Our visual Blackjack strategy chart is here to help if you want to learn basic strategy. The blackjack betting chart will show you statistically the best decisions for you to make in each blackjack situation. As weâve said countless times before, playing Blackjack Online and making the right moves does not need to be complicated; just follow our simple blackjack strategy chart below. Of course, our experts always warn players not to place a bet or make a move simply based on a hunch.
We understand that you might be tempted to double down on a soft 17 against a dealer’s 2, but as you can see from our chart below, moves like that are not recommended as they put your funds at a potential risk. So, when it comes to this exciting table game, in particular, learn how to ignore your gut feeling and just take a strategic approach and use the blackjack strategy charts instead. Keep reading to learn more about the basic blackjack strategy.
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This Blackjack strategy chart applies to games of Blackjack in which the dealer stands on a soft 17. Hereâs what the different moves stand for:
- Stand (S) â Choose this maneuver when youâd like to stand with your Blackjack hand.
- Hit (H) â Select Hit when youâd like the dealer to give you another card.
- Double (D) – Choose double down when youâd like to double your wager.
- Split (SP) â Select split in order to split your cards into two hands.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Explained
Mastering the best blackjack strategy is essential for anyone looking to improve their chances at the leading table game. While blackjack may seem like a game of luck, the truth is that basic blackjack strategy, grounded in mathematics and probability, can significantly reduce the house edge and guide you toward smarter decisions.
The foundation of this approach lies in the blackjack strategy chart, which is designed using statistical analysis of all possible hand combinations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the basic strategy blackjack chart offers clear instructions on whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender based on your hand and the dealerâs visible card. Using the blackjack basic strategy chart doesnât guarantee constant wins, but it does provide a solid framework to minimise losses and make optimal moves.
For example, it can help you determine when splitting pairs is wise or when doubling down would give you the upper hand. These decisions vary depending on the game variant and table rules, making the chart an invaluable tool. To truly adopt the best blackjack strategy, itâs important to study the basic strategy blackjack chart, practice regularly, and make calculated choices rather than relying on gut instinct. With time and discipline, the basic blackjack strategy can turn the odds more in your favour.
Our Top Tips for Memorizing the Blackjack Strategy Chart
Our experts understand that memorizing a blackjack strategy chart can be daunting, so we have provided our top tips below to make the process easier to digest. Read below to learn more.
- Keep things Simple – Despite being seemingly obvious, our expert’s key advice is to keep the memorization of the blackjack chart simple. When memorizing the chart, keep it basic to enhance your chances of retaining the information.
- Practice is Key – The best way to become a pro at blackjack is to play. Before rushing into real money games and risking your funds, we recommend trying out free blackjack games and demo titles. These can be found at the leading US online casino sites.
- Retrieve a Physical Copy of the Chart – Finally, to make things easier, we recommend printing out the blackjack strategy chart so you can look at and study it wherever and whenever you wish.
The Best Blackjack Strategy Chart
If youâre looking for a blackjack strategy card youâll be glad to know that our team of experts has curated CasinoTop10âs own printable version of the chart. The Blackjack Odds chart can be helpful when playing Blackjack Online or in land-based casinos.
Blackjack Chart Explanation
In the blackjack strategy card, the blue line represents the dealer’s hand. As we know, we can only see one card the dealer has, while the other one is facing downwards. From 2 to Ace. Jack, Queen & King count as 10. The left side of the chart represents the player’s hand. There, you see a higher value of numbers because both cards are visible to the players and the dealer.
The first illustration shows that the dealer has 2 (plus another card facing down), and the player has 4 (both cards combined). As the chart shows, you will hit (H) and take another card. The rest of the combinations are the same. If the dealer has this or that, you take the action shown on the blackjack odds table.
The middle section shows you have an Ace, which can count as 1 or 11. Therefore, it is called a ” Soft Hand,” as you can choose to use the Ace as a 1 or an 11. The lower part shows what to do if you have pairs in your hand. Most options will show you split, but it depends again on the dealer’s hand.
Download our Free Blackjack Strategy Chart
Simply click here for our free Blackjack Strategy Chart! Keep in mind that this isn’t a blackjack cheatsheet; it’s merely a strategy tool that will help you potentially improve your game.
Blackjack Rules & Strategy
I bet you’re wondering, “Do Blackjack Dealers and Blackjack Players follow the same Blackjack Rules and Strategy?” Well, if you are, take these points into consideration:
- According to the first variation of house rules, a dealerâs ace is always counted as 11. Moreover, he would typically stand on all 17s and hit on a hand with 16 or lower.
- According to the second variation of house rules, a dealer must hit if he gets a âsoft 17â. Under this rule, the house edge is slightly increased, but the dealer does not have the opportunity to Doubling Down or Splitting.
Did You Know?
Following our Blackjack strategy chart to the tee will typically cut down the house edge to Âœ% provided that the dealer follows the casinoâs house rules. This is why using basic strategy charts can immensely improve your game. This is the case for most online casino games, so check out our online craps strategy guide to learn tips on playing this popular dice game.
The Comprehensive Blackjack Strategy Guide
Below weâve compiled a list of phrases that will help you to memorize basic Blackjack Strategy and learn how to use the Blackjack Strategy card:
Strategy for Soft Hands
Remember: Soft hands always have an ace present which is counted as 11.
When should I stand with a soft hand?
You should always stand when you have a soft hand with a total score of:
- 20 (A,9) or (10,10)
- 19 (A, 8) unless the dealerâs face-up card displays a 6.
- 18 (A,8).
Should you Double or Hit when you have the following?
- 8 always hits.
- 17 (A,6) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 3 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 16 (A,5) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 15 (A,4) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 14 (A,3) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 5 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 13 (A,2) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 5 through 6, otherwise hit.
