Blackjack Basic Strategy is a mathematical approach to the game that has been proven to reduce the house edge to less than 1% when executed correctly. It’s based on probability and combinatorics, taking into account all possible outcomes of your hand and the dealer’s hand. The strategy is not about guessing or intuition; it’s about making the most statistically favorable decision every time.
By using a Blackjack Basic Strategy chart, you can:
- Minimize losses
- Maximize winnings
- Make consistent, informed decisions
- Avoid common mistakes that cost players money
How to Use a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
A Blackjack Basic Strategy chart is a table that shows you the best action to take based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. Here’s how to read and use it:
- Find Your Hand: Look at the total value of your hand (e.g., 12, 17, etc.).
- Find the Dealer’s Upcard: Identify the dealer’s visible card (e.g., 5, Ace, etc.).
- Follow the Chart: The intersection of your hand and the dealer’s upcard will tell you the best action to take (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender).
Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet
Here’s a comprehensive Blackjack Basic Strategy chart for games using multiple decks (the most common type of Blackjack game):
| Player’s Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | Hit |
| 5 | 3 | Hit |
| 5 | 4 | Hit |
| 5 | 5 | Hit |
| 5 | 6 | Hit |
| 5 | 7 | Hit |
| 5 | 8 | Hit |
| 5 | 9 | Hit |
| 5 | 10 | Hit |
| 5 | Ace | Hit |
| 6 | 2 | Hit |
| 6 | 3 | Hit |
| 6 | 4 | Hit |
| 6 | 5 | Hit |
| 6 | 6 | Hit |
| 6 | 7 | Hit |
| 6 | 8 | Hit |
| 6 | 9 | Hit |
| 6 | 10 | Hit |
| 6 | Ace | Hit |
| 7 | 2 | Hit |
| 7 | 3 | Hit |
| 7 | 4 | Hit |
| 7 | 5 | Hit |
| 7 | 6 | Hit |
| 7 | 7 | Stand |
| 7 | 8 | Hit |
| 7 | 9 | Hit |
| 7 | 10 | Hit |
| 7 | Ace | Hit |
| 8 | 2 | Hit |
| 8 | 3 | Hit |
| 8 | 4 | Hit |
| 8 | 5 | Hit |
| 8 | 6 | Hit |
| 8 | 7 | Hit |
| 8 | 8 | Hit |
| 8 | 9 | Stand |
| 8 | 10 | Hit |
| 8 | Ace | Hit |
| 9 | 2 | Hit |
| 9 | 3 | Double Down |
| 9 | 4 | Double Down |
| 9 | 5 | Double Down |
| 9 | 6 | Double Down |
| 9 | 7 | Stand |
| 9 | 8 | Stand |
| 9 | 9 | Stand |
| 9 | 10 | Stand |
| 9 | Ace | Stand |
| 10 | 2 | Double Down |
| 10 | 3 | Double Down |
| 10 | 4 | Double Down |
| 10 | 5 | Double Down |
| 10 | 6 | Double Down |
| 10 | 7 | Stand |
| 10 | 8 | Stand |
| 10 | 9 | Stand |
| 10 | 10 | Stand |
| 10 | Ace | Stand |
| 11 | 2 | Double Down |
| 11 | 3 | Double Down |
| 11 | 4 | Double Down |
| 11 | 5 | Double Down |
| 11 | 6 | Double Down |
| 11 | 7 | Stand |
| 11 | 8 | Stand |
| 11 | 9 | Stand |
| 11 | 10 | Stand |
| 11 | Ace | Stand |
| 12 | 2 | Hit |
| 12 | 3 | Hit |
| 12 | 4 | Stand |
| 12 | 5 | Stand |
| 12 | 6 | Stand |
| 12 | 7 | Stand |
| 12 | 8 | Hit |
| 12 | 9 | Hit |
| 12 | 10 | Hit |
| 12 | Ace | Hit |
| 13 | 2 | Stand |
| 13 | 3 | Stand |
| 13 | 4 | Stand |
| 13 | 5 | Stand |
| 13 | 6 | Stand |
| 13 | 7 | Stand |
| 13 | 8 | Hit |
| 13 | 9 | Hit |
| 13 | 10 | Hit |
| 13 | Ace | Hit |
| 14 | 2 | Stand |
| 14 | 3 | Stand |
| 14 | 4 | Stand |
| 14 | 5 | Stand |
| 14 | 6 | Stand |
| 14 | 7 | Stand |
| 14 | 8 | Hit |
| 14 | 9 | Hit |
| 14 | 10 | Hit |
| 14 | Ace | Hit |
| 15 | 2 | Stand |
| 15 | 3 | Stand |
