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Blackjack remains one of the most popular casino games, offering a unique mix of chance and skill. By learning and applying a solid basic strategy, you can reduce the house edge and improve your decision-making at the table.
What Is Basic Blackjack Strategy?
Basic blackjack strategy is a mathematically proven system that tells you the best possible move for every hand combination. Whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender—it’s all based on probability and designed to give you the highest expected return.
By following this system, the house edge can drop to as low as 0.5%, depending on the number of decks and rules in play.
Understanding the Blackjack Strategy Chart
A blackjack strategy chart is a visual guide that tells you what move to make based on:
- Your hand total
- The dealer’s visible (up) card
There are usually three main sections on a basic chart:
- Hard Totals: Hands without an Ace or where the Ace counts as 1
- Soft Totals: Hands where the Ace counts as 11
- Pairs: Two identical cards, which can be split
Simply cross-reference your hand with the dealer’s upcard to find the optimal move.
Key Blackjack Strategy Tips
- Always Split Aces and 8s
Splitting Aces gives you a chance at hitting 21, while splitting 8s turns a losing 16 into two potentially winning hands. - Never Split 10s or 5s
10s make a strong 20—don’t break it. Splitting 5s weakens your position; treat them as a 10 and consider doubling down instead. - Double Down on 11
With an 11, you have the best chance of hitting 21. Always double down if allowed. - Avoid Insurance Bets
Insurance sounds safe but statistically benefits the house. Only consider it if you’re card counting. - Know When to Surrender
Surrender is a smart move in certain tough situations. If allowed, use it when the odds are heavily against you (e.g., your 16 vs. dealer’s Ace).
Blackjack Strategy and Deck Count
The number of decks in use impacts your approach:
- Single Deck – Lowest house edge; rare today
- Double Deck – Moderate edge; more player-friendly
- 4 to 8 Decks – Common in casinos; slightly worse odds for players
Use the chart designed for the specific deck count you’re playing with, as strategies differ slightly between formats.
How to Get a Strategy Chart
Blackjack strategy charts are easy to find online in PDF or image format. They’re printable, mobile-friendly, and legal to use in most casinos—as long as you don’t hold them while playing.
Look for:
- Single deck strategy charts
- Double deck strategy charts
- Multi-deck (4-8) strategy charts
Post one on your wall, save it to your phone, or print a pocket-sized version before heading to the casino.
