Modified Basic Strategy Chart 5 (MBS-5)
The table below indicates when to surrender Since no casinos offer “early” surrender any more, surrender always means “late” surrender nowadays. When offered, TC surrendering nearly always takes precedence over every other possible play. More and more casinos are allowing the surrender option, since it is usually an extra moneymaker for them when used by unknowledgeable players.
The DEALER is showing a:
|
YOU have: |
7 |
8 |
9 |
T |
A |
|
5 |
H |
H |
H |
17 |
H |
|
6 |
H |
H |
20 |
18 |
H |
|
7 |
H |
H |
H |
19 |
H |
|
12 |
H |
H |
20 |
14 |
H |
|
13 |
H |
19 |
13 |
7 |
H |
|
14 |
16 |
12 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
|
15 |
10 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
16 (not 8s) |
12 |
4 |
0 |
-2 |
-1 |
|
17 |
S |
S |
13 |
12 |
S |
(Surrender only if the TC equals or is greater than the integers shown above. Otherwise follow the usual MBS plays.)
MBS-5 Notes
1. Player totals of 5, 6, and 7 include soft totals.
2. The sole exception to surrender precedence is 8,8: (i) 8s versus 9 always requires a split no matter what the TC is; (ii) 8s versus T are to be surrendered only if the TC equals or is greater than 8 (see MBS-4); (iii) 8s versus A should be surrendered rather than split only when the TC is less than -2 (see MBS-4).
Many beginning players worry, completely unnecessarily, that they do not have 100% recollection of all the correct MBS indices at their immediate disposal. It is not at all vital regardless of which MBS chart you have mastered, for three main reasons:
1. All MBS plays are just educated guesses; after all, TC’s are merely estimates at best.
2. Playing MBS according to strategy numbers that are close, but not precisely the correct indices results in such extremely minor losses that they may truly be considered negligible.
3. You will still be winning money by simply following BS alone while you continue to learn the MBS indices in more detail.
The most important thing that any player can achieve from this chapter is an understanding of the MBS principles involved. Only then can one’s intuition or “gut feelings” be a trusted guide through uncertain plays. However, the best rule of thumb is: Never go against BS unless you have a good reason! When you know that you should, use your existing knowledge of the MBS charts, to whatever degree of proficiency you have attained, in order to make the most out of every situation by consistently following only intelligent playing decisions.
