What is basic strategy?
Basic strategy is a chart specifying the correct decision (hit, stand, double, split, surrender) for every combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard. It's pure math — based on the probability that any given decision will produce the best long-run result.
Key strategy rules
- Always split aces and 8s
- Never split 5s or 10s
- Double on 11 against dealer 2-10
- Stand on hard 17+; hit hard 11 or below
- Stand on 12-16 vs. dealer 2-6 (dealer is more likely to bust)
- Hit 12-16 vs. dealer 7-A
- Stand on soft 19+; hit soft 17 or below (with double options)
Why it matters
Two players at the same blackjack table can have radically different long-run outcomes — one playing optimally with basic strategy, the other guessing. The chart is widely available; print one, use it at the (virtual) table.
Beyond basic
Once you have basic strategy down, look into card counting (works in person, harder online due to continuous shuffle) and game-specific variant adjustments (single-deck, surrender allowed, etc.).
Best blackjack casinos
For online blackjack, look for: 3:2 payouts (avoid 6:5), single-deck or double-deck games, dealer stands on soft 17. Read our blackjack guide.
FAQ
Does this strategy guarantee profit?
No casino game can be beaten long-term except blackjack (with card counting), video poker (with full-pay tables), and certain forms of poker. Strategy reduces house edge but doesn't eliminate it for most games.
Where should I practice?
Use free-play / demo modes at any major regulated casino. Our casino reviews note which operators offer demo play.