Back
Blackjack Basic Strategy Beginners Guide | LeoVegas

Blackjack Basic Strategy: Everything You Need to Know

Blackjack (or 21) is a timeless casino classic known for its combination of luck and decision-making. While the cards you are dealt depend on chance, how you play them can have a considerable impact. This is where basic blackjack strategy comes in. This mathematically designed approach helps players make the best decisions based on probabilities.

Table of Contents

By following basic strategy, players can reduce the house edge and improve their chances of success. In this guide, we will explain how to use basic strategy to play with greater confidence and better decision-making.

PLAY BLACKJACK

Understanding the Basics of Blackjack

Before we get into what basic strategy is all about, let’s take a look at some of the key rules and objectives of blackjack:

  • Players are dealt two cards face up, while the dealer gets one card face up and one face down. Players can hit for another card or stand to keep their hand, aiming to reach 21 without going over
  • A player's hand wins if it totals higher than the dealer's without exceeding 21, or if the dealer busts (exceeds 21). If both the player and dealer have the same total, it's a push, and the player's bet is returned
  • Numbered cards (2 through 10) have a worth equal to their face value; face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points; and Aces can count as either 1 or 11, based on which best supports the hand without exceeding 21
  • When an Ace is valued at 11, it contributes to a soft hand, meaning the hand can absorb an additional card without the risk of busting. For instance, an Ace and a 6 constitute a soft 17; drawing a high card like a 10 would adjust the Ace's value to 1, resulting in a total of 17, thus avoiding a bust

The Role of Probability in Blackjack

Probability plays a crucial role in blackjack, shaping the house edge and guiding smart decisions. When players use a well-established basic strategy, the house edge can hover around 0.5%. Without such a strategy, it may rise to approximately 2%.

By following probability-based guidelines, players can reduce the house advantage and improve their chances of winning individual hands.

Both hand strength and the dealer’s upcard play an important role in determining the best move. The likelihood of drawing a natural blackjack (an Ace paired with a 10-value card) is about 4.8% (depending on the number of cards in the deck), often resulting in an immediate payout.

Strong hands, such as totals of 18, 19, or 20, carry higher probabilities of success, while weaker hands (12–16) involve a greater risk of busting.

If the dealer shows a weak upcard, such as 5 or 6, they are statistically more likely to bust, making standing on lower totals a sound choice. Conversely, if the dealer’s upcard is strong (like a 10 or Ace), players often need to hit to reinforce weaker hands.

Core Principles of Basic Strategy

Basic blackjack strategy is a mathematically designed set of guidelines that helps players make the best possible decisions for every hand based on the dealer’s upcard. Typically presented as a strategy chart, it serves as a handy reference to guide players through statistically sound choices during gameplay.

By following these guidelines, players can avoid costly mistakes and reduce the house edge to as little as 0.5%. While no strategy guarantees success, basic strategy optimizes decision-making, improving players’ chances of achieving favourable outcomes over time.

Decoding Blackjack Strategy Charts

A strategy chart is a visual guide that shows the optimal decision for every possible hand in blackjack based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard. It typically includes a grid, with your hand values listed along one side and the dealer’s upcard along the top.

To use the chart, locate your hand value on the left and the dealer’s card on the top, then find where the two intersect to see the recommended action. For example, if you have a total of 16 and the dealer shows a 10, the chart may advise you to Hit.

Our Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

blackjack_basic_strategy_chart.png

Reading a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

A chart similar to the one above is what you usually find when looking at a basic strategy illustration. The column on the left shows your own possible hand combinations and values, while the row at the top shows the dealer’s face-up card. So, what should you do?

