Blackjack Basic Strategy: Everything You Need in One Place

Blackjack basic strategy is what separates the smart players from the mugs throwing their money away. This casino game is not about getting lucky; it’s about making the right calls to keep the house edge as low as possible.
This guide digests how to use basic blackjack strategy to up your game. We’ll break down the essentials, from reading a blackjack basic strategy chart to knowing exactly when to hit, stand, or double down. Let’s get into it.
Key Notes Before Getting Started!
Basic Strategy Is the Start, Not the Finish Line
Blackjack basic strategy is not your golden ticket to beating the casino—it just gives you a fighting chance. You won’t make it far without the full toolkit: card counting, true count conversions, deviations, and betting strategies.
Memorize It Like Your Life Depends On It
Vegas was built on people who half-arse their preparation. You’ve got to practice until this stuff is muscle memory. Intentional practice. Why? A 99% game isn’t good enough when you’re trying to scrape out a 1% edge.
The Chart You Start With Isn’t the Chart You Finish With
Not all blackjack games are the same. Once you’ve got the basic strategy down pat, you’ll need to learn how to adapt to specific rules. The better you know the basics, the easier it is to transition to advanced rule-specific charts.
Perfect Means Bloody Perfect
Near-perfect isn’t good enough in blackjack. This isn’t horseshoes or hand grenades. You need to know these strategy charts backwards and forwards. Anything less than perfection, and you’re just handing money to the casino.
Basic Strategy Has a List of Priorities
Blackjack basic strategy has a a checklist. Let’s break it down in 4 simple questions and answers:
1. Should I Surrender?
Surrendering is not about waving a white flag—it’s a smart move to save half your bet when the odds are stacked against you. If the casino offers surrender (a.k.a. late surrender or LS), you can only do it on your first two cards. Once you hit, that ship has sailed.
So, this is the first thing you ask yourself when you see your cards. If the answer is no, either because you’re not allowed to surrender or because basic strategy says not to, move on to the next question.
2. Should I Split?
Next, if you’ve got a pair of the same card or two 10-value cards (like a Jack and a King), splitting could double your chances of winning. But don’t go splitting willy-nilly.
Some pairs, like 8s and Aces, are a no-brainer—split every time. Others, like 10s, are better left together. If basic strategy says no splitting (or the casino rules don’t allow it), keep rolling down the checklist.
3. Should I Double?
When basic blackjack strategy calls for doubling, you’re in a good spot. It means the odds are in your favor, and it’s time to capitalize.
But here’s the catch: some casinos like to rain on your parade and restrict doubling on certain hands. If the table says no doubling or strategy says skip it, then you’re on to the final step.
4. Should I Hit or Stand?
This is where most rookies panic. If you can’t surrender, split, or double, your last move is deciding whether to take another card (hit) or stick with what you’ve got (stand).
Free Printable Blackjack Basic Strategy Charts
Use our basic strategy blackjack chart PDF here—it’ll tell you exactly what to do based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. No guesswork, just solid math.
Advice on Memorizing Basic Strategy
Hard Hands (5-20): Play Smart, Not Reckless
If the dealer’s showing 2-6, that’s a weak upcard. Let them dig their own grave because they’re likely to bust. But if they’ve got a 7-A, it’s a strong upcard, and you need to risk it to beat their probable pat hand.
- 11 or Less: Always double if you can—especially with 11. Hit otherwise.
- 12-16: Stand against weak upcards; hit against strong ones. The goal? Don’t bust before they do.
- 17 and Up: Stand, no matter what. You’re not improving that hand.
Soft Hands: Your Flexible Ace Game Plan
A soft hand (Ace counted as 11) is like having a cheat code. Use it wisely.
- Double if the dealer’s showing 5 or 6, or follow the “Rule of 9.” If doubling’s not on the table, hit until you’re at least at soft 18.
- Against 7 or 8, push for soft 18 or better.
- Against 9-A, aim for soft 19 because anything less won’t cut it.
Splits: When Two Hands Are Better Than One
Splitting gives you two hands to play. But remember, it’s all about strategy, not showing off.
- Always Split: Aces and 8s. Aces give you a shot at 21, and 8s save you from the misery of a hard 16.
- Never Split: 5s (better to double) or 10s (hard 20 is already brilliant).
- Situational Splits: Against a weak upcard, split 7s, 9s, or smaller pairs if it improves your odds. But know when to hold back—like avoiding 4s against a weak dealer, where sticking with an 8 is smarter.
Surrender: Live to Fight Another Hand
If you’re playing at a table that allows surrender, ditch your hand when the dealer’s showing:
- A strong 9, 10, or Ace, or;
- You’ve got a lousy hard 15 or 16.
