What Is Basic Strategy?
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. For every combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard, there is exactly one correct decision — hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender — that minimizes the house edge.
These decisions were calculated by running millions of computer simulations. They represent the play that loses the least money (or wins the most) over the long run. Playing perfect basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.3–0.5%, depending on the specific rules.
Without basic strategy, the average player faces a house edge of 2–5%. That's the difference between losing $2–$5 per $100 wagered and losing $0.30–$0.50.
See the complete basic strategy chart with color-coded decisions.
Open Basic Strategy Chart →Hard Hand Decisions
A hard hand has no ace counted as 11 (or no ace at all). These are the most common hands you'll play.
| Your Hand | Dealer 2–6 | Dealer 7–A |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Always Hit | Always Hit |
| 9 | Double vs 3–6, else Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double vs 2–9, Hit vs 10/A |
| 11 | Double | Double (Hit vs A in some rules) |
| 12 | Stand vs 4–6, Hit vs 2–3 | Hit |
| 13–16 | Stand | Hit |
| 17+ | Always Stand | Always Stand |
The Logic Behind Hard Hands
The key principle: when the dealer shows a weak upcard (2–6), let them bust. The dealer must hit on 16 or less, and with a low card showing, they're likely to draw to a stiff hand (12–16) and bust. Your job is to not bust first.
When the dealer shows a strong upcard (7–A), they're likely to make a strong hand (17–21). Now you need to be aggressive — hitting your 12–16 gives you a better chance than standing and hoping the dealer busts.
Soft Hand Decisions
A soft hand contains an ace counted as 11. These hands are more flexible because you can't bust by taking one card.
| Your Hand | Dealer 2–6 | Dealer 7–A |
|---|---|---|
| A,2 or A,3 | Double vs 5–6, else Hit | Hit |
| A,4 or A,5 | Double vs 4–6, else Hit | Hit |
| A,6 | Double vs 3–6, else Hit | Hit |
| A,7 | Double vs 3–6, Stand vs 2/7/8 | Hit vs 9/10/A |
| A,8 or A,9 | Always Stand | Always Stand |
The most common mistake: standing on soft 17 (A,6). Basic strategy says to always hit (or double) soft 17 because you can't bust and you're likely to improve.
Pair Splitting
| Your Pair | Correct Play |
|---|---|
| A,A | Always Split |
| 8,8 | Always Split |
| 10,10 | Never Split (stand on 20) |
| 5,5 | Never Split (treat as hard 10, double) |
| 4,4 | Split vs 5–6, else Hit |
| 2,2 or 3,3 | Split vs 2–7, else Hit |
| 6,6 | Split vs 2–6, else Hit |
| 7,7 | Split vs 2–7, else Hit |
| 9,9 | Split vs 2–6 and 8–9, Stand vs 7/10/A |
Why Always Split Aces and Eights
Aces: Two separate hands starting with an ace are far more valuable than a hand totaling 2 or 12. Each ace gives you a chance at blackjack (or at least 21).
Eights: 16 is the worst hand in blackjack. Two hands starting with 8 each are significantly better than one hand of 16.
Test your basic strategy knowledge with our interactive quiz.
Open Blackjack Strategy Quiz →How Rules Affect the House Edge
| Rule Variation | Effect on House Edge |
|---|---|
| Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17) | −0.20% (better for player) |
| Dealer hits soft 17 (H17) | +0.20% (worse for player) |
| Double after split allowed (DAS) | −0.14% (better) |
| Late surrender allowed | −0.08% (better) |
| 6:5 blackjack payout (vs 3:2) | +1.39% (much worse) |
| 8 decks vs 6 decks | +0.02% (slightly worse) |
| Single deck vs 6 decks | −0.48% (much better) |
The single biggest rule to watch for: 6:5 blackjack payouts. This one rule change increases the house edge by 1.39%% — more than all other rule variations combined. Always look for 3:2 tables.
Calculate exact probabilities for any blackjack hand vs dealer upcard.
Open Blackjack Probability Calculator →How to Memorize Basic Strategy
- Learn the hard hand rules first — they come up most often
- Memorize the "always" rules: always split A-A and 8-8, never split 10-10 and 5-5, always stand on 17+
- Learn the dealer-upcard divide: 2–6 is weak (let them bust), 7–A is strong (you need to act)
- Practice with flashcards or quizzes until decisions are automatic
- Use a strategy card at the table — casinos allow them (ask first)