Dumbed Down Basic Strategy

[jmpoehler]

I have an odd question for the forum. Does anybody use a "dumbed down" version of BS? (i.e. - always stay if you have 12 or more and dealer has less then 16).

The reason I ask this, is because last weekend I went to the casino with my wife and in-laws. Everybody wanted to play blackjack, and they wanted me to teach them how to play. I realized it wasn't very easy to give a crash course in basic strategy in 5-10 minutes! There are many exceptions to rules (i.e. - hit 12 & 13 if dealer has 2). It would be nice to tell them here are the simple rules (plus the fact my wife would never take the time to learn all the rules, but she would be interested in the basics).

By dumbing down basic strategy what effects would it have on your chances of winning?

a couple ones I could think of

always stand on 17 or more
always hit 11 or less
double on any first two card 11
hit when you have less than 16 if dealer has 7 or higher.
stand when you have less than 16 (more than 11) if dealer has 6 or lower.
split A and 8s
don't split 10's

What does everybody think?

[michael990]

i believe the web site wizardofodds.com might tell you the increase in house edge for each incorrect move. my guess would be that the biggest house edge increasing move you listed is only doubling on 11's. if you dont double your 10's and 9's at the correct times that really cuts away at your profits

[Nickels_n_Bullets]

If you want to keep it simple:

Double on 11
Double 10 2 to 9
Double 9 2 to 6
Soft Double when the dealer has 4,5,6
Split 2,3 and 7 2 to 7
Split 4 and 6 4,5,6
Dont split 5 or 10
Always split A and 8
Split 9s 2 to 9 except 7
Stand on hard 17+
Hit soft 17 or less if you cant double
Stand on Soft 18 if you cant double
Always Stand on Soft 19+
Hit 12 2 and 3

3 cards or more:
Stand on 16 vs 10
Stand on Soft 18+