Basic Blackjack Strategy Overview

Basic Strategy 101 for Blackjack

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Blackjack Strategy Chart

Basic strategy sheets are the most helpful tools for memorizing these rules. The cheat sheets simply take the rules and lay them out in a color-coded grid to make them easy to read. Strategy cards will tell you when to hit and stand in blackjack, as well as surrender, double down, and split. Every player should have one by their side when playing 21.

Given the number of decks in play can affect your odds of winning, the cheat sheets will reflect these differences, too. Dealer rules, i.e., standing on soft 17, can also affect basic strategy. Most casinos use 6-8 decks in their blackjack games, so our charts cover 4-8 decks and various dealer rules so you can apply basic strategy to most blackjack games.

Use the below sheets with our free blackjack games or blackjack apps to develop your perfect blackjack strategy skills.

Blackjack Strategy Cards

4-8 Deck Blackjack, Dealer Hits on Soft 17:

4-8 Deck Blackjack, Dealer Stands on Soft 17:

How to read strategy charts:

Blackjack strategy charts usually follow an XY graph format. To find which move to make, follow the x-axis, or 'player's cards' until you find your hand value. Then look on the x-axis, or 'dealer card' to find their upcard value. Follow the two lines until you reach the cell where they meet. This will tell you the move you should make based on the cards in play.

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The key factor to remember in blackjack surrender is that you lose 50% of your wager. That means you should only surrender hands where your odds of winning are overwhelmingly negative (<25%). In these cases, surrendering saves you money in the long run.

Need a refresher?

Brush up on your surrender skills with Mr Blackjack's help

Blackjack rules

How Does Surrender Affect House Edge?

Early surrender can decrease a casino's edge by 0.63%; late surrender can decrease it by 0.1%. As discussed, early surrender is rarely offered and casinos often compensate for this by including other blackjack table rules that increase their advantage. For some blackjack players, 0.1% may seem low. When combined with perfect blackjack strategy and card counting, surrender strategies can give players a vital edge over the casino.

What is Split in Blackjack?

Split is a move players can make in blackjack. If a player holds two cards of the same value, they can split this hand and are dealt a card for each one, creating two new hands.

Splitting in blackjack attracts an all-or-nothing approach with casual players. Either they split every pair they're dealt, or none at all. Both tactics result in losing blackjack.

You can split pairs to maximize your winnings, but casinos bank on you not learning which cards to do it on. Follow blackjack split strategy rules, and you'll be doubling your payouts on the best hands.

Blackjack Split Charts

Always Split: Aces, 8s

Never Split: 4s, 5s, 10s

When Can you Split in Blackjack?

In blackjack, a player can split their hand whenever they're dealt two cards of the same value. Just because you can doesn't mean you always should, though.

Basic strategy dictates you should always split pairs of Aces and 8s, regardless of the dealer's upcard. These are the best hands to split in blackjack.

A pair of Aces gives a hand value of 2 or 22. Splitting them gives you a greater chance of creating better hands, particularly given the number of cards with a value of 10 in the shoe.

One of the trickiest hands to play in blackjack is a pair of 8s — any additional cards over 5 will bust you. Basic strategy probability states players have a greater chance of winning by splitting this pair and creating new hands.

When Shouldn't you Split in Blackjack?

No matter what upcard the dealer has, you should never split pairs of 4s, 5s, and 10s.

It's impossible for you to hit once and go bust on a pair of 4s. Only three cards can improve a pair of 4s if it's split: a 5, 6, or 7. Unless you're skilled in blackjack deviations, it's not worth the risk.

Players with a pair of 5s have 10. This is a strong position in blackjack, as a hit is likely to give you a high-value hand. Splitting 5s is more likely to leave you with weaker hands, or busting.

Similar to pairs of 5s, a pair of 10s is already a superior hand. As Mr Blackjack always says, the chances of splitting these and being dealt two hands that will both beat the dealer are low.

When Does the Dealer's Upcard Effect Splitting?

In blackjack basic strategy, there are also occasions when players can split satisfactory hands to get a better result. These depend entirely on the dealer's upcard. These split rules dictate:

1. Dealer upcard 2-7 vs Player pairs of 2s, 3s, or 7s: Split

   You and the dealer have low cards. The crucial differences are that the dealer cannot split, and they have to stand on 17. You have a better chance of winning by splitting and forming two marginal hands than standing on a poor hand.