Once you have received your hand and the dealer has dealt his own upcard, look for your hand in the column that shows your hand on the left. It might be useful to keep one finger here, as you then move across the top row to search for the dealer’s hand value. The place where these two meet on the grid is where you’ll find the advice basic strategy suggests you follow: D, H, S or Sp. These abbreviation stand for:

  • D - Double Down
  • H - Hit
  • S - Stand
  • Sp - Split

Simple! If you look closely, you’ll see that the blackjack strategy chart can be split up into three separate sections:

  • Hard Values: Ranging from 4 to 21, the Hard Values represent any hand value consisting of two separate cards, neither of which is an ace.
  • Soft Values: These are hand values that include an ace, ranging from A & 2 (worth 3 or 13) to A & 9 (worth 10 or 20).
  • Pair Splitting Values: This covers any hand where the cards are identical in value, meaning the option to split can only ever be suggested in these kinds of hands. In fact, A & A (worth 2 or 12) is not considered a Soft Value for this exact reason.

Breaking Down Basic Strategy by Play Types

Basic blackjack strategy is divided into specific play types, each with clear guidelines to help you make the best decisions during the game. Here's a breakdown:

When to Hit and When to Stand

Knowing when to hit or stand is central to basic blackjack strategy and depends on your hand and the dealer's upcard:

  • Always hit if your hand totals 11 or less. You can’t bust, and drawing another card can only improve your total
  • Stand on a hard 17 or greater when the dealer’s upcard is 7 or less. The risk of busting outweighs the benefit of improving your hand
  • Stand on totals of 12-16 if the dealer’s upcard is 2 through 6. The dealer’s weak position increases their likelihood of busting
  • Hit if you have a 12 and the dealer shows a 2 or 3. This weak total benefits from an extra card, as the dealer’s upcard isn’t a strong bust indicator

When to Double Down

Doubling down lets you double your bet in return for one extra card and is most effective in these scenarios:

  • When your hand total is 10 or 11, and the dealer shows a weaker card (2-9). This increases your odds of getting a strong total (20 or 21)
  • With a soft 16-18 (Ace-5 through Ace-7) when the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6, as these hands have strong potential to improve

When to Split Pairs

Splitting pairs creates two separate hands and requires an additional bet equal to your original wager. Follow these basic rules for pair splitting:

  • Always split Aces and 8s. The former increases your chances of building strong hands, while the latter avoids being stuck with a weak total of 16
  • Avoid splitting 10s or 5s. A total of 20 is strong as is, and 5s are better played as 10 for a chance to double down.
  • Split 2s, 3s, 6s, and 7s against a dealer showing a weak card (2-6). This strategy increases your chances of building competitive hands while the dealer is more likely to bust

Risk Management Tips

Effective risk management is essential for enjoying blackjack responsibly and prolonging your time at the table. Here are some tips to help you out in this regard:

  • Set a Budget: Decide how much money you’re willing to risk before playing, and stick to that limit. Avoid spending more than you can afford to lose
  • Set a Stop-Loss Limit: Predetermine the maximum amount you’re willing to lose during a session. For example, if your bankroll is $300, decide to stop if you lose $50-$100
  • Follow Basic Strategy: Use a strategy chart to make the best decisions for each hand. Avoid impulsive or emotional plays that deviate from the strategy
  • Don’t Chase Losses: Trying to recover losses by increasing your bets recklessly can lead to greater financial damage. Stick to your budget and trust your long-term strategy instead of letting frustration dictate your play
  • Split Wisely: Never split strong pairs like 10s, and always split 8s to avoid playing a weak total of 16
  • Check Table Rules: Not all blackjack tables are the same, and certain rules can heavily impact your odds. Before committing to a table, ensure the rules are player-friendly, such as 3:2 payouts for blackjack or favourable doubling and splitting conditions

Effective Bankroll Planning

As established earlier, proper bankroll management is crucial for reducing risk and ensuring you can enjoy the game over the long term.

