Master optimal blackjack play with our comprehensive strategy chart. Learn the mathematically correct decision for every hand combination and reduce the house edge to its minimum.
The basic strategy chart below shows the optimal decision for every possible hand combination in blackjack. This mathematically proven strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5% when followed correctly.
| Your Hand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
| 9 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| 10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
| 11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H |
| 12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | R | H |
| 16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | R | R | R |
| 17 or more | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Your Hand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A,2 (13) | H | H | H | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,3 (14) | H | H | H | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,4 (15) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,5 (16) | H | H | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,6 (17) | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| A,7 (18) | S | D | D | D | D | S | S | H | H | H |
| A,8 (19) | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| A,9 (20) | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
| Your Pair | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A,A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10,10 | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 9,9 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | Y | N | N |
| 8,8 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 7,7 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
| 6,6 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N |
| 5,5 | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 4,4 | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | N | N | N | N |
| 3,3 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
| 2,2 | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N | N | N |
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. Developed through computer simulations of millions of hands, it tells you the statistically best decision for every possible combination of your cards and the dealer's upcard. Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.5%, making blackjack one of the most favorable casino games for players.
Find your hand total or pair in the left column, then follow that row across to the column showing the dealer's upcard. The intersection shows your optimal play: Hit (H), Stand (S), Double Down (D), Split (Y), or Surrender (R). For soft hands, remember that the Ace counts as 11. If doubling isn't allowed, hit instead. If surrender isn't available, follow the next best option.
Hard hands contain no Ace or an Ace counted as 1 (like 10-6 or A-5-10). Soft hands contain an Ace counted as 11 (like A-6). The distinction is crucial because soft hands can't bust with one more card, allowing for more aggressive play. Always check if your hand is soft before consulting the chart, as the strategies differ significantly.
When dealt a pair, you can split them into two separate hands. Always split Aces and 8s - Aces give you two chances at blackjack, while 8s escape a weak 16. Never split 10s or 5s - 20 is too strong to break up, and 10 is better doubled. Other pairs depend on the dealer's upcard and follow specific mathematical principles shown in the chart.
Doubling down lets you double your bet in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. It's most profitable with totals of 9, 10, and 11 against weak dealer upcards (2-6). Soft doubling (with Aces) is also profitable in specific situations. The key is recognizing when you have a mathematical advantage that justifies the increased risk.
Surrender allows you to forfeit half your bet and end the hand immediately. It's only beneficial in very specific situations where your chances of winning are extremely low - typically hard 15 and 16 against strong dealer upcards (9, 10, A). Many casinos don't offer surrender, but when available, it can save money in the long run.
Never take insurance - it's a side bet with a high house edge. Don't let emotions override the chart - stick to basic strategy even after losses. Avoid "hunches" or "gut feelings" - mathematics beats intuition in blackjack. Don't split 10s even if the dealer shows a weak card. Remember that basic strategy is designed for long-term optimal play, not short-term results.
Memorizing basic strategy takes time and practice. Start with the most common situations: hard totals 12-16 against dealer 2-6 (stand), and against 7-A (hit). Learn soft 17 and 18 plays next, then pair splitting. Use our practice games to reinforce your learning without risking real money. With enough practice, optimal decisions become automatic.
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