Two blackjack strategy charts are presented here. Both use the same statistical information but in different presentation formats. It’s not necessary to memorize both charts. The Condensed Optimal Strategy is the easier one for most to remember and, since the player’s hand constantly changes as hits are taken, while the dealer’s up-card never does, the condensed version is the easiest to use.
Northern Nevada Rules: Dealer must draw to all totals of 16 or less and stand on all totals of 17 to 21, except for a soft 17 which he must hit. Players may double down with 10 and 11 (only) and split any pair. Pairs may be re-split and drawn to like an initial hand except for Aces. Players get only 1 card on each of the split Aces. Doubling down after a split is not always permitted. Blackjacks pay 1 1/2 to 1 and insurance on a dealer Ace pays 2 to 1.
About Insurance
Blackjack insurance is nothing more than a side bet that the dealer with an Ace up has 10 in the hole. With normal card distribution, at the 2 to 1 payoff, it is about 8% against you. Not a good bet. However, if you happen to be observant enough to know when the remaining deck has fewer than twice as many non-tens than tens, then it’s a good bet.