  • Set a Fixed Bankroll: Before you sit down to play, decide how much money you can afford to lose without affecting your finances. Keep this amount separate from your other funds to maintain discipline. Never chase losses or use money intended for other expenses, as this can lead to financial stress
  • Divide Your Bankroll into Sessions: Breaking your bankroll into smaller units helps you control your spending. For instance, if you start with $500, allocate $50-$100 for each session. This approach prevents you from depleting your funds too quickly and keeps your play consistent
  • Adjust Your Bets Based on Your Bankroll: Bet sizes should always reflect the size of your bankroll. For example, if you’re working with $500, keeping bets between $5 and $10 is a safe range. As your bankroll decreases or increases, adjust your bet sizes to ensure you can keep playing comfortably without taking excessive risks
  • Know When to Increase or Decrease Bets: Card counters may increase their bets when the odds are in their favour, but for non-counters, cautiously raising bets after a win can help you capitalize on a streak without over-committing. On the flip side, lower your bets during losing streaks or when conditions aren’t favourable, such as when the deck is poor in high-value cards
  • Avoid the Trap of Overbetting: Winning streaks can make you feel invincible, but betting too much during these times can quickly drain your bankroll if the tide turns. Gradually increase your bets within a safe range to protect your funds while maximizing potential gains

Practice Makes Perfect: Training and Improvement

Mastering basic blackjack strategy requires consistent practice and effective tools to make optimal decisions. Here are some practical tips:

  • Start with a printed or digital basic strategy chart. These charts outline the best move based on your hand and the dealer's upcard
  • Create flashcards with different hand scenarios on one side and the correct move on the other. Test yourself regularly to reinforce your memory
  • Numerous blackjack training apps and online games simulate real scenarios, allowing you to practice basic strategy interactively. These tools provide instant feedback to correct mistakes and improve your accuracy

Tips for Real-World Play

Sticking to basic strategy in a live setting can be challenging due to distractions or pressure, but these tips may help:

  • Remember that blackjack is a game of probability, not emotion. Take deep breaths if you feel stressed, and remind yourself to focus on making the best possible decisions for each hand
  • Other players might question or criticize your decisions. Stick to the strategy and ignore comments that could influence your play
  • Casinos are often noisy by design, so look for a quieter table or a spot with fewer distractions

Understanding Dealer Behaviour and Rules

The dealer’s actions are not based on personal decisions but on strict rules. Knowing these rules can help you anticipate their moves and make better choices for your own hand:

  • Dealers Must Hit on Soft 17 in Many Variants: In most blackjack games, dealers are required to hit on a soft 17 (Ace + 6). This increases the likelihood that they’ll improve their hand, which may affect your decision to hit, stand, or double down. Always factor this rule into your strategy
  • How Dealer Rules on Hitting or Standing Affect Player Strategy: Dealers are obligated to stand on hard totals of 17 or higher. This makes their upcard crucial in determining your next move. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 6 (a weaker card), they’re more likely to bust. In these situations, players with weaker hands can stand confidently, relying on the dealer to go over 21
  • Recognizing Patterns in Dealer Behaviour: Some dealers unknowingly reveal subtle patterns, such as handling cards a certain way or flipping them at specific angles. While this isn’t common, observant players can sometimes gain insight into whether the dealer’s hole card is strong or weak. Paying attention to these details while adhering to fair play can occasionally offer an advantage

Blackjack Strategy - Common Mistakes

DO split a pair of 8s (most of the time)

A pair of 8s might be seen as a breaking hand in blackjack, if you only consider the hand value (16) - any card over 6 (excluding an ace) will make you go bust, and staying means the dealer still has a good chance of getting a better hand.

However, you could still split. This way, you now have two different hands with an 8 in each, and a new card coming in from the dealer on each hand. There are four ways this could play out:

  • You receive a 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King or Ace, giving you a better hand.
  • You receive an 8, remaining in the same situation as you were before splitting.
  • You receive a 2 or 3, resulting in a hand value of 10 or 11. You can now hit and possibly end up with a high-value hand.
  • You draw a 4-7, giving you an average hand (considered favourable when compared to a 16).

