blackjack10 min read·strategy

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart: The Complete Guide

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every possible blackjack hand. Developed through computer simulation of billions of hands, it tells you exactly when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. Following basic strategy perfectly reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5%—the best odds of any casino table game.

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Hard Totals Strategy (No Ace)

Hard totals are hands without an Ace, or where the Ace counts as 1 (to avoid busting). The strategy is straightforward: hit until you reach the target number based on the dealer's upcard. Against dealer 2-6, you're more conservative because the dealer must hit and may bust. Against 7-Ace, you're more aggressive because the dealer likely has a strong hand. Always hit 8 or less. Stand on 17 or more. The critical decisions are 12-16.

•Always hit 8 or less
•12 vs 2-3: Hit | 12 vs 4-6: Stand
•13-16 vs 2-6: Stand | vs 7-A: Hit
•Always stand on hard 17 or higher
•10 or 11: Double down (unless 10 vs 10/A)

Soft Totals Strategy (With Ace)

Soft hands contain an Ace counting as 11, meaning you cannot bust on the next card. This allows for more aggressive doubling. With soft 13-17, you should almost always hit or double—never stand. Soft 18 is the trickiest: hit against dealer 9, 10, or Ace; stand against 2, 7, or 8; double against 3-6. Soft 19 and 20 are strong hands you generally stand on, though you might double soft 19 against dealer 6 in some rule sets.

•Soft 13-17: Always hit or double
•Soft 18: Hit vs 9-A, Stand vs 2-8
•Soft 19-20: Usually stand
•Soft 21: Always stand (blackjack!)
•Cannot bust on soft hands—be aggressive

Pair Splitting Strategy

Splitting pairs turns one hand into two, giving you more chances to beat the dealer. Always split Aces and 8s—Aces give you two chances at blackjack, and 8s (16) is the worst hand. Never split 5s (play as 10 and double) or 10s (20 is too strong). Split 2s, 3s, and 7s against dealer 2-7. Split 4s only against 5-6. Split 6s against 2-6. Split 9s against 2-6 and 8-9, but not against 7, 10, or Ace.

•Always split: Aces and 8s
•Never split: 5s and 10s
•Split 2s, 3s, 7s vs 2-7
•Split 9s vs 2-6, 8-9 (not 7, 10, A)
•Split 4s and 6s vs 5-6

Doubling Down: When to Double Your Bet

Doubling down allows you to double your stake in favorable situations. The most important doubles are with 10 or 11 against almost any dealer upcard. With 10, double against 2-9 but not 10/Ace. With 11, double against everything except Ace (depends on rules). Soft doubles are also profitable: double soft 13-16 against dealer 4-6, and soft 17-18 against dealer 3-6. Never double on hard 12 or higher—too much bust risk.

•Hard 10: Double vs 2-9
•Hard 11: Double vs 2-10 (not Ace)
•Soft 13-16: Double vs 4-6
•Soft 17-18: Double vs 3-6
•Soft 19: Double vs 6 only