Basic Strategy Guide

Master the mathematically optimal play for every situation

What is Basic Strategy?

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. It was developed through computer simulation of millions of hands and reduces the house edge to its minimum.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces house edge to approximately 0.5%
  • Eliminates guesswork from decision making
  • Provides consistent, optimal play
  • Essential foundation for advanced techniques

Interactive Basic Strategy Charts

Many casinos don't allow surrender. Uncheck to see alternative actions.

Quick Strategy Lookup

Hard Totals (No Ace or Ace counted as 1)

Your Hand 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A

Soft Totals (Ace counted as 11)

Your Hand 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A

Pairs

Your Pair 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A

Legend:

H = Hit
S = Stand
D = Double Down (Hit if not allowed)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (Hit if not allowed)

Quick Rules Summary

Always Hit

  • Hard 5-8
  • Hard 12 vs 2-3
  • Soft 13-15 vs 4-6

Always Stand

  • Hard 17+
  • Soft 19+
  • Hard 12-16 vs 4-6

Always Split

  • Aces
  • 8s

Never Split

  • 5s (double instead)
  • 10s

Strategy Practice Mode

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking Insurance

Insurance is a side bet that increases the house edge. Even when you have blackjack, insurance is not recommended unless you're counting cards.

Example: You have 20, dealer shows Ace. Don't take insurance - your 20 is already a strong hand regardless of whether dealer has blackjack.

Following Hunches

Stick to basic strategy regardless of previous hands or "gut feelings." Each hand is independent.

Example: After losing 5 hands in a row with 12 vs 2 by hitting, you might want to stand. Don't - the correct play is still to hit.

Mimicking the Dealer

The dealer must follow fixed rules, but players should use optimal strategy to take advantage of having choices.

Example: Dealer always hits soft 17, but as a player you should stand on soft 18 vs dealer 2-8, and hit vs 9,10,A.

Not Doubling When Favorable

Many players are afraid to double down, but it's essential for optimal play in favorable situations.

Example: 11 vs dealer 6 is a prime doubling situation. You're likely to get a good card, and dealer is likely to bust.

Splitting 10s

Never split 10s - you already have an excellent hand worth 20. Splitting breaks up a sure winner.

Example: K,Q vs dealer 5. Even though dealer has a weak card, your 20 wins about 85% of the time. Keep it together.

Rule Variations & Their Impact

Favorable Rules

  • Dealer stands on soft 17 (-0.2%)
  • Double after split allowed (-0.14%)
  • Surrender allowed (-0.07%)
  • Double on any two cards (-0.25%)
  • Resplit aces allowed (-0.03%)

Unfavorable Rules

  • Dealer hits soft 17 (+0.2%)
  • Blackjack pays 6:5 (+1.4%)
  • No double after split (+0.14%)
  • No surrender (+0.07%)
  • Double on 10,11 only (+0.25%)

Note: Percentages show impact on house edge. Negative numbers favor the player.

Practice Now

Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Head to the game table and practice basic strategy!