Thus, if the casino uses the No-Peek rule (the dealer is only allowed to check the facedown card if they have an ace), you should always split a pair of 8s since 12 of the 13 possible cards you could receive will put you in a better situation that you would have previously been in. There is, however, one caveat - the dealer mustn’t have a 10. In this case, the basic blackjack strategy guide would recommend keeping the pair of 8s together, since the chances of the dealer drawing an ace and beating your hand is higher.

Now, if you are playing at a blackjack table where Peeking is allowed, the dealer first checks for a blackjack before letting the players place their bets. If it turns out that the dealer does indeed have a blackjack, your initial wager is collected and the round ends. This means that, against a 10, doubling your stake in order to split the 8s means you risk losing the entire bet if the dealer does end up with a blackjack. Thus, you’re better off hitting a pair of 8s against the dealer’s 10 and hoping to improve your hand without risking another wager.

DON’T double down on 10/11 when the dealer is holding a 10/ace

In this scenario, there’s a good chance that the dealer may pull a natural blackjack (needing an Ace or 10 respectively), and the same applies to you with your own hand value.It may be tempting to double down, but consider the following outcomes:

  1. You end up with a better hand than the dealer’s, doubling your initial wager.
  2. It’s blackjack for both you and the dealer, and you get your stake back.
  3. The dealer ends up with a blackjack, taking your initial stake as well as your second wager.

It is evident that the chances of winning nothing from doubling down are fairly high - in fact, you may even lose more than you originally wanted to risk! As a result, hitting on a 10/11 is considered the best option when the dealer has a 10/ace.

DON’T hit on 16 with 3 cards when the dealer is holding a 10

If you’re holding multiple cards that add up to 16, it’s likely that the dealer has handed you a few low-value cards. This means the chances of the next card being a high-value one increase. If you receive any card of value 6 or over, you will go bust. Have a look around the table - do the other players also have low values in their hands? If they do, you’re best off standing, as you remove the chance of going bust while retaining the chances of a pay out if the dealer busts on his 10.

DON’T split a pair of 6s when the dealer has a 2

Most people don’t like getting dealt two sixes - it’s a pretty tricky hand to have. A hand value of 12 is very low to stand on, but splitting means you risk having TWO low hand values.

On a 12 there are only four cards that can make you go bust, and that’s the value-10 cards (10,J,Q and K). That means you’ve got a 9/13 chance of staying in the game! Moreover, if you’re dealt a 9 you now have a 21!

What does that mean? You mostly want to hit on a pair of sixes.

DON’T stand on 12-16 when the dealer is holding a 7 or higher

A hand of value 12-16 is considered a weak hand, but fear not - it can be salvaged. But you’ll need to be brave enough to hit until you get a 17 or higher!

With a 7 or higher, the dealer could get any hand from 17 to 21 if their facedown card is hiding a card of value 10 (10, J, Q, or K). If that card is lower than a 10, they MAY still win if they hit again. Whichever way it goes, if you keep your original hand the dealer has a good chance of winning against you. If you hit, on the other hand, you may just turn that bad hand into a winning one!

DON’T split a pair of 9s when the dealer is holding a 7

Table rules normally specify that the dealer has to stand on 17. That means if he draws a card of value 10 (10, J, Q or K) they would have to stand, meaning you win with your 18!

DON’T split a pair of 10s

Really, don’t. You’ve got a hand value of 20, meaning the dealer can only beat you with a 21 or a blackjack. The temptation to split and gun for two hands of 21 may be strong, but that means you’re opening yourself up to the risk of turning one strong hand into two weak ones while doubling your original stake.

How to Choose the Right Blackjack Variant

Blackjack comes in many variations, each with unique rules that can affect gameplay and strategy. Knowing the differences helps you pick a version that suits your style.