2. Dealer upcard 2-6 vs Player pair of 6s: Split

   6s are the worst bust cards to get. In this scenario, probability states players should split this pair on the chance they are dealt one good hand. This puts players in a good place if the dealer has 16 and busts when they hit again.

3. Dealer upcard 2-7 or 9-10 vs Player pair of 9s: Split

   Generally, 18 is a decent hand that players shouldn't split. In this scenario though, it's likely the dealer will bust. A player can double their winnings with two marginal hands if they split.

MR BLACKJACK SAYS...

As a shortcut, try and think that the dealer has a 10 behind his upcard and that he will get a 10. This is easy when the dealer has a bust card. However, there are occasions when the dealer has a nine or 10 and you will have to split your cards in order to play catch-up and try and break even.

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Some blackjack variants and casino table rules restrict how many times you can split. Several casinos only allow players to hit once if they split aces. Others state that after the first split, an Ace and 10-card are considered a non-blackjack 21. Always look for games with the most liberal blackjack rules to get the best payouts.

What Does Double Down Mean In Blackjack?

Double down is a move you can make in 21. After the initial cards have been dealt, a player can make a second bet that matches their ante. In return, the dealer gives them one card — and only one. If their hand beats the dealer, the player wins the wager.

If you're confident you have a winning hand, this bet can give you a welcome advantage over the casino. Before doubling down on every wager though, it's important to be choosy. According to basic strategy, there are only four occasions where players have a good chance of winning this wager.

When Can you Double Down In Blackjack?

You can double down after the dealer has given you your initial two cards. From there, basic strategy advises you to only double down when:

1. You have a hard 11 versus any dealer's upcard.

   The chances of you making blackjack or a similarly superior hand are high.

2. You have a hard 10 and the dealer shows a 2-9.

   It's statistically impossible for you to bust on another card, and it's more likely the dealer will bust trying to reach 17.

3. You have a hard 9 and the dealer has a 3-6.

   Doubling down is a smart move here as the dealer will possibly go over 21 hitting on bust cards.

4. You have a soft 16, 17, 18 and the dealer has bust cards.

   The Ace gives you the flexibility to create a better hand with one extra card, whereas the dealer is more likely to bust.

When Shouldn't you Double Down in Blackjack?

Remember these two rules:

1. Never double down when the dealer has an Ace.

   Even if the dealer doesn't make blackjack, they can still make a good hand with an Ace. Save your bets for when you have the advantage.

2. Avoid doubling down when your hand value exceeds 11.

   Probability indicates you're more likely to bust. In these scenarios, you stand a better chance of winning at blackjack by standing on a marginal hand and letting the dealer bust.

How to Double Down in Blackjack

In the casino, players should double down by adding a stack of chips equal to their original wager to the table. Most dealers understand this signal, but if not, you can also verbalize your intent.

In live blackjack or online 21, simply click 'double down' when the game prompts.

MR BLACKJACK SAYS...

You can't play chicken. No matter what your wager is. If it's time to double down, you have to double. You can't miss these opportunities maximize your profit when its advantageous to do so.

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Always check the casino's rules on double down bets first. Some casinos only allow players to double down on hands of 10 or 11, or ban players from doubling down on split hands.

When to Hit or Stand in Blackjack?

Hit and stay/stand are the most basic moves in blackjack, but they cause the most headaches for players when tricky hand values of 14-17 are involved. Perfect blackjack strategy is vital during these moments. It gives you the confidence to know when to trust your hand or take a hit.

Generally, the dealer's upcard determines whether you hit or stay, but these basic strategy rules dictate your action:

You Should Hit When:

Your hand totals 8 or less against any dealer upcard. You can't bust with one extra card.

You have 9-11 against any dealer's card. Even if you have an Ace in your hand you should consider doubling down.

You have a soft 13-19 against any dealer upcard. Consider doubling down if the dealer has a 5 or 6. If you draw a high-value card, the Ace can give you a strong total.

You Should Stay When:

You have 17-20 against any dealer upcard. If the dealer has a bust card, stand on a lower hand and let them bust. Conversely, if the dealer has a high card, you gain nothing by busting out yourself.

