Blackjack and the perfect strategy These simple rules need to be perfected, once you have done this you have mastered the ingredients of the basic strategy. Although to perfect the perfect. The perfect blackjack strategy charts are based on the slightly different versions of the game. Blackjack can be played with a single deck or 4-8 decks. Most casinos I’ve been to have single deck or use six decks. Also, some casinos require the dealer to stand with a soft 17, and some mandate the dealer to hit with a soft 17.
- How To Play Perfect Blackjack
- How To Play Perfect Blackjack
- Blackjack Strategy Chart
- Perfect Blackjack Chart
- Perfect Blackjack Card
On This Page
Introduction
To use the basic strategy, look up your hand along the left vertical edge and the dealer's up card along the top. In both cases an A stands for ace. From top to bottom are the hard totals, soft totals, and splittable hands. There are two charts depending on whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
Other basic strategy rules.
- Never take insurance or 'even money.'
- If there is no row for splitting (fives and tens), then look up your hand as a hard total (10 or 20).
- If you can't split because of a limit on re-splitting, then look up your hand as a hard total, except aces. In the extremely unlikely event you have a pair of aces you can't re-split and drawing to split aces is allowed, then double against a 6, otherwise hit.
If you play a mixture of six-deck games, some where the dealer hits a soft 17, and some where he stands, and you only wish to memorize one strategy, I would recommend you memorize the one where the dealer stands on soft 17. The cost in errors due to playing the wrong strategy is 2.3 times higher playing a stand on soft 17 game, with the hit on 17 strategy, than vise versa.
Basic Strategy in Text
For the benefit of my blind readers, here is the above strategy in text form, when the dealer stands on soft 17 and surrender is allowed. To use the strategy, start at the top, and follow the first rule that applies.
Surrender
- Surrender hard 16 (but not a pair of 8s) vs. dealer 9, 10, or A, and hard 15 vs. dealer 10.
Split
- Always split aces and 8s.
- Never split 5s and 10s.
- Split 2s and 3s against a dealer 4-7, and against a 2 or 3 if DAS is allowed.
- Split 4s only if DAS is allowed and the dealer shows a 5 or 6.
- Split 6s against a dealer 3-6, and against a 2 if DAS is allowed.
- Split 7s against a dealer 2-7.
- Split 9s against a dealer 2-6 or 8-9.
Double
- Double hard 9 vs. dealer 3-6.
- Double hard 10 except against a dealer 10 or A.
- Double hard 11 except against a dealer A.
- Double soft 13 or 14 vs. dealer 5-6.
- Double soft 15 or 16 vs. dealer 4-6.
- Double soft 17 or 18 vs. dealer 3-6.
Hit or Stand
- Always hit hard 11 or less.
- Stand on hard 12 against a dealer 4-6, otherwise hit.
- Stand on hard 13-16 against a dealer 2-6, otherwise hit.
- Always stand on hard 17 or more.
- Always hit soft 17 or less.
- Stand on soft 18 except hit against a dealer 9, 10, or A.
- Always stand on soft 19 or more.
As I've said many times, the above strategy will be fine under any set of rules. However, for you perfectionists out there, here are the modifications to make if the dealer hits a soft 17.
How To Play Perfect Blackjack
- Surrender 15, a pair of 8s, and 17 vs. dealer A.
- Double 11 vs. dealer A.
- Double soft 18 vs. dealer 2.
- Double soft 19 vs. dealer 6.
My thanks to Kelly for putting together the above text strategy.
Written by:Michael Shackleford
If you are learning to play Blackjack, you must try out games with the Perfect Blackjack strategy. It is one of those many Blackjack variations that spruce up the rules of the normal table game by presenting the possibility of placing a special Perfect Pairs side bet. Check out my detailed guide to play it right and boost your winnings.
What is Perfect Blackjack?
Perfect Blackjack is an easy to learn and easier to follow variation that involves the Perfect Pairs Blackjack side bet. Central to the game is the single rule that you win if you draw a pair. The game stays true to the rules of regular Blackjack without changing its flow or pace. It offers a payout of 30:1 if the player wins in the initial two cards. Read on to know the nitty-gritty.
What is the Basic Gameplay?
Played using 2 to 8 decks of 52 cards, Perfect Blackjack has the dealer usually stand at Soft 17 – a hand with an Ace and other card(s) totaling to six, and draw to 16. The player places regular Blackjack bets along with the option of placing a Perfect Pair side bet.