  • Classic Blackjack: The most common version, typically played with 1-8 decks, where the dealer must stand on soft 17. It’s known for its straightforward rules and low-house edge
  • European Blackjack: In this version, the dealer receives their second card only after players finish their hands, slightly increasing the house edge. Doubling down is often restricted
  • Spanish 21: This variant removes 10-value cards from the deck but offers player-friendly rules like late surrender, doubling after splitting, and special bonuses
  • Atlantic City Blackjack: Played with eight decks, this version includes rules like the dealer standing on soft 17 and allowing players to double down after splitting, making it more player-friendly
  • Vegas Strip Blackjack: Typically played with 4-8 decks, this variant allows doubling down on any two cards and splitting pairs up to three times. The dealer checks for blackjack when showing an Ace or a 10
  • Blackjack Switch: Players are dealt two hands and can switch the second card between them to create stronger hands. However, a dealer’s 22 results in a push, increasing the house edge
  • Progressive Blackjack: Includes a side bet that feeds into a jackpot. While the jackpot can grow large, the side bet often has a higher house edge compared to the main game

Card Counting: The Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basics and chosen the right variant, you can explore advanced strategies like card counting for an additional edge.

Card counting is an advanced blackjack technique that involves keeping a running count of high and low cards dealt to estimate the likelihood of favourable cards remaining in the deck. Systems like Hi-Lo assign values to cards: low cards (2–6) are counted as +1, high cards (10–Ace) as -1, and 7–9 as 0. The count is adjusted to reflect the deck's composition as cards are played, helping players decide when to adjust their bets or play conservatively.

While legal, card counting requires significant focus, practice, and discretion, as casinos discourage it through measures like frequent shuffling or bans.

FAQs

Below are some FAQs related to the basic blackjack strategy:

Does basic strategy guarantee a win?

No, basic strategy does not guarantee a win. It reduces the house edge to around 0.5%, improving your chances, but the casino still holds a slight advantage, so losses can still occur even with perfect play.

How long does it take to master basic strategy?

Mastering basic strategy depends on individual factors like memory and dedication. With focused practice, some players learn in a few days, while others may need a few weeks.

Can basic strategy be used in all types of Blackjack?

Basic strategy works for most blackjack variants but must be adjusted based on specific rules, including the number of decks, dealer actions on soft 17, and doubling or splitting rules.

What’s the best way to practice basic strategy for free?

Use free blackjack apps, online demo games, or flashcards to practise decision-making without financial risk.

Does the number of decks affect basic strategy?

Yes, the number of decks impacts decisions slightly. Use a strategy chart tailored to the specific number of decks in play.

Is counting cards part of basic strategy?

No, counting cards is not included in basic strategy; it is an advanced technique that builds upon the fundamentals.

Is blackjack a game of luck or skill?

Blackjack combines both; the cards dealt involve luck, but following basic strategy and managing bets adds a skill element.

What is the basic strategy in blackjack?

The basic strategy is the optimal method of playing each blackjack hand. It is based on statistics and mathematical calculations.

What is the basic strategy based on?

The basic strategy is initially based on mathematical calculations on a desk calculator. Later, Edward O. Thorp refined the system using IBM computers.

Who invented the basic strategy for blackjack?

In the 1950s, U.S. Army engineers discovered the best playing strategy in the casino game of Blackjack that can be formulated based on the player's and the dealer's cards.

Can you win blackjack with basic strategy?

Mastering the blackjack basic strategy can help lower the house edge and win more long-term, however, it does not guarantee winning every blackjack game.

How to master basic blackjack strategy?

You must invest time, effort, and practice into honing basic strategy if you want to succeed. Utilize resources like strategy charts to aid in your learning and practice using free blackjack games.

Does the number of decks influence the Blackjack strategy?

Yes, it does, and the approach also changes as the number of decks alters the house edge. In general, a house edge is lower when there are fewer decks. The same strategy can be used regardless of the number of decks since the differences are insignificant and don't affect the outcome of every hand in that amount, requiring the use of a different strategy. The majority of online blackjack games use 4–8 decks, occasionally up to 9.