Blackjack Playing Tip
The Mini-Strategy plays BEST in today's shoe games. Against Single/Double Deck games, it hits too aggressively and doubles-down too timidly. Boris' Mini Strategy is not recommended in the following Blackjack game variations: Multi-Action Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack and Spanish 21.
After the shuffle, make a bet of 1.5 units. (Ex: a $10 unit would warrant a $15 bet). Off the top, you have as much chance as the dealer to win the hand. Afterwards, revert to a 1-unit bet, using an up-as-you-win or up-as-you-lose betting progression as appropriate.
If you are not losing three in-a-row, increase your bet for each loss using a 1-2-4 progression. If you lose a progression or win a hand, revert back to one unit. If the game is streaky, bet up-as-you-win using a 1-2-3 progression.
Never increase your unit-size unless you are AHEAD 20+ units and ONLY after a win. Never increase your unit-size in an attempt to recoup losses. Once an increase is made, play to a 1-progression stop-loss (i.e. if you lose a 3-bet progression, leave the table).
Never take insurance or even-money UNLESS the last 2 cards (before the dealer's hole-card) are 10's or the last 3 cards are 9's, 10's or Aces. The VALUE of your hand has NO bearing on whether you should take insurance.
Avoid FULL Tables. Full tables produce choppy games which subvert Boris' Mini Strategy. Including you, there should be no more than 5 players in the game.