Blackjack Basic Strategy

🧮 What is Basic Strategy?

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. Developed through computer analysis of millions of hands, it provides the statistically best decision for every possible combination of your cards and the dealer's upcard.

                    Key Benefits:
                    Reduces house edge to approximately 0.5%
Eliminates guesswork and emotional decisions
Provides consistent, optimal play
Forms the foundation for advanced strategies

                

Unlike other casino games that rely purely on luck, blackjack allows skilled players to significantly influence the outcome through proper decision-making. Basic strategy is your roadmap to making those optimal decisions.

📊 The Mathematical Foundation

Basic strategy is built on probability theory and expected value calculations. Every decision is based on the mathematical expectation of each possible action.

Expected Value Example

When you have 11 vs dealer's 6:

Action	Expected Value	Best Choice
Hit	+0.54	Good
Double Down	+0.77	Optimal
Stand	+0.16	Poor

The computer calculates these values for every possible scenario, creating the basic strategy chart that tells you the optimal play in each situation.

🎯 Core Strategy Principles

Understanding the fundamental principles behind basic strategy helps you make better decisions and remember the correct plays:

Dealer Bust Probability

When dealer shows 2-6, they have higher bust probability. Stand on weaker hands and let the dealer bust.

Strong Dealer Cards

When dealer shows 7-A, they likely have a strong hand. You need to improve weak hands by hitting.

Double Down Value

Double when you have a good chance to make a strong hand (9, 10, 11) against weak dealer cards.

Soft Hand Flexibility

Soft hands can't bust with one card, allowing for more aggressive play like doubling soft 13-18.

💪 Hard Hands Strategy

Hard hands contain no Ace or an Ace counted as 1. These form the backbone of basic strategy:

Key Hard Hand Rules:

8 or less: Always hit - impossible to bust
9: Double vs 3-6, otherwise hit
10: Double vs 2-9, hit vs 10/A
11: Double vs 2-10, hit vs A
12: Stand vs 4-6, hit vs 2-3 and 7-A
13-16: Stand vs 2-6, hit vs 7-A
17+: Always stand

The Dreaded 16:

Hard 16 vs dealer 10 is the worst hand in blackjack. You lose more often than you win regardless of your decision, but hitting loses slightly less than standing in the long run.

🌟 Soft Hands Strategy

Soft hands contain an Ace counted as 11, providing flexibility since you can't bust with one more card:

Soft Hand Advantages:

Cannot bust with one additional card
Can be played more aggressively
Often profitable to double down
Ace can switch between 1 and 11 as needed

Key Soft Hand Rules:

A,2 and A,3: Double vs 5-6, otherwise hit
A,4 and A,5: Double vs 4-6, otherwise hit
A,6: Double vs 3-6, otherwise hit
A,7: Double vs 3-6, stand vs 2,7,8, hit vs 9,10,A
A,8 and A,9: Always stand

Soft 17 Confusion:

Many players incorrectly stand on soft 17. Since you can't bust, hitting gives you chances to improve to 18-21 while risking little.

✂️ Pair Splitting Strategy

When dealt a pair, you can split them into two separate hands. This decision requires careful consideration:

Always Split:

Aces: Two chances at blackjack
8s: Escape terrible 16, get two decent starting hands

Never Split:

10s: 20 is too strong to break up
5s: 10 is great for doubling, two 5s are weak

Situational Splits:

2s, 3s, 7s: Split vs weak dealer cards (2-7)
4s: Split vs 5-6 only (if doubling after split allowed)
6s: Split vs 2-6
9s: Split vs 2-9 except 7 (stand vs 7, 10, A)

Splitting 8s vs 10: The Math

Even though this seems scary, the math is clear:

Standing on 16 vs 10: -54% expected value
Hitting 16 vs 10: -54% expected value
Splitting 8s vs 10: -48% expected value

You still lose money, but splitting loses less!

⚡ Double Down Strategy

Doubling down allows you to double your bet in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. Use this when you have a mathematical advantage:

Prime Doubling Situations:

11 vs 2-10: Best doubling opportunity
10 vs 2-9: Strong hand vs weak dealer
9 vs 3-6: Good improvement chances

Soft Doubling:

A,6 vs 3-6: Can't bust, good improvement potential
A,5 vs 4-6: Many cards improve your hand
A,4 vs 4-6: Similar to A,5

Doubling Strategy:

The key to doubling is recognizing when you have both a good chance to improve your hand AND the dealer has a good chance to bust or make a weak hand.

❌ Common Strategy Mistakes

Even players who know basic strategy often make these costly errors:

Taking Insurance

Insurance is a side bet with a 7.4% house edge. Never take it, even with blackjack.

Following Hunches

Gut feelings and superstitions cost money. Stick to basic strategy regardless of recent results.

Mimicking the Dealer

Standing on 17+ and hitting 16- gives the house a 5.5% edge. Basic strategy is much better.

Never Busting

Some players never hit 12-16, fearing bust. This gives the house a huge 4% edge.

Emotional Decisions:

The biggest mistake is letting emotions override strategy. Whether you're winning or losing, basic strategy remains mathematically optimal.

📚 Learning and Memorizing Basic Strategy

Mastering basic strategy takes practice, but these techniques will help you learn faster:

Learning Steps:

Start with hard totals: Learn 12-16 vs dealer 2-6 (stand) and 7-A (hit)
Add doubling: Memorize 9, 10, 11 doubling rules
Learn soft hands: Focus on A,7 and A,6 first
Master pair splitting: Always/never splits first, then situational
Practice regularly: Use our free games to reinforce learning

Memory Aids:

"Dealer bust cards": Remember 2-6 are weak for dealer
"Pat hands": 17+ always stand
"Double on 11": Almost always correct
"Split Aces and 8s": Universal rule

Practice Makes Perfect:

Use our free blackjack games to practice basic strategy without risking money. Aim for 95%+ accuracy before playing for real stakes.