How to Read the Blackjack Chart?
In this article, we are looking into the Blackjack Chart. Even if the term may seem unfamiliar to you, the Blackjack Chart is considered the ultimate guide for anyone playing Blackjack for real money. In this article, we look into its origins and readability. Read on for more details.
The Blueprint Guide
As any Blackjack playerworth their salt will know, the Blackjack chart is the blueprint guide to success. As we all know, casino gambling is dependent on luck, and success is never guaranteed. However, being able to read the Blackjack chart will help stack the odds in your favour.
You’re never going to nose ahead of the casino’s edge, as much as we would like to (we can all dream about living aboard on a yacht in St Tropez), but learning how to play your Blackjack hands more strategically will certainly bring you closer to a level-playing field with the casino.
Where Does the Blackjack Chart Originate From?
In 1962, a man named Edward O Thorp – a genius in mathematics, set out to prove to the world Blackjack could be played in more of a statistical manner. After years of studying the game, he published his findings in a book called “Beat the casino” and changed the course of history.
In the book, not only did he share his revolutionary Blackjack chart, but he also found a surefire way of beating the casino – card counting. Considered the grandfather of card counting, Thorp and his book sent shockwaves throughout casinos worldwide. “Beat The Casino” is a fascinating read, simply a must-have book for anyone thinking of venturing on a journey at the best blackjack casino sites. It covers many unique winning strategies.
- The basic rules of Blackjack
- Mathematical strategies ranging from beginner to advanced
- Ways to detect cheating from the casino
- The chart illustrating key concepts
- Ways to cover your tracks when card counting
- Scientific studies into risk vs reward
Can I Beat the Casino Every Time?
As much as we would like it to be true, we wouldn’t advise giving up your day job when venturing on a Blackjack journey. The chart is a guide on probability, and where there’s a probability, there’s a chance lady luck isn’t shining on you. It’s true you’ll be a better Blackjack player after learning the Blackjack Chart and you’ll limit your losses over a long period of time. However, even the most established players struggle to make constant profits.
Whether you are playing at an online or land-based casino, imagine sitting in your seat for hours on end. Fatigue will eventually set in, and you will start making irrational decisions. It’s all well and good having a successful system, implementing it on the other hand is a completely different kettle of fish.
Imagine losing consecutive hands for over an hour – and it happens. You would need to be made of ice to not let it affect your gameplay. We would advise playing in short timeframes to help eliminate bad decision-making.
How to Read the Chart?
At first glance, reading the Blackjach Chart might look confusing and difficult to understand and navigate. However, that is a misconception. After you’ve used it a couple of times, it will become common knowledge and not before too long, you will know it by heart and understand the logic behind it. Here we have a breakdown to help you on your way.
Vertical Axis
On a standard Blackjack chart, the 26 rows on the vertical left consist of all various sum combinations you can receive with the two cards dealt to you.
Horizontal Axis
The top horizontal row consists of all the numbers the dealer can show with just one card.
Chart Plotting Area
On the right-hand side of a player’s different two-card combinations and the dealer’s one card value, within the Blackjack chart, you will see a letter corresponding to each scenario. Each letter represents the suggested action you are advised to take. “H” – stands for to hit (or ask for another card), S – stands for to stick (do not request another card), D – stands for double down (place more money on your cards) and SP – stands for to split (split your cards and have two hands).
Reading the Chart
Looking back at the chart, let’s theoretically say we hit a total score of eight with two cards (5+3) and the dealer hits a six on the opening card. If we take a look at the chart, you will find the letter “D” in red – this means we should double our stake on our hand.
The general premise of the chart (of course there are exceptions) is that when you have a low-value cards combination in your hand and the dealer also has a low-value card, you should split your bet. Seems logical, right?
When you have either a high-value combination (17+), or an Ace and a card greater than 7, and the dealer has a card less than 7, you should stand and not request another card. In most circumstances, when the dealer has a card with a value of 7 or more, you are better to hit and ask for another card.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks, as we have said, reading the Blackjack Chart or the blackjack decision matrix, as it’s also known, isn’t too difficult to get your head around once you have used it a few times.
It might take some time before you have memorized it, but believe it or not, casinos will allow you to take the chart with you and use it at the table. As we have stated earlier, the casino still has a slight edge, whether you use the chart or not, it just helps bring the odds a little closer in your favour.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Blackjack Chart
Now that you can read the Blackjack matrix, let’s look at some of the most popular queries on the subject. We understand that players, especially those who are still not that experienced, may be intimidated at first. The table often appears confusing the first time you try to study it, so please feel free to consult the section below.
1️⃣ How old is the Blackjack Chart??
Blackjack has been an extremely popular casino game for a couple of centuries already. It is easy to imagine players have always wanted to discover the magic formula to beating the bank. That is why they have been using the Blackjack Chart for nearly 70 years now.
2️⃣ Does the Blackjack Chart have any other names
The chart has a few different names, some call it the Blackjack decision matrix, whilst others call it the Blackjack bible. Whatever you call it, just remember to study it carefully and apply the main principles. While blackjack is a game of luck, it still does not hurt to memorize a few simple steps to increase your chances to win.
3️⃣ Who created the Blackjack Chart?
A man named Ed Thorp is the grandfather of the Blackjack Chart. An American mathematical genius that pioneered how people could use probability theory to help defeat the casinos in Blackjack. Nowadays, millions of players all over the world use his teachings to improve their play.
4️⃣ How easy is it to read the Blackjack Chart?
Reading the Blackjack Chart is extremely easy. Learning it is the difficult part. That said, once you have used the chart over a few Blackjack sessions, it will start to become your natural game. Devoted players become masters at memorizing it, and this increase their opportunities to win.
5️⃣ Can I make a lot of money using the chart?
As with all forms of gambling, for you to be successful, you will need to be very selective when playing your hands. We would never say that you become rich, however, learning the Blackjack matrix will certainly help you turn losses into winners.