Learn the Strategy of Blackjack

Basic blackjack strategy is pretty simple for you to learn. If you want to perfect your blackjack playing, it will take a lot more work and probably involve some form of card counting. However, for the purpose of this guide, I'll explain to you the basic strategy, so you don't make any very costly mistakes when playing and can enjoy your money for a longer period of time.

Your move always depends on what the dealer also shows. Therefore, the basic strategy doesn't only depend on your cards, but also the dealers:

Hitting / Standing
When dealer shows 2 or 3, you should stand when having 13 or more.
When dealer shows 4, 5 or 6, you should stand when having 12 or more.
When dealer shows 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit until you have 17 or more.
When you have an Ace and a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 on the second card and the dealer has a 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit.
When you have Ace - 7 and the dealer shows 9, 10 or Ace, you should hit.
When you have Ace and 8 or 9, you should always stand.

Splitting Pairs
Split a pair of 2s or 3s when the dealer shows 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.
Split a pair of 4s when the dealer shows 5 or 6.
Never split a pair of 5s.
Split a pair of 6s, unless the dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Split a pair of 7s, unless the dealer shows 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Split a pair of 9s, unless the dealer shows 7, 10 or Ace.
Never split a pair of 10s.
Always slit a pair of 8s and Aces.

Doubling Down
Double down on 9, unless dealer has 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.
Double down on 10, unless dealer shows 10 or Ace.
Always double down when you have 11.
Double down when you have Ace and 6 or 7 and the dealer shows 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
Double down when you have Ace and 4 or 5 when dealer has 4, 5 or 6.

This is the basic strategy for playing blackjack. The reason why I didn't mention taking insurance above is that you should never do it. It's that simple. The odds of taking insurance are just not good enough to make it pay off in the end. Therefore, never ever take insurance, if you are trying to play as mathematically correct as possible.

Now, go out and enjoy your blackjack playing. Always remember though to gamble responsibly. The casino still has an edge over you, so make sure you only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Have fun!