Changing the Playing Strategy

According to the Count

Sometimes an alert player, without seeing cards that affect the count, will make a move determined by the cards played out on that particular round. Suppose that you, in the third baseman's seat, hold a 9, 3 for a hard 12, against the dealer's 2. The deck is neutral and the correct play is to hit the 12.

However, the first player hits and gets a 7. The next player splits 8s and gets a 9 on one of his 8s, and a 6 on the other and stands on both hands. The other players stand on their hands. You have now seen one 6, one 7, two 8s, and one 9, all cards that would considerably improve your hard 12. At this point you should stand and let the dealer draw. In all probability one or more 10s are coming up, to bust the dealer's hand.

For purposes of the following rules, we'll deal with plays other than surrender. For correct moves using surrender, study the section on surrender. Also, you should study the borderline hands in the section on that subject so that you can work out for yourself many of the variations under playing conditions.

Neutral -1 and +1 decks are always played according to the basic strategy.

If the deck is +2 or more, the following rules changes apply:

  • Insure any hand against a dealer's ace.
  • Do not split 3s against a dealer's 7.
  • Do not hit a hard 12 against a dealer's 2 or 3.
  • Double down on two-card total of 10 against a dealer's ace.

When the deck is -1, it is played as if it were a neutral deck.

When the deck is -2 or more, the following plays should be made:

  • Don't double down a hard 10 against a dealer's 9.
  • Don't double down a hard 11 against a dealer's 10.
  • Don't double down a hard 9 against a dealer's 2.
  • Hit a hard 12 against a dealer's 4.

Hit a hard 13 against a dealer's 2 or 3.

To more fully understand these variations in basic strategy, we'll now list the borderline or trouble hands, where the basic strategy suggested gives the player only a very, very slight advantage, and any change in the card count - should alter that strategy.

the variations presented

the first player

the borderline hands