Blackjack is a top casino card game popular in the United States. In this game, your opponent is not a player on the table but the dealer himself. With the right blackjack basic strategy, you can lower the house edge and maintain a better chance of securing a win. If you’re eager to take your game to the next level, understanding the right strategies could increase your chances of winning big.
If you follow the basic strategy Blackjack, then you can reduce the house edge to over less than 50%, making a good gameplay space with the lowest house edges on the casino floor. In this blog, we will learn about the Blackjack basic strategy and how to use the blackjack strategy charts.
Blackjack Strategy Charts
Blackjack is a card game where you need to defeat the casino or dealers, which requires you to be aware of the best strategies and gain an upper hand in the game. The leftmost column represents the hand of the players, and the top row represents the hand of the dealers.
Becoming familiar with the basic blackjack strategy chart is important as it provides you with the possible set of options for every situation you face at the table. The blackjack strategy charts are based on the player’s hand card and the dealer’s upturned card.
How to Read the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart?
The Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart might seem to be a bit overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, you can easily understand the chart. There are many variants of the Blackjack Basic Strategy chart, and using them must be known to be able to use the Blackjack strategy in the game. Let us understand this situation with an example below.
In this blackjack basic strategy chart, the left-most side column will have your hand (player’s) listed in order from top to down. The given chart shows a possible set of movements for when you have no ace card hand, which makes all the values fixed or hard.
You can check the dealer’s up card at the top of the Blackjack basic strategy chart. Move to the corresponding intersection points of both positions, and you will find the best possible move for the given set of situations.
Suppose the player’s hand is 9 and the dealer’s upcard is 5 then you only have to match the intersection points which says that you can either double down or hit for the move.
You can choose other moves based on your hand like split, double down, stand, surrender, etc. To play effortlessly you must memorise the blackjack strategy chart properly.
Understand Blackjack Rules & Gameplay
What is Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack is a casino game where your main opponent is the dealer. You have to win against the dealer or house, for which the first thing you must know after the rules of the blackjack is the right blackjack strategy to secure a lead in the game.
The Blackjack strategy is the optimal move you should make when you have your hand card and the dealer’s hand. Well, you must be aware of the common blackjack rules and terms before you participate in a live casino game of blackjack. The Blackjack basic strategy acts like the blackjack cheat sheet, which can be used while playing a game of Blackjack in the casinos.
The Blackjack strategy card helps players to make informed decisions on which moves to take. Players have a couple of moves, such as hit, stand, split, surrender, push, etc, which you can use at a particular time and take advantage of in the game. As per the blackjack basic strategy, your current hand determines the move you should make to avoid loss on your bet.
It is important to be aware of the blackjack strategy chart as it is one of the most simple strategies to reduce the house advantage and give you a better chance of saving your money.
Blackjack Game Overview
The main objective in blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total of 21. The following rules before blackjack basic strategy show how a typical round works:
Placing Bets
Each player places a bet before any cards are dealt. Players place the initial bet, and the dealer plays the last bet.
Dealing Cards
Every player receives two face-up cards, while the dealer gets one face-up card and one face-down card. Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10 points each, and an Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, whichever value helps create the best hand.
Gameplay Options
- Hit: You can request additional cards to improve your hand. You may keep hitting until you’re happy with your hand or until you go over 21 (known as busting).
- Stand: If you’re satisfied with your hand, you can choose to stick with your current total.
- Dealer’s Turn: The dealer reveals their face-down card once all players have completed their hands. The dealer is required to keep hitting until their hand totals at least 17. If you don’t bust and have a higher hand than the dealer without going over 21, you win!
Common Blackjack Terms
The first thing a player needs to do when starting to play blackjack is to understand the common terminology, as this helps to decide the best action during the game. Check out some of the important blackjack terms below.
Blackjack
Making Blackjack is one of the best hands in the game. It is a combination of an Ace and a ten-point card that makes the player a winner without even having to make a move.