You have a hard 13-16 and the dealer has bust cards. Blackjack odds show the dealer is more likely to bust. Stand on a lower hand and reap the rewards for playing strategically.

Our blackjack strategy cards can help you remember these rules, and you can use them while playing blackjack at casinos.

MR BLACKJACK SAYS...

Like in business, sometimes in blackjack it's better to do nothing. Not every decision requires a complicated action. When the math says stay, you must stay. Some NeverSplit10s viewers call this: "Stay and Pray".

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Single Deck Blackjack Chart:

4, 6 & 8 Deck Blackjack Strategy

You already know that more decks in blackjack give the casinos a bigger advantage, but do you know by how much? Knowing how the casino get's its edge between 4, 6, and 8 deck blackjack games will help you improve your basic strategy skills.

1. The casino's advantage stagnates after more than four decks are added to the shoe. The player's advantage drops most when a second deck is added (-0.33%), but after four decks flattens greatly:

   Effect of Decks in Shoe

   Numbers of Decks	% Change in Player Advantage
   1	0.01
   2	-0.34
   3	-0.45
   4	-0.5
   5	-0.53
   6	-0.55
   7	-0.56
   8	-0.57

   More low-value cards make games run flatter, but if casinos add more than four decks it's to discourage card counters.

2. More decks mean fewer naturals for you. As mentioned before, more decks mean more low-value cards are diluting the shoe. It's less likely that high-value cards will be dealt with together.

3. Look for 6-8 deck blackjack games that stand on soft 17 and allow doubling after splitting. Four-deck blackjack games are rare on online casinos, so look for 6-8 deck games with these rule variations. They give players a much better advantage.

Blackjack Deviations Strategy

There will be times when you need to break basic strategy rules in 21. These are called blackjack deviations, and occur when you have a better advantage of winning by contradicting basic strategy.

Blackjack deviations depend on the composition of cards left in the deck. To know when to break from basic strategy, you must be an expert in card counting. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn how deviation strategies work.

What are Blackjack Deviations?

Blackjack deviations come in two forms:

Playing deviation: If a player makes a move that goes against basic strategy, that's a playing deviation. When the true count changes in blackjack, players can figure out what composition of cards is left in the deck. Instead of relying on probability, players know what cards will be drawn and can change their play accordingly.

Betting deviations: This happens when a player changes their betting style. As you follow the true count in a blackjack game, you will know when you have the advantage. When this happens, you should increase your bets to maximize your winnings and vice versa.

Players can also make betting deviations when managing their bankroll, or to hide their card counting.

How Can Blackjack Deviations Help Your Basic Strategy?

Perfect blackjack strategy reduces the casino's edge by around 0.5%, and card counting gives players a 1% profit margin. While you can get the edge over casinos, it's slim.

Blackjack deviations can give players crucial opportunities to increase their expected value. These only benefit advanced players who know the mathematics to blackjack inside-out, though. For anyone else, deviations can make you lose what little advantage you originally had.

How to Play Blackjack Deviations

The most popular blackjack deviation strategy among players was created by Donald Schlesinger, a professional mathematician, Blackjack Hall of Fame inductee, and author of Blackjack Attack – Playing the Pros’ Way.

Schlesinger explains that only a small number of the total deviation plays were efficient and profitable. He called these the Illustrious 18.

The Illustrious 18 focuses on the variations that give players the highest expected returns. It uses index numbers to identify the true count for when you should deploy these specific deviations. Keep in mind these can alter slightly depending on the number of decks in play.

Here's a cheat sheet with Schlesinger's Illustrious 18 rules:

Blackjack Deviations Chart

Blackjack Odds

Using basic strategy helps you make the smartest move on any hand in 21, but there are more ways players can get the edge in blackjack. Learn simple tips to reduce the casino's advantage with our blackjack odds guide.

Card Counting in Blackjack

Basic strategy will help you play smarter blackjack, but you need to learn card counting to beat the casino. When combined with basic strategy, card counting gives players a 1% advantage over the dealer in 21. Despite what Hollywood movies show, anyone can pick up card counting with some practice. Unless you're the Ocean's Eleven crew, card counting is easier than conning the casino.