BLACKJACK

• In picking a table, consider rules variations that could increase your advantage, like the dealer having to stand on soft 17, or doubling down on any two cards
   
• Unless you’re counting cards or you have a gut feeling that the dealer has blackjack, never take insurance when offered
   
• Never split 10's or 5’s
   
• Always split Aces
   
• Always split 7’s and 8's against an equal or lower dealer’s card
   
• Always split 2's or 3's against a 4, 5, or 6
   
• Never split F’s cards: Face Cards, Four’s and Five’s
   
• Doubling down is the player's chief advantage, so don't ignore it:
  
   

- If the dealer’s up card is 3 to 6, doubling with 9
- If the dealer's up card is anything but a 10 or an Ace, doubling with 10
- If the dealer's up card is anything but an Ace, doubling with 11.

• Stand on hard 13-16 if the dealer's up card is 6 or lower, but hit if the dealer's showing card is 7-Ace.
   
• Stand on 17 or higher if the dealer is showing 7 or lower. 
   
• Always stand on 12 or higher if the dealer’s up card is 4-6. 
   
• Hit until you have at least 17 and the dealer 10.
   
• Hit a 12 if the dealer is showing 2, 3, 7 or higher. 
   
• Hit a soft 17 against a dealer's 10.