Blackjack is a highly strategic game relying on tested mathematical theories. The first blackjack basic strategy appeared in the 1950s, in "The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack," a paper by Roger Baldwin. The information in this paper supplied Edward O. Thorpe with the analysis he needed to write his New York Times bestseller, Beat the Dealer, a book that brought the unveiled mysteries of blackjack to the common public.

The many analyses of blackjack hands rest with the odds of each combination, a statistical chance for every possible situation during a game. These statistics can be charted, resulting in a plausible system for every hand. There are countless online sources and guides to help any level player find the winning strategy for blackjack.

In blackjack, it is the player's goal to hold a pair of cards with a higher value than the dealer's without going over 21, or busting. Blackjack favors the dealer, so it is up to the player to make the move toward a win, and that is why a basic strategy is so important. Even if both the dealer and the player bust, it is only the player who stands a chance of losing in this game.

VIPcasinos offers the best in online blackjack. The player is dealt from five decks, and the cards are reshuffled after each hand, thereby ensuring a fair and random game. As with most casino blackjack games, the dealer hits on a soft 17, or takes another card. The player is given the chance to double down on any two cards, and can split any pairs or two of a kinds, for up to three hands.