As explained in the previous tip, anyone new to playing blackjack and seeking to employ the universal Basic Blackjack Strategy, should start off by learning the Simple Strategy, which essentially is the fundamentals of the Basic Strategy.  Only after having the Simple Strategy fully memorized and ingrained in one's decision making process should one venture off into memorizing all the particulars of the Basic Strategy.  It will make things much easier for you in the long run.

Not meaning to sound too daunting of a task (because it really is not) this word of warning is meant only to keep one from falling flat on their face the first few times trying to use the Basic Blackjack Strategy in the casino. This article suffices to explain the basis behind the Simple Strategy, while also showing the differences between it and the Basic Strategy.  The next article will set out the exact rules and courses of action to make when using the Simple Strategy.  Keep in mind that the Simple Strategy alone will help to keep the Casino Edge down around 1%, rather than the typical Advantage averaging around 4%.

The major differences between the Simple and Basic Strategy are that the Simple Strategy does not incorporate the act of surrendering while employing simplified rules when it comes to doubling down and splitting one's hand (both of which can get confusing in the Basic Strategy).  If you are not dealt a pair to begin with, there are at most, two decisions the player has to make - Whether to double down or Hit/Stand. 

If playing Pairs, remember at all times to always play non-split pairs as Hard Hands, and to re-split a Pair that is dealt a third (possibly fourth) matching card.  In other words, if you are dealt two 8's (which you should always Split) and one of your 8's is dealt another eight, you should split that hand as well (giving you a total of three hands at once).  As for Hard Hands, these are hands that do not contain Aces, and are valued at twelve or more.  Soft Hands, are initial hands that contain an Ace which can be counted as either a 1 or11 without busting the hand.  Keep these fundamentals in mind when memorizing the Simple Strategy in the following article.