Learning Blackjack Coded Tables
For the novice, Learning Blackjack Coded Tables, can be very intimidating, and even when it is learned, it’s not a guarantee that the player will win more money. Basically using these strategies can help the player in determining when to “stand” on the cards they are dealt, get an additional card or cards, “Split” the hand into two hands, or “double down” and bet more money. Even advanced players can benefit from learning these tables.
Strategy Tables
There are many different tables that help the player determine what their next move should be. There are differences between the Atlantic City style and the Las Vegas style, and the chart to the right is a generic table that can be helpful at any Blackjack table; however, there are specific ones for different locations (but understand, the casinos don’t let the players use them while they are sitting at the tables).
Be aware that these charts are different depending on whether one deck of cards is being used, or if multiple decks are being shuffled. There are different charts to use based on the number of decks being shuffled.
At first glance these tables are just a jumble of letters, colors, and numbers that don’t make a lot of sense. But once the player understands the meaning of the table, and how to “read” it, actually it’s very simple.
To understand these charts, start with the columns and rows, which have the following meanings:
* Columns indicate the value of the Dealer’s cards.
* Rows indicate the cards that are in the player’s hands.
The intersection of these columns and rows indicate the player’s recommended actions.
The coding on the chart is divided into six different actions, which are:
* S (“Stand”) – keep the cards dealt
* H (“Hit”) – draw more cards
* D (“Double Down”) – add to the wager based on the cards in the hand
* SP (“Split”) – divide the hand into two hands because of matching cards
* Sp (“Split”) – divide the hand, and if it’s permitted, increase the wager
* SR (“Surrender”) – give up, or “fold” the cards.
Note: Not all casinos allow splitting or surrendering the cards, so be sure to find out if the casino permits these actions.
Using the Charts
The top BlackjackRat.com chart indicates what is called “hard” hands, which is one in which there is no Ace in the hand. The middle chart is for “soft” hands, which are ones in which there is an Ace in the hand because the Ace is worth either one or 11 points. The third chart is for “splitting” the hand, when there are duplicated cards dealt and two hands can be created.
As an example, if the player has a King and a six, the total is 16, and the recommendation is that the player either “Stand”, “Hit”, or “Surrender” – reading across the row and depending on what the dealer hand contains. If the dealer shows a five, the player would “Stand”.
Get familiar with the tables because learning the blackjack coded tables can help make the winning difference.