Blackjack Basic Strategy — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If the dealer draws a 7, you should always split a pair of nines.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

According to basic Blackjack strategy, you should not always split a pair of nines when the dealer shows a 7. While splitting nines is often a good move, against a dealer's 7, it is generally better to stand on your 18, as the dealer has a decent chance of busting or ending up with a lower total.

Question 2: When is it OK to split cards when playing blackjack?

After receiving a pair in the cards (Correct answer)
When they turn 17 on their cards
When they want
Whenever the dealer receives a 10 or above

Correct answer: After receiving a pair in the cards

In Blackjack, you can only split cards when you are initially dealt two cards of the same rank, forming a pair. This action allows you to separate them into two independent hands, each receiving a new second card, and play them separately with an additional bet.

Question 3: Third base (the far left seat) is the ideal location for the basic blackjack player.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

Third base, the last seat to act before the dealer, is generally considered the *worst* position for a basic strategy player, not the ideal one. While the player's decision doesn't change the overall house edge, playing at third base can feel more pressured as their decision directly impacts the cards the dealer receives next, which can be psychologically taxing for some.

Question 4: What does "soft 17" mean?

Starting with an Ace and a 6 (Correct answer)
A 17 formed from three or more cards
Created out of a face card and a seven.
A starting hand of 7 and Ace

Correct answer: Starting with an Ace and a 6

A 'soft 17' in Blackjack refers to a hand that totals 17 and includes an Ace counted as 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 (A+6) makes a soft 17. The 'soft' designation means the Ace can revert to a value of 1 if hitting would cause the hand to bust, providing flexibility.

Question 5: What does a blackjack consist of?

Any set of cards that adds up to 21
A 10 card value and an ace (Correct answer)
When you use just two dealt cards to defeat the dealer
A combination of the Ace of clubs and the Ace of spades

Correct answer: A 10 card value and an ace

A 'blackjack' is a specific winning hand consisting of an Ace and any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King) dealt as the initial two cards. This hand immediately totals 21 and typically pays out at 3:2 odds, unless the dealer also has a blackjack.

Question 6: When the dealer's up card is an ace, you should always take even money on a blackjack hand.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

Taking 'even money' when you have a blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace is generally a poor strategic move. While it guarantees a 1:1 payout, it forfeits the higher 3:2 payout you would receive if the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, which is more likely. Basic strategy advises against it as it increases the house edge.

Question 7: What should you always do if you obtain two Aces?

Always split (Correct answer)
Double Down
Stand
Hit

Correct answer: Always split

When dealt two Aces, basic strategy dictates that you should always split them. This creates two separate hands, each starting with an Ace, giving you two excellent chances to form strong hands (like 21 with a 10-value card) rather than playing a hard 2 or a soft 12, which are much weaker.

Blackjack Basic Strategy

If the dealer draws a 7, you should always split a pair of nines.