I've never been a big blackjack player, but I've seen some friends walk away with a nice chunk of change. Is there a simple method to use when starting out.. kind of a "standard" while you're learning strategy?

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How to Play Pairs

1- Always split aces and eights.
2- Never split 4', 5's, or 10's.
3- Split all other pairs if the dealer is showing a six or less.

How to Play Hard Hands

1- Always hit a 9 or less.
2- Always stand on a 17 or better.
3- Double down on 10 or 11 if your card is higher than the dealer's; otherwise stand.
4- On a 12 through 16, stand if the dealer is showing a 6 or less, and hit if the dealer is showing a 7 or higher.

How to Play Soft Hands

1- Always stand on a hard 19 or better.
2- Always hit a soft 17 or lower.
3- On a soft 13-18, double down if the dealer is showing a 5 or 6.
4- On a soft 18, hit if the dealer has a 6 or less and stand if the dealer has a 7 or better.

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Randy

The house has a 2.0 - 2.5% edge on blackjack the way most people play it. Perfect basic strategy can reduce that to between 0.5% and 1% based on the rules where you're playing. The simplified basic strategy I posted above gives up about 0.5%, so you're looking at a house edge of between 1% and 1.5% using the strategy above.

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Randy

There is also the Martingale System, which advises you to double your original bet after every loss and go back to your original bet after every win. It also advises you to change tables every 15 to 30 minutes to avoid the swings.

I have never had the guts to try this system, but I know a lot of people out there don't take it seriously. Like anything else in the gambling world, everyone has a system which works best for them.

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