In most casinos, players get paid in the ratio 3:2 when they have a blackjack and the dealer does not have a blackjack. For example, if a player hits a blackjack with a bet of $10, then they win a total of $15 in the game.
Bust
Busting means your hand total goes over 21. If this happens, you automatically lose the round, no matter what hand the dealer has. So, avoiding a bust is essential in blackjack.
Double Down
Doubling down is when you double your original bet and receive just one more card. This option is only available after your first two cards are dealt. For example, if you bet $5 and receive a total of 11, you can place another $5 bet. You’ll get one more card, but you can’t choose to hit again after that.
Hard Hand
A hard hand is any hand that doesn’t include an Ace counted as 11. In other words, if you have a hand like 10 and 7, this is a “hard 17” because there’s no Ace. Hard hands are less flexible because their total is set without any option to adjust values.
Hit
Hitting means asking for an additional blackjack strategy card to try to improve your hand. You can keep hitting as many times as you want until you either feel satisfied with your hand or go over 21 and bust.
Insurance
Insurance is a side bet you can make if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. It’s a way to protect yourself if the dealer has blackjack.
You can bet up to half of your original bet, and if the dealer does have blackjack, you win twice the amount of your insurance bet. However, statistically, taking insurance is not recommended because it’s usually more profitable for the casino.
Push
A push happens when your hand has the same total as the dealer’s hand. For instance, if you both have 19, it’s a push, which means it’s a tie. You don’t win or lose money on a push; you simply get your original bet back.
Soft Hand
A soft hand includes an Ace that counts as 11. For example, an Ace and a 6 is called a “soft 17.” Soft hands are flexible because the Ace can also count as 1 if you draw another card that would otherwise make you bust. For instance, if you hit on a soft 17 and receive a 5, the Ace would now count as 1, giving you a new total of 12 instead of busting.
Split
If you’re dealt two identical cards (such as two 8s), you can split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original bet.
For example, if you bet $10 and receive two 8s, you can split them by placing another $10 bet. Each 8 will then be the starting card of a new hand, and you play each hand separately. You can also split aces when you have two in your hand and play them as a separate hand.
Stand (or Stay)
Standing means you’re satisfied with your hand and don’t want any more cards. You simply keep the total you have and end your turn.
Surrender
Surrendering allows you to give up your hand and get half of your original bet back. This option is available when your chances of winning are very low based on the dealer’s visible card.
For example, if you have a poor hand and the dealer shows a strong blackjack strategy card, surrendering might be a smart choice. However, not all casinos offer this option, so check before you play.
Important Blackjack Strategy & Tips
It is important to be aware of certain important things before you memorize a blackjack strategy chart. Here are some of the best tips.
Basic Strategy in Blackjack Does Not Guarantee a Win!
Even if you have a blackjack strategy card, that does not guarantee an assured win in the game. The Basic Strategy cannot eliminate the house edge even if you get lucky from time to time. You will still need to use your brain strategy, true count conversions, counting, and deviations to win in the game.
Memorize the Blackjack Strategy Card
When it comes to winning in the blackjack game, you must memorize the moves on the blackjack strategy chart. If you memorize every move on the card, you will be able to make the right move in a situation and dominate the dealer.
Practice makes Perfect
Having the blackjack strategy chart is not enough to win the game. You must practice using the strategy chart in the game to dominate the dealer in the game. You can practice at casinos with small bets when you know how to play blackjack. It will help you hone your blackjack skills.
The Chart is not Enough!
Many Blackjack players think that memorizing the blackjack strategy chart is enough to win the game, But remember, the casino house will not let you win and double your bet easily.
You must learn additional rules, tips, and deviations that might help you eliminate the edge of the dealer in the game.
Avoid taking insurance
When the dealer shows an Ace, you can place an insurance bet, which is up to half of your original bet. If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2 to 1.
However, if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost. As per the bBackjack basic strategy, taking insurance is not advised, and it must be avoided.
Don’t take even money with a Blackjack
If you have blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, you may be offered an even money payout in case the dealer also has blackjack.
