Blackjack strategy
Basic strategy is the set of mathematically best plays for every hand. It lowers the cost of blackjack; it does not beat it.
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- Basic strategy brings the edge to about 0.5%.
- It depends on the dealer's card.
- Never take insurance.
- Rules vary by table.
In brief: Stand on hard 17 or more; hit 12 to 16 against a dealer 7 or higher; double 11; always split aces and eights.
Hard hands
| Your total | Dealer 2 to 6 | Dealer 7 to ace |
|---|---|---|
| 17 or more | Stand | Stand |
| 13 to 16 | Stand | Hit |
| 12 | Stand on 4 to 6; hit on 2 or 3 | Hit |
| 11 | Double | Double on most rules |
| 10 | Double | Double against 7 to 9 |
| 9 or less | Hit (double 9 against 3 to 6) | Hit |
Soft hands
| Your hand | Play |
|---|---|
| Soft 19 or 20 | Stand |
| Soft 18 | Stand against 2, 7, 8; double against 3 to 6; hit against 9 to ace |
| Soft 17 or less | Hit, or double against 4 to 6 |
Pairs
| Pair | Play |
|---|---|
| Aces, eights | Always split |
| Tens, fives | Never split |
| Nines | Split except against 7, 10 or ace |
| Twos, threes, sevens | Split against 2 to 7 |
A summary for common rules. Exact charts vary with decks and dealer rules.
What mistakes cost
Playing by instinct typically raises the house edge to 2% or more: four times the price.
What it is not
Not card counting, and not a way to win. Online shoes are shuffled too often for counting.
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Why the plays are right
- Stand on 13 to 16 against a weak dealer card: the dealer is likelier to bust than you are to improve.
- Hit those hands against 7 or higher: the dealer probably has 17 or more already.
- Double on 11: one more card very often makes 21 or close to it.
- Split eights: 16 is the worst hand; two hands starting with 8 are better.
- Never split tens: 20 already wins most of the time.
Mistakes that cost most
| Mistake | Why it costs |
|---|---|
| Taking insurance | A side bet with a high edge |
| Standing on soft 17 | Gives up a free chance to improve |
| Not doubling 11 | Passes up the most profitable double |
| Playing 6 to 5 tables | Adds more than a point to the edge |
Live and software tables
The strategy is the same. Software tables shuffle every hand; live tables use large shoes with frequent reshuffles.
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Frequently asked questions
What is basic strategy?
The best play for each hand.
Does it beat the casino?
No; it lowers the edge.
Should I take insurance?
No.
When do I split?
Always aces and eights.