Blackjack strategy
Basic strategy + bankroll rules (your neon armor).
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where correct decisions matter every hand. The edge comes from discipline: use basic strategy, avoid side bets, and keep your bet sizing consistent.
Neon felt rules
Quick rules
- Always know the table rules (blackjack payout, dealer hits/stands soft 17)
- Avoid side bets (often high house edge)
- Flat bet unless you’re using a proven advantage method (advanced topic)
- Quit when tired/tilted—mistakes are expensive
Decision framework
How to think about each hand
Hard totals
With a hard 12–16, you’re often in “pain.” Versus strong dealer upcards, hitting is frequently correct even if it feels bad.
Soft totals
Soft hands (A + X) have built-in safety. You can be more aggressive (hit/double) because you can’t bust as easily.
Pairs
Splitting is about maximizing EV, not “making two hands.” Some pairs should be split often; others almost never.
Bankroll
A simple sizing rule
If you want to reduce volatility, keep your average bet small relative to your session bankroll. A practical starting point is 1–2% of your session bankroll per hand, then stop if you hit your pre-set stop-loss.