Online Blackjack strategy

Basic Blackjack Strategy

To play blackjack well, you have to make the right decision repeatedly, and there are more situations than most players expect. Basic strategy is the simplified, practical version of optimal play that most players can actually memorize. It is not always perfectly optimal for every rule variation, but it is almost always correct and produces strong results under typical casino rules. The performance gap between the basic and perfect strategies is small in real play. For many common games, the difference is roughly the equivalent of a small fraction of a hand per hour, not a dramatic swing. Basic strategy also puts new players far ahead of uninformed players who rely on instincts or table myths. If you want a single strategy layer that delivers the most value with the least effort, this is it. It is the best starting point before learning a perfect strategy.

Basic Strategy Charts

Strategy charts tell you what to do by comparing two things: your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Your hand total appears on the left, and the dealer’s showing card appears along the top or in grouped columns. The chart output tells you the correct action for that situation. These simplified tables are designed to be easy to learn and to cover the most common decisions.

Hard Hands Table

*Explanation: If you have 10 and the dealer shows 9 or less, double. If the dealer shows 10 or Ace, hit. If you have 11, double if the dealer shows 10 or less. If the dealer shows an Ace, hit.

Soft Hands Table

Splits Table

Note: If you do not split, treat the hand as a hard hand. Example: two 7s not split becomes a hard 14.

Additional Basic Strategy Rules

• Surrender Rule: Surrender if you have 16 and the dealer shows 10. If surrender is not allowed, hit instead.
• Doubling Exception: If the strategy says double but doubling is not allowed, hit instead. Exception: if you have soft 18 and doubling is not allowed, stand.
• Insurance Rule: Never take insurance. When the dealer shows an Ace, insurance is offered up to half the original bet. It pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, it loses. It is mathematically unfavorable for most players.
• Even Money Rule: Never take even money on blackjack. If you have blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, even money offers a guaranteed 1:1 payout. Example: a $10 bet wins $10 instead of the usual $15 at 3:2. If you decline and the dealer also has blackjack, the hand is a push, and you get your original bet back. Declining even money has better long-term value.

How to Learn Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack strategy can look intimidating because charts compress a lot of decisions into a small space. The simplest learning path is to start with a basic strategy, then decide whether a perfect strategy is worth the additional memorization for your play style. The goal is not to study everything at once. It is about building automatic decisions you can execute consistently without hesitation.

For Beginners

Start with a basic strategy and focus on the most common decisions first. You will be correct in most situations, and the mistakes you do make will be less frequent and less costly than playing by instinct. Basic strategy is the best foundation and the fastest way to improve.

Using Charts at the Table

Some casinos allow players to refer to a printed chart, and many online games provide quick access to rules. Still, repeatedly checking charts can slow decisions and may irritate other players in live environments. The practical approach is to use charts for practice, then rely on memory during real play.

Learning Perfect Strategy

Learn one chart set that matches the game you actually play, such as six decks with dealer hits soft 17. Drill one chart category at a time, starting with hard hands, then soft hands, then splits. Use repetition tools such as practice apps, online trainers, or simulated hands. Test yourself until decisions become automatic. If you forget during play, fall back to basic strategy rather than guessing. A perfect strategy can take weeks or months to internalize, depending on how often you practice.