What is Basic Strategy?
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every blackjack hand. Before learning to count cards, you must master basic strategy—it’s the foundation of all advantage play.
Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to around 0.5%, making blackjack one of the best games in the casino even without counting.
Blackjack Basic Strategy Charts
Master optimal play with our interactive strategy charts. Select your table rules below to see the mathematically correct decision for every hand.
⚙️ Select Your Table Rules
Hard Totals
Use this chart when your hand does not contain an Ace counted as 11, or when your Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting.
| Your Hand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|
Soft Totals
Use this chart when your hand contains an Ace that can be counted as 11 without busting (e.g., A-6 = Soft 17).
| Your Hand | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|
Pair Splitting
Use this chart when you are dealt two cards of the same value. Y = Split, N = Don't Split (use hard total chart).
| Your Pair | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|
📋 Quick Reference Guide
Key Rules to Memorize
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 10s or 5s
- Double 11 vs dealer 2-10
- Stand on 17+ always
- Hit soft 17 vs 9, 10, A
Surrender Situations
- 16 vs dealer 9, 10, A
- 15 vs dealer 10
- If no surrender, hit instead
- Saves ~0.1% house edge
Common Mistakes
- Standing on 12 vs dealer 2/3
- Not doubling soft hands
- Splitting 10s (don't!)
- Taking insurance (never!)
Why Basic Strategy?
- Reduces house edge to ~0.5%
- Foundation for card counting
- Mathematically optimal play
- Based on millions of simulations
Why Basic Strategy Matters
Every deviation from basic strategy costs you money in the long run. A player who “plays by feel” typically gives the house an extra 2-4% edge. That’s the difference between a nearly even game and a losing proposition.
Key Principles
Hard Hands
- Always stand on 17 or higher
- Always hit on 8 or less
- Double 11 against dealer 2-10
- Double 10 against dealer 2-9
- Double 9 against dealer 3-6
Soft Hands
- Always stand on soft 19 and 20
- Double soft 17 and 18 against dealer 3-6
- Double soft 15 and 16 against dealer 4-6
- Never stand on soft 17 or less
Pairs
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 10s or 5s
- Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s against dealer 2-7
- Split 9s against dealer 2-6 and 8-9
Practice Basic Strategy
Our trainer includes basic strategy practice mode. Master these plays before adding card counting to your arsenal.