What Is Basic Strategy?
Basic strategy in blackjack is a mathematically derived set of decisions that tells you the optimal action — hit, stand, double down, or split — for every possible combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard. It does not guarantee wins, but it minimises the house's mathematical advantage to its lowest possible level.
Without basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack can climb to 2–4%. With basic strategy applied consistently, it can drop to around 0.5%, making blackjack one of the best-value table games in the casino.
The Core Principles
Before looking at specific decisions, understand the logic behind basic strategy:
- The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or more — no exceptions.
- Your decisions should be based on the dealer's visible upcard, not a hunch.
- When the dealer shows a weak card (2–6), they are likely to bust — play conservatively.
- When the dealer shows a strong card (7–Ace), you often need to take risk to compete.
Key Basic Strategy Decisions
Hard Hands (No Ace, or Ace Counted as 1)
| Your Hand | Dealer Shows 2–6 | Dealer Shows 7–Ace |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Double Down | Hit |
| 10 or 11 | Double Down | Double if your total exceeds dealer's upcard; otherwise Hit |
| 12–16 | Stand | Hit |
| 17+ | Stand | Stand |
Soft Hands (Ace Counted as 11)
- Soft 13–15: Hit in most situations; Double against dealer's 4–6.
- Soft 16–18: Double against dealer's 3–6; otherwise Hit or Stand on 18.
- Soft 19–21: Always Stand.
Splitting Pairs
- Always split: Aces and 8s.
- Never split: 10s or 5s.
- Split 2s, 3s, 7s: Against dealer's 2–7.
- Split 6s: Against dealer's 2–6.
- Split 9s: Against dealer's 2–6 and 8–9.
When to Double Down
Doubling down is one of the most powerful moves available to a player. You double your original bet and receive exactly one more card. The best times to double are:
- Hard 10 or 11 against a dealer's weak upcard
- Soft 16, 17, or 18 against a dealer showing 4, 5, or 6
Many beginners avoid doubling because it feels risky. In the right situations, however, it is the statistically correct play.
Common Basic Strategy Mistakes
- Standing on 16 vs. dealer's 7–Ace: It feels safe, but hitting is correct.
- Not splitting Aces: Always split them — it creates two strong starting hands.
- Taking Insurance: Insurance is a side bet that benefits the house significantly. Avoid it.
- Mimicking the dealer: Some players always hit until 17. This ignores the advantage of knowing the dealer's upcard.
Practice Makes Perfect
Basic strategy charts are freely available and can be referenced at many online casinos. The best way to internalise the strategy is to practise with free-play blackjack games until the decisions become instinctive. Once you have basic strategy down, you'll be playing the optimal game every time you sit at the table.