The steps are as follows:
- The player places the Perfect Pair bet on any box where the dealer has placed a regular Blackjack bet.
- The dealer deals the first two cards for the player (both face-up) and himself (one face-up and one face-down).
- Assuming a Perfect Pair side bet has been previously placed, the bet is now won or lost depending on whether the dealt cards are a pair.
- If a player gets a pair of identical cards (Mixed, Coloured, or Perfect Pair), he wins the side bet and is paid out. If otherwise, he loses the side bet.
- In both cases, the regular game would continue after the outcome of the side bet has been decided and the dealer has taken all the lost Perfect Pair bets as well as paid out to the winners.
Please note that Insurance bets are possible while playing Perfect Pair Blackjack. However, Surrender is not available. Players can also choose to hit, stand or split their hands. The options for doubling down might differ from one game to another.
For instance, certain games might allow the player to double down on any of the hands while others could allow it only on 9-11. The objective, however, remains the same – beat the dealer with a hand totaling 21, which is typical of any Blackjack game.Players should remember that split 10s and Aces are not considered Blackjack, but just 21. If the dealer gets a Blackjack and the player chooses to split, he will not be able to beat the former. For more insights on these terms, please refer to my detailed article about how to play Blackjack.
What is the House Edge?
The theoretical house edge in Perfect Blackjack varies from 0.34% to 0.44% depending on the type of the game and the supplier who has designed it. The percentage also depends on the numbers of card decks used and the rules for doubling down and placing insurance bets.
Please remember that the payout odds will always be adapted to the advantage of the house. Moreover, it is easier to draw a Perfect Pair from 8 or more card decks than from 4 or lower.
How are the Side Bets Placed?
Generally, you can place up to 5 Blackjack bets and 5 Perfect Pair side bets in a game of Perfect Blackjack. Please keep in mind that the Perfect Pairs side bets must be placed before the cards are dealt. Any insurance bet, on the other hand, should be placed after the cards are dealt in the first round.
What are the Types of Pairs and Payouts?
Payouts in Perfect Blackjack depend on the type of paired hands you get. There can be three instances:
- The player receives a Mixed Pair (one card of the red suit and another of the black suit; for instance, an 8 of Clubs and an 8 of Hearts) and is paid out 5:1.
- The player receives a Coloured Pair (two cards of either red suit or black suit; for instance, a 9 of Hearts and a 9 of Diamonds) and is paid out 10:1.
- The player receives a Perfect Pair (two cards of the same rank and suit; for instance, two Queens of Hearts) and is paid out 30:1.
How to Win a Game of Perfect Pairs Blackjack?
Let me be honest: there is no single way to win a game of Perfect Pairs Blackjack. This is because the rules are many and vary from one game to the next. Nevertheless, players can apply some basic strategies that will increase the chances of landing a win.
While playing Perfect Blackjack, always do the following:
- Double down when the dealer has a 2-9 hand, a hard 9, 10, 11, or a pair of 5s.
- If the dealer has 7, 8, or 9 and you have a hard 9, never double down. Instead, go for a hit.
- Stand whenever you reach a hard 17+, a soft 9, a 10, or a pair of 10s regardless of what the dealer’s hand is.
- Stand if you get a hard 12 to 16 and the dealer has 2 to 6. Avoid it if you have a hard 12 and the dealer has a 2 or 3.
- Stand when you have a soft 8 and the dealer has 2-8.
- Stand when you have 9-9 and the dealer has a 7, 10, or Ace face-up.
- Hit when you hold a hard 5-16 regardless of what the dealer’s cards are.
- Hit when you have a soft 3-7 regardless of what the dealer’s cards are.
- Hit if you have pairs of 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, 6s, 7s, and 8s.
- Split if you have a pair of 2s or 3s and the dealer has 4-7
- Split if you have a pair of 8s or 9s and the dealer has a 10 or Ace face-up.
- Always split Aces.
- Split a pair of 6s or 7s unless the dealer has 7-10 or Ace.
Which Games to Play?
NetEnt’s Perfect Blackjack
NetEnt’s Perfect Blackjack is a live casino game that is massively popular among online gamblers. Built together with Rank Group, this one is a unique variant of the widely-played table, where the focus is on the special Perfect Pairs bet. It is streamed live in high definition from the provider’s studio in Malta.
Perfect Blackjack from NetEnt is a high volatility game with an RTP of 99.66%. Theoretically, you will get back 99.66 credits for every 100 credits you bet. The game is fast-paced and available for 7 players to play simultaneously. Developed using HTML, it is compatible across all devices including desktop, smartphone and tablet PCs.