Strategy for Hard Hands
Remember: A hard hand is a hand that sometimes doesn’t have an ace, but sometimes does. In cases in which it does, the ace is counted as 1.
When should you stand or hit with a hard hand?
You should also stand or hit when you have a hard hand with a total score of:
- 17 and up.
- 16 stands against a dealerâs face up card with the value of 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 15 stands against a dealer face up card with the value of 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 14 stands against a dealer face up card with the value of 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 13 stands against a dealer face up card with the value of 2 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 12 stands against dealer face up card with the value of 4 through 6, otherwise hit.
- 8 and under always hits.
When should you double with a hard hand?
You should double when you have a hard hand with a score of:
- 11
- 10 against a dealerâs face up card with the value of 2 through 9, otherwise hit.
- 9 against a dealerâs face up card with the value of 3, 4, 5 or 6 otherwise hit.
Strategy for Pairs
Remember: A hand of pairs is essentially getting two of the same cards of equal value. For example, 2 Aces, 2 Jacks, 2 10s etc.
When should you Split?
You should Split when you have a pair of:
- 9s splits against a dealerâs face-up card of 2 through 9 with the exception of a 7, otherwise, Stand.
- 8s and Aces.
- 2s against a dealerâs face-up card of 2 (or 4 depending on the rules) -7
- 3s against a dealerâs face-up card of 4-7.
- 7s and the dealer has 2 through 7 as his face-up card.
- 6s when the dealer has 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 as his face-up card.
- 3s splits against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 2 through 7, otherwise hit.
- 2s splits against dealerâs face-up card 2 through 7, otherwise hit.
When shouldnât you Split?
Donât split when you have a pair of:
- 4s.
- 10s.
When should you double pairs?
You should double when you have a pair of:
- 5s against a dealerâs face-up card with a value of 2 through 9 cards.
- A soft 18 (A,7) doubles against a dealerâs face-up card 3,4,5, and 6.
When should you hit pairs?
You should hit when you have a pair of:
- 7s against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 8 through an Ace.
- 6s against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 7 through an Ace.
- 4s against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 2 through an Ace.
- 3s against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 2,3,8,9,10 and an Ace.
- 2s against a dealerâs face-up card with the value of 2,8, 9, 10, and an Ace.
Tips for Partaking in Basic Blackjack Strategy
Our experts are signing off with our top tips for basic blackjack strategy. These tips are tried and tested, and are here to enhance your online blackjack gaming experience potentially. Keep reading to find out more.
Be Aware of When to Surrender
The first top tip that our experts recommend to players is that they should know when to surrender. This means that if you are being told to surrender and the surrender is allowed according to the basic strategy chart, you should do so. The strategy chart will only instruct you to surrender in specific scenarios. If surrendering your hand is not an option, then our experts recommend that you Hit. We recommend surrendering when it is appropriate, as it can potentially save you money over time.
Pick the Right Strategy Chart
Another essential tip to consider when enjoying blackjack is to choose the correct basic strategy chart. Even with the most accurate basic strategy, thereâs no guarantee of a win; other players’ decisions and plain luck also play a role. Itâs important to remember that different game variations may require slight adjustments to the blackjack strategy as you go, so always stay flexible and adapt based on the rules and flow of the game.
Split a Pair of Aces
In blackjack, starting with two Aces gives you a strong chance to build two competitive hands, as each Ace counts as 11. Itâs one of the few hands you should always split, even if youâre only allowed one more card per Ace. The same applies to a pair of eights. It’s best to consult the blackjack strategy chart specific to the version youâre playing for all other pairs.
Double Down When You Have an Ace
Doubling down is best used when you have a strong starting hand since you wonât be able to hit again. Experts suggest doubling down with 11 if the dealer isnât showing an Ace. Itâs also a good move when you have 10 and the dealer isnât showing a 10 or Ace. Timing is key; use this blackjack strategy wisely to maximise your potential payout when the odds are in your favor.
Say No to Blackjack Strategy Insurance
A key rule in basic blackjack strategy is to skip the insurance bet. Statistically, it’s not a smart move and often results in greater long-term losses. Most players find it’s better to risk losing the hand than to protect it against the dealer landing a blackjack. While this advice may change for advanced players or card counters, for those following the basic strategy, avoiding insurance remains the best approach.
Blackjack Strategy FAQ
How Do I Increase My Chances of Winning Blackjack?
Blackjack is a game of skill, so the best way to improve your potential winning chances is to use a Blackjack strategy chart, like the one we cover on this page: this instructs you on the optimal move to make depending on your hand.
What is the Best Strategy for Blackjack?
The best strategy for new players is to play for free (either in demo mode or using a casino bonus), become practised, and use optimal blackjack strategy, as shown in a strategy chart.
Do you Hit on 12 in Blackjack?
According to optimal blackjack strategy, you should hit on 12, unless the dealerâs face-up card is a 4, 5, or 6; in this case, stand.
How Do You Beat Blackjack?
When learning how to play blackjack, youâll quickly discover a hand that beats all called Blackjack. Make it with an Ace and 10, and if either you or the dealer has it, it canât be beaten, only matched for a tie.
Can You Win Blackjack with a Basic Strategy?
Yes. As blackjack is a game of skill, you can win using basic blackjack strategy: this is what we discuss above.
Practice Using our Blackjack Trainer
Whether youâve never played Blackjack before or youâre simply looking to improve your strategy, you should definitely consider using our free Blackjack Trainer. Our Blackjack strategy trainer will be able to tell you what moves to make according to our basic Blackjack strategy chart. Once you feel confident in your implementation of strategy, head to our list of Blackjack Casinos and prepare to play with a fantastic exclusive casino bonus!
