Blackjack Strategy
Blackjack strategy is a complex topic upon which entire books have been written. The purpose of this basic strategy article is to provide you with the optimal blackjack strategy in as few words as possible. The basic strategy listed here is based on math, but we’ve left all the numbers out. What we have here instead is a simple, straightforward guide to playing blackjack well.
The key to playing smart blackjack is to make the mathematically correct move every single time. If you want to win at blackjack, it’s important that you ignore your gut feeling and past results. There are no such things as streaks in blackjack – it’s all about making the optimal play over and over again.
Blackjack Strategy Charts
Blackjack strategy charts are simple printouts in which the correct move in every circumstance is explained. These charts are organized to show your hand total along the left side and the dealer’s up-card on the top. You then see where those rows/columns intersect and the correct move is explained right there.
Most blackjack strategy cards are divided into three sections: hard totals, soft totals and pairs. Each section explains which action you should take based upon the dealer’s up-card. Hard totals are hands that are made without using an Ace. Soft totals include an ace and pairs are simply two cards of the same rank.
Wherever you see the number “10” on a blackjack strategy card, that number represents the actual 10 card plus all face cards. Since those cards are all worth the same number of points, these cards save space and just call them all 10.
Blackjack strategy charts are by far the easiest way to dramatically reduce the house advantage. Most casinos have no problem with you even printing off a blackjack strategy card and using it at the table. The same thing also goes for online casinos, obviously. Check out our blackjack strategy chart page to find both small and large printable charts + free excel spreadsheets.
Hitting and Standing Strategy
If you don’t want to memorize an entire blackjack strategy chart, the following hit and stand strategy is much simpler. It’s not as good as playing perfect blackjack but it helps if you’re in a hurry and just want to play some blackjack without getting robbed blind.
- If your hand totals less than 12: Hit
- If your hand totals anything more than 16: Stand
- With totals 12-16: Hit if dealer’s card is 7 through Ace
- With totals 12-16: Stand if dealer’s card is less than 7
Blackjack Double Down Strategy
Doubling down is advantageous when the dealer is likely to bust or when you are likely to improve to a powerful hand. Our blackjack strategy charts explain exactly when to double, but the following rules of thumb will get you close to optimal.
- Double down when the dealer is showing 2-6
- Double down every time you have a total of 11 unless the dealer has an Ace
- Double down every time you have a total of 10 unless the dealer has a face card or Ace
It can be scary to double down, but remember that doubling down is the mathematically correct play in certain situations. If doubling down makes your bet too large for comfort, it means you are playing at stakes that are too high. You should always play in games in which doubling down and splitting multiple times does not make you cringe.
Know the Rules and Number of Decks
Optimal blackjack strategy is affected by the rules and number of decks in use at the casino. One rule that changes often is whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17. If you plan on using a blackjack strategy card, make sure you know which rules your casino uses. This has an effect on how you should play certain hands.
The number of decks doesn’t affect your strategy much, but it does affect the house advantage. The fewer decks a casino uses, the better that is for you. Most casinos use anywhere from 4-8 decks but you can sometimes find single deck blackjack games. If you can find a single deck blackjack game, consider yourself lucky.
Note – some casinos now offer single deck blackjack but they change the blackjack payout from 3:2 to 6:5. This means you get paid less for blackjacks and will experience a much higher house advantage. Make it a point to never play at a blackjack table that only pays 6:5.