The game follows the rules that are applicable to the typical Perfect Blackjack strategy. 8 card decks are used. After the first two cards are dealt, players can choose to stand, hit, split or double down. The option to surrender is not available. The tables for NetEnt’s Perfect Blackjack are available in plenty. Players need to pick one and embark on their quest for Blackjack 21.
Those wishing for early payout might be disappointed because the game doesn’t offer this facility. The option to chat with fellow players is available and Perfect Pairs with side bets such as 21 + 3 are accepted. Players can place insurance bets that pay 2:1. I would recommend you all to avoid insurance bets because the chances of the dealer having a Blackjack is less than 1/3. It will eventually lead to losses.
Nevertheless, Perfect Blackjack by NetEnt is an exciting and easy to play game for new as well as seasoned players. Interestingly, this is the only live casino game to offer the much loved autoplay functionality. Players can select beforehand if they want to split or double down as the game proceeds.
Playtech’s Perfect Blackjack
Unlike NetEnt, Playtech offers the virtual version of Perfect Blackjack. You do not play it against a human dealer, but a computer AI where the results are decided by RNG algorithms. This game, too, follows the rules of regular Blackjack but adds its own twists such as multi-hand and side bets. Its RTP is 99.58% and the game is played using 6 decks of cards.
Like in any other game of Perfect Pairs Blackjack, this one also allows players to hit, stand, split or double down. Insurance bets are possible but surrender, dealer peek and re-splits are not allowed. You can place any bet between £1 and £300. A blackjack would pay 3:2, which means you will receive £3 when you place a bet of £2 and win.
The payouts slightly differ for paired cards in Playtech’s Perfect Blackjack. A Mixed Pair pays 6:1, a Colored Pair 12:1 and a Perfect Pair 25:1. Players must note that the bet amount cannot exceed £5 on each of these side bet options.
The best part about Playtech’s Perfect Blackjack is the fact that it follows the ‘ten card Charlie’ rule. This is a rare rule in Blackjack where when a player reaches 10 cards without busting, he or she is automatically declared a winner. For instance, if a player continues to hit until he has a hand that resembles something like A-A-A-2-2-2-3-3-3-3, this hand will be an automatic winner.
Is the Game Worth Playing?
Perfect Blackjack is the game to play if you love simple entertainment with high rewards. This game warrants good strategy, intuitiveness and a strong belief in luck. Because the max payout is 30:1, the game is always worth playing.
Where to Play Real Money Perfect Blackjack Online in the UK?
These are the UK’s most trusted online casinos where you can play Perfect Blackjack for real money:
100% Bonus up to $7,777 +300 Free Spins
This casino offers a reasonable choice of real money slot machines and table games, including both old classics and new releases.
250% Bonus up to $1,000
How To Play Perfect Blackjack
Wild Casino takes pride in its state-of-the-art gaming platform, a pool of specifically selected games, the best management and incredible user experience.
100% Bonus up to $8,888 +350 free spins on first 6 deposits
If you’re a slots fanatic or enjoy online table games, you should definitely give Uptown Aces Casino a good try.
100% up to €200 with Free Spins
Rizk is a highly popular and vibrant superhero-themed casino. The mascot, Captain Rizk, fights shady deals and promises “real rewards, no bullshit”.
More Blackjack and Guides you shouldn’t miss
Relevant news
How to Play and Win Big at Penny Slots – Full Guide Explaining Everything You Need to Know
If you’re someone who believes that it’s impossible to win at penny slots in the…
read more +The Luckiest Place to Buy a Lottery Ticket Online
Blackjack Strategy Chart
It’s no secret that it’s incredibly difficult to win the lottery - at least so…
read more +Blackjack Etiquette – the Dos and Don’ts You Must Know About When Gambling at a Casino
Blackjack is certainly not a difficult game to learn and these days the knowledge about…
read more +Everything You Need to Know About Penny Slot Jackpots
Perfect Blackjack Chart
There isn’t a single casino enthusiast who hasn’t dreamt about winning the jackpot. What could…
Perfect Blackjack Card
read more +Everything You Need to Know About Ultimate X Video Poker
Created by IGT, Ultimate X Video Poker is the ultimate way of playing classic Video…
read more +Everything You Need to Know About Double Double Bonus Poker
Video Pokers come in many different variations and while some players like to settle for…
read more +