| 15 | 4 | Stand |
| 15 | 5 | Stand |
| 15 | 6 | Stand |
| 15 | 7 | Stand |
| 15 | 8 | Hit |
| 15 | 9 | Hit |
| 15 | 10 | Hit |
| 15 | Ace | Hit |
| 16 | 2 | Stand |
| 16 | 3 | Stand |
| 16 | 4 | Stand |
| 16 | 5 | Stand |
| 16 | 6 | Stand |
| 16 | 7 | Stand |
| 16 | 8 | Hit |
| 16 | 9 | Hit |
| 16 | 10 | Hit |
| 16 | Ace | Hit |
| 17 | 2 | Stand |
| 17 | 3 | Stand |
| 17 | 4 | Stand |
| 17 | 5 | Stand |
| 17 | 6 | Stand |
| 17 | 7 | Stand |
| 17 | 8 | Stand |
| 17 | 9 | Stand |
| 17 | 10 | Stand |
| 17 | Ace | Stand |
| 18 | 2 | Stand |
| 18 | 3 | Stand |
| 18 | 4 | Stand |
| 18 | 5 | Stand |
| 18 | 6 | Stand |
| 18 | 7 | Stand |
| 18 | 8 | Stand |
| 18 | 9 | Stand |
| 18 | 10 | Stand |
| 18 | Ace | Stand |
| 19 | 2 | Stand |
| 19 | 3 | Stand |
| 19 | 4 | Stand |
| 19 | 5 | Stand |
| 19 | 6 | Stand |
| 19 | 7 | Stand |
| 19 | 8 | Stand |
| 19 | 9 | Stand |
| 19 | 10 | Stand |
| 19 | Ace | Stand |
| 20 | 2 | Stand |
| 20 | 3 | Stand |
| 20 | 4 | Stand |
| 20 | 5 | Stand |
| 20 | 6 | Stand |
| 20 | 7 | Stand |
| 20 | 8 | Stand |
| 20 | 9 | Stand |
| 20 | 10 | Stand |
| 20 | Ace | Stand |
| 21 | 2 | Stand |
| 21 | 3 | Stand |
| 21 | 4 | Stand |
| 21 | 5 | Stand |
| 21 | 6 | Stand |
| 21 | 7 | Stand |
| 21 | 8 | Stand |
| 21 | 9 | Stand |
| 21 | 10 | Stand |
| 21 | Ace | Stand |
How to Read the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart
Here’s a quick guide to understanding the chart:
- Hit: Take another card from the deck.
- Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
- Double Down: Double your initial bet and receive one more card. This action is usually beneficial when you have a strong hand (e.g., 9, 10, or 11) and the dealer’s upcard is weak.
- Split: If your initial two cards have the same value (e.g., 8 and 8, or King and King), you can split them into two separate hands. This is advantageous when the dealer’s upcard is weak.
- Surrender: Give up your hand and lose half of your bet. This is a last-resort option when your hand is very weak, and the dealer’s upcard is strong.
Key Tips for Using Blackjack Basic Strategy
- Memorize the Chart: While you won’t be able to bring the chart to the casino table, memorizing it will help you make quick and accurate decisions during the game.
- Practice Online: Use free online Blackjack games to practice the strategy and get comfortable with the actions.
- Don’t Deviate: Stick to the strategy even if you experience a losing streak. Deviating from the chart increases the house edge.
- Understand Variations: The chart above is for multiple-deck Blackjack. If you’re playing a single-deck or double-deck game, the strategy may vary slightly.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Even with the best strategy, Blackjack is a game of variance. Set a budget and stick to it.
Conclusion
Blackjack is a game of skill, and using a Blackjack Basic Strategy chart is the key to maximizing your winnings. By following the chart and making mathematically sound decisions, you can reduce the house edge and enjoy a more profitable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Remember, the chart is your guide, but it’s up to you to execute the strategy flawlessly. With practice and patience, you’ll become a Blackjack pro and start beating the house like a seasoned gambler.
