Free Blackjack Counting Basic Strategy Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following plays IS NOT correct if the dealer reveals a 6?
- Double A,2
- Double A,8 (Correct answer)
- Double A,6
- Double 5,5
Correct answer: Double A,8
According to basic blackjack strategy, doubling down on a soft 19 (A,8) against a dealer's 6 is an incorrect play. With a soft 19, the player already has a very strong hand and should always stand. Doubling down risks getting a low card and worsening the hand, while hitting also carries unnecessary risk for such a high total.
Question 2: Which of the following is true if the dealer reveals a little card (2–6)?
- Hit 12 on dealer 2, 3 or 4
- Stand on all stiff hands (12-16)
- Hit 12 on dealer 2 and stand on dealer 3 or 4
- Hit 12 on dealer 2 or 3 and stand on dealer 4 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hit 12 on dealer 2 or 3 and stand on dealer 4
Basic blackjack strategy dictates specific actions for a hard 12 against a dealer's small upcard. If the dealer reveals a 2 or 3, you should hit your 12 to improve your hand, as the dealer is less likely to bust. However, if the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, you should stand on 12, as the dealer has a higher probability of busting, making it safer for the player to avoid taking another card.
Question 3: Which of the following plays is appropriate if the dealer presents an Ace?
- Stand on A,8 or higher (Correct answer)
- Stand on A,6 or higher
- Stand on A,7 or higher
- All of the above plays are correct
Correct answer: Stand on A,8 or higher
When the dealer presents an Ace, it is considered a strong upcard, indicating a high probability of the dealer achieving a strong total. In this situation, basic strategy advises players to stand on a soft 19 (A,8) or higher. Hitting or doubling down on such a strong hand would be too risky, as it could lead to busting or weakening an already favorable position against the dealer's potential strong hand.
Question 4: Which of the following plays is appropriate if the dealer presents an Ace AND hits on a soft 17 (H-17 rule)?
- Hit on A,8
- Stand on A,7
- Double 11 (Correct answer)
- All of the above plays are correct
Correct answer: Double 11
Under the H-17 rule (dealer hits on a soft 17), the dealer's Ace becomes an even stronger upcard, making it more challenging for the player. Doubling down on a hard 11 against any dealer upcard, including an Ace, is almost always the correct basic strategy play. This is because a 10-value card is the most common next card, giving you a high chance of hitting 21 and maximizing your payout.
Question 5: A,7 is the player's. Which of the following statements is true?
- Double when dealer has a 7
- Double when dealer has a 2
- Double when dealer has a 3 (Correct answer)
- Stand when dealer has a 6
Correct answer: Double when dealer has a 3
For a player's soft 18 (A,7), basic strategy advises specific actions based on the dealer's upcard. Doubling down is the correct play when the dealer has a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, as these are situations where the dealer is most vulnerable. Against a dealer's 7 or 8, you should stand, and against a 9, 10, or Ace, you should hit.
Question 6: If late surrender is possible
- Surrender 17 when the dealer has an Ace
- Surrender 16 when the dealer has a 10 or Ace (Correct answer)
- Surrender 15 when the dealer has an Ace
- All of the above are correct
Correct answer: Surrender 16 when the dealer has a 10 or Ace
If late surrender is possible, it's a valuable option to minimize losses on very poor hands. Basic strategy advises surrendering a hard 16 (unless it's a pair of 8s, which should be split) when the dealer has a 10 or an Ace. These are the situations where the player's odds of winning or pushing are extremely low, making it more advantageous to forfeit half the bet rather than play the hand.
Question 7: If double after splitting (DAS) is permitted, you should only split a 4,4, when the dealer has a 5 or 6.
- False
- True (Correct answer)
Correct answer: True
This statement is true. Splitting a pair of 4s is generally not recommended in blackjack, as two 4s total 8, which is a decent starting point for hitting. However, when the option to Double After Splitting (DAS) is permitted, it becomes correct to split 4s specifically when the dealer shows a 5 or 6. In these scenarios, the dealer is most likely to bust, and splitting gives you two chances to form strong hands and potentially double down.
Free Blackjack Counting Basic Strategy Question and Answers
Which of the following plays IS NOT correct if the dealer reveals a 6?