After writing last week about the discussion that Paddy and I had about minimizing poker losses, I’ve been asked if I had similar rules for minimizing losses at blackjack. I do, and here they are, again in no particular order. (Remember that a face card counts as 10.)
Double down only on 10 or 11, and then only if the dealer is not showing 9, 10, or ace.
Never hit 17 or higher.
Hit 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 if the dealer is showing a 7, 8, 9, 10, or ace.
If the dealer is showing a 2 to 6, hit 12 if it’s a 2 or 3 that he’s showing; but never hit 13 to 16.
I never hit 18 or 19, but some people will hit 18 if the dealer shows 2 to 7 and will hit 19 if the dealer shows an 8, 9, or ace.
Always split aces, but never split 4s, 5s, 6s, or 9s. Split 7s if the dealer is showing a 5, 6, or 7. Split 8s if the dealer is showing 9 or 10. Split 10s if the dealer shows 5 or 6.
As with my poker rules, this approach will not guarantee a win, but it will certainly minimize your losses.
Good luck.