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Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Find your hand on the left and the dealer's card on top. The color where they meet is the best move. Check Pairs first, then hands with an Ace, then normal hands.

Rules: 4–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed, late surrender. Change the rules in the free app and the chart updates.

HHitSStandDDouble (if you can't, hit) DsDouble (if you can't, stand)PSplit RSurrender (if you can't, hit)RsSurrender (if you can't, stand)RpSurrender (if you can't, split)

Normal hands (no Ace)

2345678910A
17+SSSSSSSSSS
16SSSSSHHRRR
15SSSSSHHHRH
14SSSSSHHHHH
13SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DDDDDDDDDH
10DDDDDDDDHH
9HDDDDHHHHH
5–8HHHHHHHHHH

Hands with an Ace

2345678910A
A,9SSSSSSSSSS
A,8SSSSSSSSSS
A,7SDsDsDsDsSSHHH
A,6HDDDDHHHHH
A,5HHDDDHHHHH
A,4HHDDDHHHHH
A,3HHHDDHHHHH
A,2HHHDDHHHHH

Pairs (should I split?)

2345678910A
A,APPPPPPPPPP
10,10SSSSSSSSSS
9,9PPPPPSPPSS
8,8PPPPPPPPPP
7,7PPPPPPHHHH
6,6PPPPPHHHHH
5,5DDDDDDDDHH
4,4HHHPPHHHHH
3,3PPPPPPHHHH
2,2PPPPPPHHHH

Card-counting "magic numbers" (Hi-Lo deviations)

Card counters change a few plays when the true count is high or low. These are the famous Illustrious 18 and Fab 4:

Your hand vs dealerWhat to doGroup
InsuranceTake it when the real count is +3 or moreIllustrious 18
14 vs 10Surrender when the real count is +3 or moreFab 4
15 vs 10Surrender when the real count is 0 or more (otherwise hit)Fab 4
15 vs 9Surrender when the real count is +2 or moreFab 4
15 vs ASurrender when the real count is +1 or moreFab 4
16 vs 10Stand when the real count is 0 or moreIllustrious 18
15 vs 10Stand when the real count is +4 or moreIllustrious 18
10,10 vs 5Split when the real count is +5 or moreIllustrious 18
10,10 vs 6Split when the real count is +4 or moreIllustrious 18
10 vs 10Double when the real count is +4 or moreIllustrious 18
12 vs 3Stand when the real count is +2 or moreIllustrious 18
12 vs 2Stand when the real count is +3 or moreIllustrious 18
11 vs ADouble when the real count is +1 or moreIllustrious 18
9 vs 2Double when the real count is +1 or moreIllustrious 18
10 vs ADouble when the real count is +4 or moreIllustrious 18
9 vs 7Double when the real count is +3 or moreIllustrious 18
16 vs 9Stand when the real count is +5 or moreIllustrious 18
13 vs 2Hit when the real count is below -1 (otherwise stand)Illustrious 18
12 vs 4Hit when the real count is below 0 (otherwise stand)Illustrious 18
12 vs 5Hit when the real count is below -2 (otherwise stand)Illustrious 18
12 vs 6Hit when the real count is below -1 (otherwise stand)Illustrious 18
13 vs 3Hit when the real count is below -2 (otherwise stand)Illustrious 18

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Questions

What is blackjack basic strategy?

It is the mathematically best move (hit, stand, double, split or surrender) for every combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard, worked out by computer simulation. Using it lowers the house edge to roughly 0.5% on a good table.

Should I always split 8s and Aces?

Yes. Basic strategy always splits Aces and 8s, and never splits 10s or 5s.

Should I take insurance?

Not without counting. Insurance only becomes a good bet when the true count is +3 or higher.

Is it legal to use a strategy chart?

Many casinos allow a basic strategy card at the table, but rules vary, so ask the dealer. Never use a phone or any electronic device to help you play.

For education and entertainment only. Card counting can't guarantee winnings. 21+. Play responsibly · 1-800-GAMBLER.