I've played blackjack in Vegas, Reno, California, Atlantic City, Iowa, New Orleans, Mississippi, North Carolina, Panama, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Costa Rica, online and on cruises.
I can tell you without reservation that anyone who knows how to use Basic Strategy will instantly be in the top 10% of all blackjack players.
I've heard every possible rationalization for some of the plays I've seen people make. Some have even refused to look at a strategy card with the response, "You know who puts those out, right?"
It is an amazing phenomenon.
Trust Basic Stategy, learn the "Illustrious 18" and the "Senseless 7" misplayed hands and you'll almost be an expert.
Illustrious 18
http://www.bjmath.com/bjmath/tcindex/i18index.htm
http://jay.purplewire.com/blackjack/ill18.html
http://www.dictionaryofgambling.com/gam ... ackjack/i/
Senseless 7 misplayed hands
http://www.casino.com/blackjack/article.asp?id=1986
http://www.cardplayer.com/poker_magazin ... a_id=14929
http://www.bjinsider.com/newsletter_35_hands.shtml
http://renzey.casinocitytimes.com/articles/1055.html