Blackjack Basic Strategy

Blackjack basic strategy is quite simple the strategy to use based on your first two cards. It is a strategy based on mathematical probabilities and has been refined through numerous computer simulations. If played correctly it usually reduces the house edge to around .5%.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Text

Here is what the Basic Strategy Chart would look like written out. Some may find it easier to memorize in plain text.

First Two Cards

• You have 8 or below, always hit.
• You have 9 – Double if the dealer shows 3 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have 10 – Double if the dealer shows 2 thru 9 – otherwise hit.
• You have 11 – Double if the dealer shows 2 thru 10 – Hit if dealer has Ace.
• You have 12 – Hit if the dealer shows 2 or 3 – Stand if the dealer shows 4 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have 13- 16 – Stand if the dealer shows 2 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have 17 – 21 – Always Stand.
• You have Ace 2 or Ace 3 – Double if the dealer shows 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have Ace 4 or Ace 5 – Double if the dealer shows 4 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have Ace 6 – Double if the dealer shows 3 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have Ace 7 – Stand if the dealer shows 2, 7 or 8. Double 3 -thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have Ace 8 or Ace 9 – Always Stand.
• You have a pair of Aces or Eights – Always split.
• You have a pair of twos or threes – Split if the dealer shows 2 – 7 – otherwise hit.
• You have a pair of fours – Split if the dealer shows 5 or 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have a pair of fives – Double if the dealer shows 2 thru 9 – otherwise hit.
• You have a pair of sixes – Split if the dealer shows 2 thru 6 – otherwise hit.
• You have a pair of sevens – Split if the dealer shows 2 thru 7 – otherwise hit.
• You have a pair of nines – Split if the dealer shows 2 thru 6, and 8 or 9. Stand if the dealer has 7, 10 or Ace.
• You have a pair of tens, jacks, queens, kings – Always Stand.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart