How to Play Break-Even Blackjack

Playing break-even blackjack means employing basic strategy at the table. Basic strategy is the playing system that tells you the most effective method of playing any hand in any situation. Practice these techniques in this free online blackjack tutorial before playing for real money.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook Papers
• Pens
• Playing Cards
• Pens

Flash Cards

1. Make a chart or flash cards of basic strategy.

2. Mark the dealer's card on one side of the flash card: for example, a six.

3. Mark the player instructions on the other side: a 12. Therefore, if the dealer is showing a six, hit until your hand totals at least 12.

Basic Strategy for a Six-Deck Game

4. Hit until you have 13 if the dealer's card is a two or a three.

5. Hit until you have 12 if the dealer's card is a four, five or six.

6. Hit until you have 17 if the dealer is showing a seven through an ace.

7. Hit until you have soft 19 if the dealer is showing a nine or a 10.

8. Hit until you have soft 18 if the dealer is showing anything but a nine or a 10.

9. Double against a dealer hand of two through 10 if your hand totals 11.

10. Double against a dealer hand of two through nine if your hand totals 10.

11. Double against a dealer hand of three through six if your hand totals nine.

12. Split a pair of aces or a pair of eights any time you have these cards.

13. Split a pair of nines if the dealer is showing two through nine, but not if the dealer is showing a seven.

14. Split a pair of sevens against two through seven.

15. Split a pair of sixes against three through six.

16. Split a pair of threes against four through seven.

17. Split a pair of twos against four through seven.

18. Stand every time you hold an ace and an eight.

19. Double an ace/seven combination if you're facing a three through a six.

20. Double an ace/six combination if you're facing a three through a six.

21. Double an ace/five combination if you're facing a four through a six.

22. Double an ace/four combination if you're facing a four through a six.

23. Double an ace/three combination if you're facing a five or a six.

24. Double an ace/two combination if you're facing a five or a six.

Memorization and Play

25. Memorize basic strategy so that it's second nature. Know automatically what to do when confronted with any possible card combination.

26. Practice by dealing cards to yourself to ensure that you can respond quickly and accurately.

27. Use this basic strategy in every situation. Make no plays based on your intuition.

28. Bet a small percentage of your total bankroll to ensure longevity at the table.

Tips & Warnings

• Now that you know the technique, practice your skills (for free or real money) online at this an online Blackjack Casino.
• Practicing online allows you to hone your skills while still consulting your notes, something not encouraged at a real casino table.
• Employing basic strategy does not ensure that you will win. The casino can still beat you even if you're playing a game where you win 50 percent of the hands and the casino wins 50 percent of the hands. The casino has more money and can outlast you.
• When choosing an online casino, stick to the reputable casinos that have been in business for several years such as Casino-on-net / 888 or Golden Palace.