For example, if you bet $10, taking even money would win you $10 instead of the $15 from a regular 3:2 payout. If you decline the even-money offer and the dealer does have blackjack, you’ll push and get your original bet back.
Choose Hit when doubling is not allowed
If the basic strategy blackjack suggests doubling down, but the table rules don’t permit it, just hit. The only exception is with a soft 18, where you should stand.
Manage your Bankroll
Managing bankroll is important for long-term success in blackjack. Set a budget for every game of blackjack and try not to exceed the amount in case of loss. Ask yourself how much you are willing to risk or afford to lose. Never bet more than 1-2% of your total bankroll to minimize risk.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Always maintain a positive mindset in the game, as it impacts your blackjack performance. Avoid letting emotions let you make bad decisions in the game. It is important to stay calm, confident, and focused to make better moves and win games.
Best Blackjack Basic Strategy in Phrases
You can memorize the phrases from the blackjack strategy card to select the best move in the game. Check some of the important phrases to help you memorize the best blackjack strategy.
1. Splitting
| SPLITS (Yes or No)* | 2 to 6 | 7 to A |
| 2/2, 3/3, 6/6, 7/7, 9/9 | Yes | No |
| 8/8, A/A | Yes | Yes |
| 4/4, 5/5, 10/10 | No | No |
Follow the steps when you have a call to make, the below given conditions are some best hands when you should call a split as per the blackjack basic strategy.
- Never split if you have 10 or 5 in your hand.
- Always split when you have Aces and 8s.
- Split 2, 3, and 7 on 2 through 7
- Split 4s against 5 and 6
- Split 9s against 2 through 9, except 7
- Split when you have 6s on 2 through 6
Note: If you choose not to split, treat your hand as a hard hand. For example, if you do not split two 7s, then you play it as a hard 14.
2. Soft Totals
| SOFT | 2 to 6 | 7 to A |
| 13 to 15 | HIT | HIT |
| 16 to 18 | DOUBLE | HIT |
| 19 to 21 | STAND | STAND |
Follow the given blackjack strategy when you have a soft total in your hand.
- Soft 20 and 21 always stand for players
- Soft 19 (Ace, 8) doubles against 6; otherwise, choose to stand
- Soft 18 (Ace, 7) doubles against 2-6 and stands against 7 and 8. Choose to hit against 9, 10, and Ace.
- Soft 17 (A, 6) doubles against 3 to 6; otherwise, choose to hit.
- Soft 16 ( A, 5) double against 4 to 6; otherwise, choose to hit.
- Soft 15 follows the same as Soft 16
- Soft 14 (A, 3) and Soft 13 ( A, 2) doubles against 5 and 6; otherwise, players must hit.
Here, A stands for Ace, and “Soft” is a hand where players have an Ace card with any card in the range of 2 to Ace.
3. Hard Totals
| HARD | 2 to 6 | 7 to A |
| 4 to 8 | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Double | Hit |
| 10 or 11 | Double | Double if more than dealer* |
| 12 to 16 | Stand | Hit |
| 17 to 21 | Stand | Stand |
Follow the given blackjack strategy when you have a hard total in your hand and no Ace.
- Hard 17 and above will always stand against the dealer
- Hard 13 to 16 will stand against 2 to 6 and hit against 7 to ace.
- Hard 12 will stand against 4 to 6 and hit against 7 to ace.
- Hard 11 will always double from 2 to Ace.
- Hard 10 will double-double against 2 to 9.
- Hard 9 will double against 2 to 6 and hit against 7 to ace.
- Hard 8 will hit against every hand
Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart
These strategy charts are designed specifically for single-deck blackjack. There are two sets of charts:
- Dealer Stands on Soft 17: This chart is for when the dealer is required to stand on a Soft 17 (Ace and 6).
- Dealer Hits on Soft 17: This chart applies when the dealer must hit on a soft 17.
Each set includes three charts based on the type of hand you have:
- Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace or with an Ace counted as 1.
