Blackjack is one of the very few games where the player's decisions actually affect the outcome.

The internet is full of supposed 'winning systems' that claim to make you rich at the tables.

The Truth About Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of rules that tells you exactly what to do in every possible situation.

By memorizing these rules, you can drop the casino's advantage to less than one percent.

• Never take insurance
• Surrender 16 against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace
• Treat basic strategy as absolute law

The Reality of Counting Cards

Movies like '21' have popularized the idea that card counting is illegal and guarantees instant wealth.

Casinos combat counters by using multiple decks and continuous shuffling machines to render the tactic useless.

In the end, relying on math rather than superstition is the only viable way to approach the game.