Basic StrategyCounting SystemsDeviations Reference

Basic Strategy Guide

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every blackjack hand. It reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5%. The charts below are for a multi-deck game (4-8 decks), dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), double after split allowed (DAS), late surrender allowed.

Legend:
HHit
SStand
DDouble (hit if can't)
DsDouble (stand if can't)
PSplit
RhSurrender (hit if can't)

Hard Totals

Hand2345678910A
17+SSSSSSSSSRs
16SSSSSHHRhRhRh
15SSSSSHHHRhRh
14SSSSSHHHHH
13SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DDDDDDDDDD
10DDDDDDDDHH
9HDDDDHHHHH
8HHHHHHHHHH
5-7HHHHHHHHHH

Soft Totals

Hand2345678910A
A,9SSSSSSSSSS
A,8SSSSDsSSSSS
A,7DsDsDsDsDsSSHHH
A,6HDDDDHHHHH
A,5HHDDDHHHHH
A,4HHDDDHHHHH
A,3HHHDDHHHHH
A,2HHHDDHHHHH

Pairs (with DAS)

Hand2345678910A
A,APPPPPPPPPP
10,10SSSSSSSSSS
9,9PPPPPSPPSS
8,8PPPPPPPPPRp
7,7PPPPPPHHHH
6,6PPPPPHHHHH
5,5DDDDDDDDHH
4,4HHHPPHHHHH
3,3PPPPPPHHHH
2,2PPPPPPHHHH

Key Rules to Remember

Always Do:

  • Always split Aces and 8s
  • Always stand on hard 17+
  • Always hit hard 8 or lower
  • Always double 11 vs dealer 2-10
  • Always stand on soft 19+

Never Do:

  • Never split 10s or 5s
  • Never take insurance (without counting)
  • Never stand on 12 vs dealer 2-3
  • Never hit hard 17+ (except A,6 soft 17)
  • Never play 6:5 blackjack if you can avoid it
Practice Basic Strategy