soft doubles weren't allowed back then.
Exceptions
(i) Hit 12 vs 2 3.
(ii) Hit soft 18 vs 9 T A (hitting soft 18 vs 9 is how some casinos recognised a good player).
(iii) Split 4s vs 5 6
(vii) Hit 9 vs 2 (do not double)
(x) Soft Doubles.
- Double anything soft 18 or less vs 5 and 6 (i.e. A7 thru A2).
- 4 and 3 go up in steps of 2. 4 (A7 thru A4) 3 (A7 thru A6) (also A4 vs 4 is a very close decision!).
My tips are remember the easy strategy and then the variations. My early days were based on the UK rules at the time incl S17.
(i) Hit 16 vs 7+, stand on 12 vs 6-.
(ii) Hit soft 17.
(iii) Split everything vs 2-6 (in the UK you weren't allowed to split 4s 5s 10s so split A236789).
(iv) Split A2378 vs 7 (they add up to 21!)
(v) Split A89 vs 8 9
(vi) (UK) Split A vs T (US rules are split A8 vs TA)
(vii) Double [everything] vs 2-6 (in the old UK rules you could only double 9-11)
(viii) Double 10-11 vs 7-9
(ix) UK doesn't double 11 vs T/A, so you need to adjust this for US and/or H17.
(x) Soft doubles weren't allowed back then.
Exceptions
(i) Hit 12 vs 2 3.
(ii) Hit soft 18 vs 9 T A (hitting soft 18 vs 9 is how some casinos recognised a good player).
(iii) Split 4s vs 5 6
(vii) Hit 9 vs 2 (do not double)
(x) Soft Doubles.
- Double anything soft 18 or less vs 5 and 6 (i.e. A7 thru A2).
- 4 and 3 go up in steps of 2. 4 (A7 thru A4) 3 (A7 thru A6) (also A4 vs 4 is a very close decision!).
April 25th, 2021 at 8:29:42 PM
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A blackjack game came alongside solitaire and minesweeper on a windows computer sometime in the 90s that would give me a warning any time I did something other than basic strategy. Made it easy to learn without even trying. I tried to use it to learn how to "count cards", but at that time I knew card counting mostly from Rainman and thought it meant keeping track of all the values remaining ("no one can count through a six deck shoe"). Even with pen and paper it was too much of a pain to bother with.
It was Bringing Down the House in 2003 where I learned it was a lot easier.
It was Bringing Down the House in 2003 where I learned it was a lot easier.
April 26th, 2021 at 5:19:00 AM
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Quote: ThatDonGuyMemorize? I bring a card with me to the table. In fact, there was a time I would put a basic strategy table on the back of my business cards. (If you can think of a better way to get people to keep your business card, let me know.)
Now, this is dedication! I love it.
To answer the question, I'd say slowly expanded knowledge/memory.
When I first started I felt semi-confident for standing on hard 17s and hitting on soft 17s (do keep in mind that I was young, don't judge me on that).
Later I added the baseline rule, Stand on 13-16 if the dealers upcard is 6 or lower - and it took a while to remember when I should stand on 12 - but 4,5,6 made it into my subconsciousness eventually.
So in terms of basic play, I just think, abbreviated "stand on 13-16 if 6 or lower. Only stand on 12 if 4,5,6".
(I hate doubling down (I know, I know), so I only do it when the odds are solid - so 10 or 11 and a lower upcard from the dealer - and even then I sometimes do against my best interest. And the same goes for splitting, i.e. I only split aces and 8s - another move against my best interest, but perhaps it will change if I memorise further).
This changes online though, as I always have the cheat sheet at hand.
April 26th, 2021 at 8:18:14 AM
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For others I think you're better off using standing on 12-16 (v2-6) and then remembering to hit some 12s than the other way round. Similarly doubling 9-11 and then remembering not 9 vs 2.Quote: Repeat...the baseline rule, Stand on 13-16 if the dealers upcard is 6 or lower....
It is also best to start out splitting everything vs 2-6 (except 4s 5s 10s).
The simple rule is vs 2 to 6 stand on 12+, double 9-11, split (nearly) all pairs.
April 26th, 2021 at 1:02:15 PM
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Quote: WizardI used flash cards.
I programmed my calculator to do drill and practice. The whole way to Vegas by plane I was drilling myself.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
April 27th, 2021 at 1:19:37 AM
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I printed out a color coded basic strategy table from an online engine (either wiz's or BJA's). I studied it for like 30 minutes and attempted to fill in blank ones. Anything I didn't instantly know 100% I put on flash cards and used flash cards to memorize the rest. This later spread to deviations, rule changes, etc.
After having that done and being able to fill in blank strategy charts for any game rules 100% I then played with free online software that warned on strategy mistakes (again wiz's or BJA's) and would just practice for 30 min here, hour there, etc, until I realized I'd played for dozens and dozens of hours without 1 strategy mistake.
