Part III: Business & Regulation · Gambling Mathematics & Probability

21. Basic Strategy

Blackjack Math

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal set of playing decisions (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender) for every possible player hand and dealer upcard combination in blackjack, derived from exhaustive computer simulation of millions of hands. When followed precisely, basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5% in a standard six-deck game (compared to roughly 2% for the average player who deviates from optimal play). Basic strategy accounts for factors including the number of decks, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether doubling after splitting is permitted. Surveillance personnel should recognize that players using basic strategy charts are typically knowledgeable recreational players rather than advantage players, though all card counters must also know basic strategy perfectly.

In practice

Basic strategy varies slightly based on game rules (H17 vs. S17, number of decks, surrender availability). Standard six-deck basic strategy was first computed by Julian Braun and popularized by Edward Thorp in “Beat the Dealer.”

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.