Complete Blackjack Strategy Guide

Basic Strategy Overview

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play blackjack. Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5%, making blackjack one of the best games for players.

When to Hit

Hit (take another card) when:

• • Your hand total is 11 or less (always hit)
• • You have 12-16 and dealer shows 7 or higher
• • You have a soft hand (Ace counted as 11) and total is less than 18
• • You have 12-16 and dealer shows 2-6 (stand instead)

When to Stand

Stand (keep your current hand) when:

• • Your hand total is 17 or higher
• • You have 12-16 and dealer shows 2-6
• • You have a soft 19 or 20

When to Double Down

Double down (double your bet and take one card) when:

• • You have 11 and dealer shows 2-10
• • You have 10 and dealer shows 2-9
• • You have 9 and dealer shows 3-6
• • You have a soft 13-18 and dealer shows 4-6

When to Split

Split (separate pairs into two hands) when:

• • Always split Aces and 8s
• • Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 9s when dealer shows 2-6
• • Never split 10s, 5s, or 4s

Understanding Soft Hands

A soft hand contains an Ace that can be counted as either 1 or 11 without going over 21. Soft hands give you more flexibility:

• • Soft 13-18: Hit if dealer shows 7 or higher, otherwise stand
• • Soft 19-20: Always stand
• • Soft 17-18: Hit if dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace