Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Optimal play for 4–8 deck shoes, dealer stands on soft 17

Hard Totals

Hard Hands

When your hand does not contain an Ace counted as 11.

Soft Totals

Soft Hands

When your hand contains an Ace counted as 11.

Pairs

Pair Splitting

When your first two cards are the same rank.

H = Hit S = Stand D = Double P = Split Rh = Surrender

Frequently Asked Questions

What is blackjack basic strategy?
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal decision for every possible blackjack hand. It was originally computed by running millions of simulated hands to determine whether hitting, standing, doubling, splitting, or surrendering yields the best expected value. Using basic strategy reduces the house edge to around 0.5%.
Does basic strategy guarantee I'll win?
No. Basic strategy minimizes the house edge but does not eliminate it. You'll still lose slightly more than you win over the long run. However, it ensures you're making the best possible decision on every hand, which significantly reduces your expected losses compared to playing by intuition.
Can I bring a strategy card to the casino?
Yes, in most casinos. Using a printed basic strategy reference at the table is perfectly legal. Many casinos even sell them in their gift shops. However, it will slow your play, so most serious players memorize the chart.
What does "Rh" mean?
Rh means "Surrender, otherwise Hit." If the casino allows late surrender, you should surrender that hand. If surrender isn't offered, hit instead.
Does this chart change for different rules?
This chart is optimized for the most common ruleset: 4–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17. If the dealer hits on soft 17, or if you're playing single-deck, a few cells change — but this chart covers the vast majority of casino games.

Free Printable Blackjack Strategy Chart

This blackjack basic strategy chart shows the mathematically correct play for every hand combination. It covers hard totals, soft totals, and pairs against every possible dealer upcard for standard 4–8 deck games.

How to Read the Chart

Find your hand total on the left side and the dealer's upcard across the top. The cell where they intersect tells you the optimal play: Hit (H), Stand (S), Double Down (D), Split (P), or Surrender (Rh).

Why Basic Strategy Matters

Without basic strategy, the average player gives the casino a 2–5% edge. With perfect basic strategy, that drops to approximately 0.5%. The difference is significant — over 1,000 hands at $25, it saves you roughly $375–$1,125 in expected losses.