The Wizard of Odds

Introduction

To utilize the basic strategy, refer to your hand on the left side of the chart and the dealer's face-up card at the top. An A indicates an ace in both cases. The chart lists hard totals, soft totals, and hands that can be split, with the splittable hands categorized based on whether doubling after splitting is permitted. In games with multiple decks, doubling after a split is generally allowed, while it may vary in single-deck formats. The chart features color-coded cells indicating the optimal action: H for hit, S for stand, D for double, and P for split.

It is crucial to note that this strategy applies when the dealer stands on a soft 17 , a common rule in an 8-deck game. If the dealer hits on a soft 17, the player may double their bet on an 11 against an ace.

Written by: Michael Shackleford