- Soft Hand: A hand with an Ace counted as 11.
- Split Hand: When you have two blackjack strategy cards of the same value, they can be split into two hands.
These charts will guide you in making the best decisions for your situation in single-deck blackjack. The following is a guide to the abbreviations used in the charts:
- H = Hit
- S = Stand
- Dh = Double down if allowed, otherwise hit
- Ds = Double down if allowed, otherwise stand
- Rh = Surrender if allowed, otherwise hit
- Rp = Surrender if allowed, otherwise split
- Rs = Surrender if allowed, otherwise stand
- P = Split
- Ph = Split if doubling after hit is allowed, otherwise hit
- Pd = Split if doubling after hit is allowed, otherwise double
- Ps = Split if doubling after hit is allowed, otherwise stand
These charts are essential for making the best decisions based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard.
Single Deck, Dealer Stands on Soft 17
Single Deck, Dealer Hits on Hard 17
4- to 8-Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart
The most common multi-deck blackjack cheat sheet uses six decks, but these strategies are the same for any game with 4 to 8 decks. The charts are very similar to those for single-deck blackjack.
As with the single deck charts, there are two sets:
- Dealer Stands on Soft 17: For games where the dealer must stand on a Soft 17 (Ace and 6).
- Dealer Hits on Soft 17: For games where the dealer hits on a soft 17.
Each set includes three charts based on the type of hand you have:
- Hard Hand: A hand without an Ace or with an Ace valued as 1.
- Soft Hand: A hand with an Ace valued at 11.
- Split Hand: When you have two cards of the same value that can be split into two hands.
These charts will help you make the optimal play, whether you’re playing with 4, 6, or 8 decks.
4-8 Decks, Dealer Stands on Soft 17
4-8 Decks, Dealer Hits on Soft 17
When playing blackjack, it’s important to choose a game that offers the best odds. Different blackjack variations can affect your chances of winning.
The ideal blackjack strategy lets you double your bet, double after splitting, split pairs, and surrender if needed. If any of these options are missing, your odds of winning decrease. While most casinos offer these features, surrendering is less common.
Your odds are also better if the dealer is required to stand on a soft 17 rather than hitting. Lastly, always look for a table that pays 3:2 for blackjack instead of the lower payouts like 6:5 or even money.
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Got Questions?
What is the best basic strategy for blackjack?
Check the best blackjack basic strategy to become a better player below.
- Stand when your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer has 2 to 6
- Hit when your hand is in the range of 12 to 16, and the dealer has a card in the range of 7 to ace
- Always split when having aces and 8s
- Double down on 11 against the dealer’s 2 to 10
- Hit or double down on Aces to 6-card hands.
Do you hit a 13 against a 2?
No, when you have a hand in the range of 12 to 16 and the dealer’s upcard is in the range of 2 to 6 then the best move is to stand not hit.
Can you win at blackjack with basic strategies?
The Blackjack strategy does not guarantee a win in the game but increases your likelihood to win. If you use the blackjack strategies in the game, the dealer advantage is cut below by 0.5% in the game. This gives players the chance to use their brains and better strategies to win the game.
What is the 777 rule in blackjack?
This strategy ensures that you win if at least one of your first two cards is a 7. The winning probability increases more if both of your first two cards are 7s. The winning bet increases when the dealer’s upcard is also a 7.
Do you hit or stay on 16?
When you have a hard 16 against a 9 to Ace, then surrender is the best choice. While, if you have a soft 16, then double against 4 to 6; otherwise, hit.
Is there a trick to winning blackjack?
The blackjack strategy chart is the best way to increase your chances of winning in the blackjack game. There is no proven trick to win every game of blackjack.
Can you have a blackjack strategy card?
You can keep a blackjack strategy card in the game. However, it is better to memorize the blackjack strategy chart despite keeping the card while playing the game.
What is the 5 card trick in a blackjack dealer?
This trick is applied when a player hits five cards in hand, but the total hand’s value is still less than 21. In this situation, the player automatically wins the game.
