Blackjack Strategy: The Dealer’s Cheat Sheet

Blackjack is one of the classic casino table games that pits players against dealers. The dealer plays in the best interest of the house, following specific rules which can vary from one casino to another. Players, on the other hand, have the freedom to take actions following the basic blackjack strategy, which gives them an edge.

So, if players’ freedom to choose gives them an edge, why does the house always win? And how can players utilize the dealer’s knowledge, so they have an advantage instead? Players can use the dealer’s cheat sheet, which we will reveal in this article. Read on.

House Edge

Just because the way the dealer plays their hand is the best way for the house, doesn’t mean that it’s also the best way for the player. If the player mimics the dealer and does exactly what the dealer does, their house edge is 5.5%. This is much higher than the 0.50% house edge a player can get by following the blackjack strategy guide.

If mimicking the dealer results in such a high house edge, how does the casino have an advantage on blackjack? The advantage is achieved when the dealer goes last. Players must go first and, if they bust, the dealer automatically wins, even if they were going to get a bust card anyway.

Keep in mind that there are more factors at play than just following the basic strategy guide. The player needs to pick a blackjack table with the best rules that favor the player. For example, never sit down at a 6 to 5 game. Always play on a 3 to 2 game. The other rules a player is looking for are:

• Does the game allow early surrender?
• Can the player double down after a split?
• Does the dealer stay on a soft 17?
• Can players re-split aces?
• Is the game played using a single or double deck?

If the answer is “yes” to all of those questions, then you know it’s a good game to sit down on.

The Blackjack Dealer’s Cheat Sheet

Part of the dealer’s job is to memorize the basic strategy card. This way, when a player asks what they should do, the dealer can respond, “The book says to…”. But how do dealers memorize this card? What are some tips and tricks the dealer uses to remember everything they need to know? The following is the blackjack dealer’s cheat sheet that helps them remember what to do. Keep in mind, that this isn’t a specific chart but rather a mix of fixed, unfixed rules and variable gameplay.

Standard Rules

In most casinos, the dealer must:

• 1. Hit on 16 or less
• 2. Stand on a 18 or higher.
• 3. Follow the Soft 17 Rule

How the dealer handles a Soft 17 (an Ace and a 6) varies from one table to another. If the designated dealer stands on Soft 17, the house edge is lowered by about 0.22%. But if the dealer is mandated to hit on Soft 17, the house edge increases by 0.22%.

The Cheat Sheet

What To Do When You Have a 12 Through 16

Players tend to get confused whenever they have a 12 through 16 and the dealer has a 7 through 10 up-card. Always stand if you have a 12 through 16 and the dealer’s up card is a 7 or higher.

There is only one exception to this rule. If you have a 12 and the dealer has a 2 or 3 up-card. The dealer can make a lot of good hands when they have a 2 or 3 up-card, so always hit your 12 in that instance. I hear from a lot of players that they are scared they are going to get a 10 and bust. If this is you, remember, there are 2/3 (or 66%) chance you are going to hit a 2 through 9 and make your hand better and a 1/3 (or 33%) chance you are going to bust.

Splitting

Always split Aces and 8s. A pair of aces starts as a weak soft 12, but splitting them gives you two separate hands starting at 11, dramatically increasing your chances of building strong totals like 19, 20, or 21. Likewise, a pair of 8s equals 16, widely considered the worst hand in blackjack, so splitting gives the player a strong chance of having two 18s.

Whenever a player splits two 10-value cards (a 20), the dealer knows that you have voluntarily lost a winning hand. In most cases, the dealer won't have 21 to beat you. Never split two 10s. Always stay on a 20.

If you have two 5s, always double down, unless the player has a 10 or Ace up-card. Never split 5s. It’s better to have one 20, than two 15s.

Doubling

Always double down on a 10 or 11, except when the dealer has a 10 or ace up card. Another time the player should always double is when they have a soft 13 though a soft 18 and the dealer has a 5 or 6 up card.

Taking Insurance

When dealers have an Ace as an up-card, they offer players an insurance bet. You may be quick to take the bet, but it will only reduce your bankroll over time. It is called a sucker bet for a reason. Never take insurance.

Accepting Even Money Payout

When you have a Blackjack and the dealer is showing an Ace, you may be offered an even-money payout. If you take it, you are paid 1:1 immediately. But if you decline, you get a 3:2 payout if the dealer doesn't get a blackjack, which is often the case.

Offering you even money on a blackjack in hopes that you take it is one way the house maintains its advantage. Never take even money when you have a blackjack.

Blackjack Strategy Card

You are allowed to have a blackjack strategy card on the table and use it as you play. Make life easier for yourself and print out this free blackjack strategy card, and take it with you, so you don’t have to remember everything on a live game.

Conclusion

Blackjack offers players of all levels a fair chance of winning. The dealer’s cheat sheet will help in a pinch, but it is better to have a basic strategy guide with you, on the table. Stay calm and play blackjack.