Best Blackjack Basic Strategy Guide
This blackjack basic strategy guide is for players looking to play blackjack and win. As you may already know, blackjack is one of the most popular casino table games available to play online. What the basic blackjack strategy does is tell you the best mathematical way to play any hand that you are dealt with. You will only find that on our short, straight to the point online blackjack basic strategy chart section.
We will walk you through the easiest way to use the blackjack strategy table to help you decide whether to hit or stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender. Get started with our blackjack basic strategy below at best US online casinos recommended by Casino US!
Accepts players from: United States
Updated: 11/04/2025
Best Blackjack Basic Strategy Guide
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How to Learn Blackjack Basic Strategy Successfully
The key to learning blackjack strategy is understanding and memorizing fundamental rules. Once you get familiar with the terms and strategies, making the right moves becomes second nature.
Key Takeaways for Learning Blackjack Strategy:
- Know when to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender.
- Learn how your hand compares to the dealer’s up-card.
- Understand that blackjack strategy varies based on the number of decks and house rules.
- Use a basic blackjack strategy chart for quick decision-making.
Pro Tip: The goal of blackjack strategy is to reduce the house edge and make mathematically sound decisions—not to guarantee a win every time.
Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
A blackjack strategy chart provides a visual representation of the best moves based on your hand and the dealer’s up-card. Keep in mind that strategy varies depending on the number of decks and whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17.
Below is a basic blackjack strategy chart that works best for 4-8 deck games where the dealer stands on a soft 17.
Blackjack Strategy Chart for Hard Hands
| Your Hand | Best Move |
|---|---|
| 8 or lower | Always Hit |
| 9 | Double if the dealer shows 3-6, otherwise Hit |
| 10 | Double if the dealer shows 2-9, otherwise Hit |
| 11 | Always Double |
| 12 | Stand if the dealer shows 4-6, otherwise Hit |
| 13-14 | Stand if the dealer shows 2-6, otherwise Hit |
| 15-16 | Stand if the dealer shows 2-6, otherwise Hit |
| 17+ | Always Stand |
Blackjack Strategy Chart for Soft Hands (Hands with an Ace)
| Your Hand | Best Move |
|---|---|
| A,2 | Double if the dealer shows 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| A,3 | Double if the dealer shows 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| A,4 | Double if the dealer shows 4-6, otherwise Hit |
| A,5 | Double if the dealer shows 4-6, otherwise Hit |
| A,6 | Double if the dealer shows 3-6, otherwise Hit |
| A,7 | Double if the dealer shows 2-6, Hit against 9-Ace, otherwise Stand |
| A,8 | Double if the dealer shows 6, otherwise Stand |
| A,9 | Always Stand |
Blackjack Strategy Chart for Pairs (Splitting Pairs)
| Your Hand | Best Move |
|---|---|
| Aces | Always Split |
| 2’s & 3’s | Split if dealer shows 2-7, otherwise Hit |
| 4’s | Split if dealer shows 5-6, otherwise Hit |
| 5’s | Double if dealer shows 2-9, otherwise Hit |
| 6’s | Split if dealer shows 2-6, otherwise Hit |
| 7’s | Split if dealer shows 2-7, otherwise Hit |
| 8’s | Always Split |
| 9’s | Split unless dealer shows 7, 10, or Ace, then Stand |
| 10’s | Always Stand |
Odds of Winning Blackjack with Basic Strategy
Blackjack isn’t just about luck—using the right strategy significantly reduces the house edge. Here’s what you should know about your odds when following basic strategy:
- The Return to Player (RTP) rate when using perfect blackjack basic strategy is 99.63%, making blackjack one of the best casino games for players.
- The chance of being dealt a 10-value card (10, J, Q, K) is 31%.
- The chance of drawing any other card is 7.7% per rank.
While basic strategy won’t guarantee a win every time, it minimizes losses and maximizes long-term winnings.
Final Tips for Winning at Blackjack
- Use a Strategy Chart – Until you memorize the moves, keep a blackjack strategy chart handy.
- Always Split Aces & 8s – This improves your odds significantly.
- Never Take Insurance – It’s a sucker bet with a high house edge.
- Double Down When Possible – Especially on 10 or 11 against weaker dealer cards.
- Avoid Betting Systems Like Martingale – They don’t change the house edge.
By following this expert blackjack strategy guide, you’ll reduce mistakes, improve your odds, and enjoy more wins. Start practicing at the best US online casinos recommended by CasinoUS!
FAQs About Blackjack Basic Strategy
Yes, using basic strategy is completely legal and is encouraged by casinos because it makes the game fair for both players and the house.
Most online casinos allow players to use strategy charts, and some even provide built-in guides to help you make the right moves.
No, but it greatly reduces the house edge, giving you the best statistical chance of winning in the long run.
When played perfectly, the house edge in blackjack drops to as low as 0.5%, making it one of the best games to play in a casino.
The most common mistake is playing based on gut feeling instead of strategy. Always follow the strategy chart for the best results.
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