After having that done and being able to fill in blank strategy charts for any game rules 100% I then played with free online software that warned on strategy mistakes (again wiz's or BJA's) and would just practice for 30 min here, hour there, etc, until I realized I'd played for dozens and dozens of hours without 1 strategy mistake.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
April 27th, 2021 at 2:00:58 PM
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this is the same card I memmorized ..Back when I played BJ..IT'S so hard to find a 3/2 game now I just don't play...I wish people would boycott 6/5 BJ but it's like someone once said"people are stupid"...Quote: ChumpChangeFacsimile of my early '90's casino bought BJ strategy card. Now on Amazon for $7.25.
https://tinyurl.com/yzmpwumn
davey
April 28th, 2021 at 12:07:36 AM
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I printed out the table from the Wizard's site and memorized it while waiting for the bus to the airport (in Austin) to fly to Vegas. I think I had it memorized by the time the bus came. That was in 2000. I'd already learned card-counting from the book Knockout Blackjack, which was considerably easier than learning Basic Strategy.
I run Easy Vegas ( https://easy.vegas )
April 29th, 2021 at 4:03:19 AM
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When reviewing basic strategies often return variances quoted are compared to "liberal Vegas Strip rules".
From many things I have read over the last four months (e.g., pandemic related changes), or so, is it safe to assume the blackjack survey is out of date?
Are the higher table game minimums, for one example, confined to the Strip, or is that a good rule of thumb across Las Vegas?
Thoughts?
From many things I have read over the last four months (e.g., pandemic related changes), or so, is it safe to assume the blackjack survey is out of date?
Are the higher table game minimums, for one example, confined to the Strip, or is that a good rule of thumb across Las Vegas?
Thoughts?
April 29th, 2021 at 7:57:55 PM
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Quote: IndyJeffreyWhen reviewing basic strategies often return variances quoted are compared to "liberal Vegas Strip rules".
From many things I have read over the last four months (e.g., pandemic related changes), or so, is it safe to assume the blackjack survey is out of date?
Are the higher table game minimums, for one example, confined to the Strip, or is that a good rule of thumb across Las Vegas?
Thoughts?
It's not really that the minimums have gotten that much higher, though you won't find any low limit tables on the Strip, as in $5 or $1 if that's what you are asking..............it's mainly that they have made the rules so much worse. 8 deck shoes v 6 deck shoes. H17 v S17. 6-5 v 3-2. No surrender. And the list goes on.
As to learning basic strategy, the first book I obtained or read was Laurence Revere's "Playing Blackjack as a Business". I think his color charts were thought provoking and groundbreaking at the time. Though that was a very LONG ASS time ago............LOL
April 30th, 2021 at 5:08:34 AM
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Quote: daveyandersen1this is the same card I memmorized ..Back when I played BJ..IT'S so hard to find a 3/2 game now I just don't play...I wish people would boycott 6/5 BJ but it's like someone once said"people are stupid"...Quote: ChumpChangeFacsimile of my early '90's casino bought BJ strategy card. Now on Amazon for $7.25.
/yzmpwumn
g]
Ha, funny how someone on Amazon thinks people want/need to buy the cheat sheet when you can download it/open the exact same sheet from everywhere online. Just search Blackjack Cheat Sheet and get infinite results. (There's also plugins, though somehow the only plugins I have found are in French ...)
Quote: charliepatrickFor others I think you're better off using standing on 12-16 (v2-6) and then remembering to hit some 12s than the other way round. Similarly doubling 9-11 and then remembering not 9 vs 2.
It is also best to start out splitting everything vs 2-6 (except 4s 5s 10s).
The simple rule is vs 2 to 6 stand on 12+, double 9-11, split (nearly) all pairs.
I know you are right, Charlie, I need to get over my doubling down resistance. Though the best odds for DD are really specific for everything but 10 and 11 so will take me a decent bit of time to get these rules imprinted.
Splitting is easier though, remembering to split 9s, 6s, 3s and 2s if the dealers upcard is 6/7 or lower should be my next step.
May 7th, 2021 at 3:03:09 PM
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I used an iPhone app and just practiced a lot. Pairs are tricky because the 'double after split' rule changes a lot of the decisions
December 31st, 2023 at 10:23:53 AM
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DJT, let's start a thread of "things we designed for the Wizard several years back."Quote: DJTeddyBearAnd here’s the back of Mike’s card, which I designed for him several years back. link to original post
I run Easy Vegas ( https://easy.vegas )
December 31st, 2023 at 12:48:41 PM
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I programmed Basic Strategy into my calculator and had it give me random hands to test me. I practiced the whole flight from Cedar Rapids to Las Vegas.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
December 31st, 2023 at 4:25:23 PM
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I made a cassette recording for the count deviations for hi/lo
And played it in my car while driving
And played it in my car while driving
Happy days are here again
December 31st, 2023 at 4:47:35 PM
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You make your own strategies and you probably won't forget them.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
