Master the mathematically optimal plays for every blackjack situation and learn the fundamentals of card counting.
Basic Strategy Chart
Blackjack basic strategy is a mathematically proven system that tells you the optimal play for every possible hand combination against any dealer upcard. Hard hands (no ace, or ace counted as 1):
- 5-8: Always Hit
- 9: Double vs 3-6, otherwise Hit
- 10: Double vs 2-9, otherwise Hit
- 11: Double vs 2-10, Hit vs Ace
- 12: Stand vs 4-6, otherwise Hit
- 13-16: Stand vs 2-6, otherwise Hit
- 17-21: Always Stand
Soft Hands (Ace Counted as 11)
- A,2-A,3: Double vs 5-6, otherwise Hit
- A,4-A,5: Double vs 4-6, otherwise Hit
- A,6: Double vs 3-6, otherwise Hit
- A,7: Stand vs 2,7,8; Double vs 3-6; Hit vs 9,10,A
- A,8-A,9: Always Stand
Card Counting Basics
The Hi-Lo system is the most popular card counting method. Assign values: +1 for 2-6, 0 for 7-9, -1 for 10-Ace.
Legal Notice
Legal Notice
Card counting is legal but casinos can refuse service. Online casinos use continuous shuffling, making counting ineffective.