Part I: Games & Gaming · Card Games — Baccarat & Blackjack

Basic Strategy

Blackjack

The mathematically optimal way to play every possible blackjack hand based on the player’s cards and the dealer’s upcard. Developed through computer simulation, basic strategy minimizes the house edge to approximately 0.5% or less depending on rules. It dictates when to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender for every hand combination.

In practice

Basic strategy cards are permitted at most casino tables. Surveillance should note players who deviate significantly from basic strategy combined with large bet spreads, as this is a strong indicator of card counting or hole carding.

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.