Blackjack Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is a set of rules that tells you the optimal way to play every possible hand in blackjack. By following this chart, you can reduce the casino's house edge to its absolute minimum (often under 0.5%), making it one of the best games to play.

Disclaimer

This basic strategy chart is for educational and informational purposes only. It represents a mathematically optimal way to play based on common casino rules, but does not guarantee winnings. The creator is not responsible for any monetary losses incurred while using this information. Gambling involves risk. Please play responsibly and within your means.

Remember: Even with an optimal strategy, the house always has an edge. You can minimize volatility, but you can never beat the house in the long run.

Strategy Chart

This chart assumes the dealer stands on soft 17 (S17). (H=Hit, S=Stand, D=Double, P=Split)

Hard Totals

Your Hand	Dealer's Upcard
	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
17-20	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
5-8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H

Soft Totals

Your Hand	Dealer's Upcard
	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
A,9-10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,8	S	S	S	S	D	S	S	S	S	S
A,7	S	D	D	D	D	S	S	H	H	H
A,6	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,4-5	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,2-3	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H

Pairs

Your Hand	Dealer's Upcard
	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
A,A	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
9,9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S
8,8	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
7,7	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
6,6	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
5,5	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
4,4	H	H	H	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
2,2-3,3	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H