Below is a basic strategy chart for a standard 6 deck blackjack game (dealer stands on all 17s, double any two cards, double after split, late surrender.) The left column is the total of your hand. These are sorted by hard totals, soft totals, and pairs.
The numbers along the top row represent the
dealer's face up card. Your action will depend on the total of your hand compared to the dealer's face up card. For example, if the dealer's face up card is 8, and you hold a 15, the proper action would be to hit.
To play blackjack optimally, it is necessary to always play the basic strategy. Even card counters rely on basic strategy to make their playing decisions. By playing optimal basic strategy, the house edge can be reduced to less than 0.50%
The optimal strategy for any given blackjack game depends on the rules and the number of decks for that particular game.
Blackjack Info has a basic strategy engine that will generate a custom strategy chart for any combination of rules and decks.
While the basic strategy will take a lot of practice to memorize, there are a few rules to remember that apply for just about all situations and strategies:
- Stand on a hard total of 17 or higher, or a soft total of 19 or higher.
- Hit on a hard total of 8 or lower.
- Hit on a hard total of 12-16, or a soft total of 13-17, if the dealer's up card is 7 or higher. Generally, stand if it's 6 or lower. (See strategy chart)
- Double down on 11 and 10, unless dealer is showing an Ace or 10. (See strategy chart)
- Split pairs of Aces and 8s. Never split 5s and 10s.
- If offered, surrender on 15 if the dealer shows a 10, or 16 if the dealer shows a 9, 10 or Ace.