Tips for Memorization
- Chunk It: Memorize one section at a time—start with hard hands, then soft hands, and finally pairs and surrender.
- Use Flashcards: Write hand scenarios on one side and the rule on the other for quick drills.
- Practice at a Table: Play online or use apps with a basic strategy trainer to get real-time feedback.
Common Mistakes When Using Basic Strategy
Even when you’ve got blackjack strategy down pat, there are a few common pitfalls that can trip you up. Let’s look at the big ones and why avoiding them is crucial.
Ignoring Table Rules
Not all blackjack tables are created equal, and the specific rules can directly affect your strategy. For example:
- If the dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), it’s generally better for players. The basic strategy chart for this rule set may encourage more aggressive doubling down.
- If the dealer hits on soft 17 (H17), the house edge increases slightly. The strategy adapts to reduce risk.
Failing to adjust for these blackjack variations may give the casino a bigger edge than necessary. Always check the table rules before you sit down, and use a strategy chart tailored to those rules.
Deviating from the Chart
This is where most players go wrong. They learn the blackjack basic strategy chart, then suddenly decide to follow a “gut feeling.” That’s a one-way ticket to losing faster.
Here’s the truth: the chart is based on hard math and probabilities, not hunches. The moment you start deviating—like standing on a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 because you’re “feeling lucky”—you’re playing into the casino’s hands.
Misunderstanding Dealer Rules
A lot of players lose because they don’t fully understand how dealers are required to play. Dealers don’t make decisions; they follow strict rules, like hitting on 16 and standing on 17.
Why does this matter? Knowing these rules helps you predict the dealer’s likely outcomes. For instance, if the dealer has a weak upcard (2-6), their forced actions often result in a bust—this is why basic strategy often tells you to stand on weaker totals like 12 or 13 in these situations.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Basic Strategy Blackjack
Mastering basic blackjack strategy doesn’t just make you a better player; it sets you up for the real fun—advanced techniques, tailored strategies, and maybe even a shot at flipping the odds in your favor. But none of that matters if you can’t nail the fundamentals.
So, grab a chart, practice like your bankroll depends on it (because it does), and let the math do the heavy lifting. The casino might have the edge, but with strategy on your side, you’re not just playing—you’re giving the house a run for its money.
FAQ
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What Is Blackjack Basic Strategy?
Blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules grounded in math and probability. Whether it’s hitting on a 12 or standing on a 17, it’s all about playing the odds and making decisions the casino doesn’t want you to.
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Can you win blackjack with just basic strategy?
Basic strategy significantly improves your odds, but it doesn’t guarantee consistent wins. The house always retains a slight edge, even if you play perfectly. To consistently beat the game, you’d need to incorporate advanced techniques like card counting.
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What is the best basic strategy for blackjack?
The best basic blackjack strategy boils down to these key rules:
- Stand on hard 12-16 if the dealer shows 2-6.
- Double down on 10 or 11 when the dealer shows 2-9.
- Always split 8s, 9s, and Aces.
- Stand on soft 18 or higher.
- Stand on hard 17 or higher.
- If none of the above apply, hit to improve your hand.
- Never take insurance—it’s a sucker’s bet with a high house edge.
Combine this with a basic strategy blackjack chart, and you’ll minimize mistakes.
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What is the 777 rule in blackjack?
The 777 rule refers to a special payout some casinos offer if a player gets three 7s in a row, usually of the same suit. While rare, this bonus can lead to a significant payout, depending on the table rules.
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Do you hit a 16 against a 7?
Yes, you hit a hard 16 against a dealer’s 7. The odds favor hitting because the dealer has a high chance of beating a standing 16.
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Do you hit a 12 against a 2?
Yes, you hit a 12 against a dealer’s 2. While risky, the math supports hitting to improve your hand since the dealer has a strong chance of landing a winning total.
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How to consistently win at blackjack?
You can’t consistently win at blackjack due to the house edge, but you can improve your odds by:
- Using basic strategy perfectly.
- Managing your bankroll wisely.
- Avoiding side bets with high house edges.
- Learning advanced techniques like card counting for additional edge.
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Do blackjack dealers know basic strategy?
Yes, blackjack dealers are trained to follow specific house rules, which align closely with basic strategy for their hands (e.g., hitting on 16 or less, standing on 17 or more). However, they cannot deviate from these rules.
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How do blackjack dealers win so often?
Dealers win often because:
- They act after players, causing players to bust before their turn.
- The house edge is built into the game, favoring the dealer over time.
- Players often make mistakes or deviate from basic strategy.
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Can the dealer look at his face-down card in blackjack?
No, the dealer cannot look at their face-down card until all players have acted, except in games with the “peek” rule. In those cases, they check for blackjack if their upcard is an Ace or 10-value card.