Can I use a blackjack strategy chart when playing?

Whenever you read about blackjack. Specifically about how to turn it into a game where you can win more frequently. The advice is always to get to grips with basic strategy. The problem that some players have is that they struggle to remember all that this involves. Especially in the early days. What comes to the rescue of many a player is the basic blackjack strategy chart. 

The chart contains all that you need to know and provides the perfect way to master a strategy that will boost your winning ways. Players who have used these cards are huge fans as they find that they’re holding something that can guide them through every step of the game. 

We’re going to be taking a closer look at basic strategy charts. We’re going to be exploring in more detail what they are. As well as looking at if they can be used when playing in a casino. The answer is one that readers will be more than happy with.

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Blackjack strategy charts

Is it okay for players to use a basic strategy chart in casinos?

In a word, yes. It’s good to know that blackjack players are able to use strategy cards when they play in casinos. Of course, these charts come in useful when playing online, and no one actually knows if you’re using one. Where players worry is when they come to play in a land-based casino. The reality here is that there’s no difference: you’re still allowed to have a chart with you and refer to it as you play. 

The downside of using a basic strategy card

The downside of using a basic strategy card is that it perhaps signals that you’re a beginner. The fact is that experienced players commit time and work to memorize what’s on the chart so that they can apply each move as if it’s second nature. It makes sense for newbies to rely on charts though. While they’re still committing things to memory, they’re also trying to get to grips with the differing rules that come with the numerous variants of the game.

Do you have to hide using a basic blackjack strategy chart in a casino?

If you get seen with a basic blackjack strategy chart in a casino, you have nothing to fear. In fact, it’s not even about getting caught. You don’t have to try and hide or disguise the fact that you have one. It’s okay to be perfectly open about it. That’s because no casinos, at least that we know of, have a rule that says these charts aren’t allowed. The truth is that you’ll often find that the opposite is true in that casinos will encourage new players to use basic strategy. This is because they want them to come along and give blackjack a go.

Don´t let the chart get in the way of the pace of play

Something to be aware of if you’re using a strategy card is that you shouldn’t allow it to get in the way of the pace of play. If you spend an age studying it for every move, you’re going to frustrate the casino, as well as other players. There are some casinos in Las Vegas that won’t allow you to have the chart on the table for that very reason: it’s a game that’s enjoyed for its pace and they don’t want you slowing it down.

Blackjack strategy chart – What even are blackjack strategy cards?

Okay, so you now know that you can use a blackjack strategy card in a casino, but what if you’re not even sure what one is? Well, don’t worry, that’s what we’re about to cover now.

The purpose of a strategy card is to show you how to play the game so that it’s perfectly optimized. Each move is there to ensure that you bring down the house edge because each move is based on the probability of the likely outcome. The cards cover every action that a player could possibly take in any situation that could possibly arise during a game. You can find these cards online to print out, but your best bet is to order one that comes on more durable material that will last.

When you study basic blackjack strategy, you’re left knowing the move that’s the best one to take no matter what the situation is. It’s based on the cards that you’re holding as well as the dealer’s upcard. The main choices that a player faces are whether to hit, stand, split, double down or surrender. The chart works by showing different sections that relate to the dealer’s upcard and your cards. Based on these factors, it shows you the move that is more likely to lead to a positive outcome for you. 

Of course, there are many variants of blackjack, and these come with different blackjack rules. That means that sometimes additional charts are required that take into account the differing rules. 

Blackjack strategy chart – Does using a strategy card mean I’ll always win?

Winning every hand of blackjack simply isn’t possible. While a blackjack strategy card considers every possible combination of cards against the dealer’s upcard, it can’t guarantee an outcome. All that it can do is rely on math and guide you to what’s more probable in a set of circumstances. 

If you want to get the full benefits of basic strategy, you need to stick to it, 100%. Each time that you decide to ignore it, and go with a hunch, all that you’re doing is bringing the house edge up. Yes, you’ll still lose at times with basic strategy, but you’ll lose less than when you rely on your gut instincts.

Final thoughts

So, now you know that it’s perfectly okay to use a basic strategy chart when playing at a land-based casino. However, the best thing to do is learn the strategy so that you have fully mastered it, and you no longer need to rely on a chart to prompt you.

While you’re still learning, these charts are invaluable and will guide you to play the perfect game Resist the urge to deviate from what’s on the chart and you’ll find that your win rate increases and losing becomes less frequent. 

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