Blackjack Basic Strategy Calculator: Play Every Hand Optimally

Blackjack basic strategy is the mathematically correct play for every possible hand combination. Following it perfectly reduces the house edge to around 0.5%—making blackjack one of the best bets in the casino. Our free basic strategy calculator shows you the optimal decision instantly for any situation.

What Is Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Basic strategy is a complete set of rules that tells you whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. It's calculated using probability and expected value, considering every possible outcome.

Quick Answer: Blackjack basic strategy is the mathematically optimal decision for every hand. It tells you exactly when to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender to minimize the house edge. Following it perfectly gives you the best odds possible without card counting.

How to Use Our Free Blackjack Strategy Calculator

Use the Blackjack Basic Strategy Calculator →

Our calculator instantly tells you the correct play and explains why it's optimal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter Your Hand: Input your two cards (e.g., 10-6 for a hard 16)

2. Enter Dealer's Upcard: Input the dealer's visible card (e.g., 10)

3. Select Table Rules: Specify rules like number of decks, dealer hits/stands on soft 17

4. Get Your Decision: See the optimal play with EV analysis

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Your Hand	Your two cards	Hard 16 (10+6)
Dealer Upcard	Dealer's showing card	10
Number of Decks	Shoe size (1, 2, 4, 6, 8)	6 decks
Soft 17 Rule	Dealer hits or stands on A-6	Hits soft 17

Core Basic Strategy Rules

Hard Hands (No Ace, or Ace counts as 1)

Your Hand	Dealer 2-6	Dealer 7-A
8 or less	Hit	Hit
9	Double (hit vs 2)	Hit
10	Double	Hit vs 10, A
11	Double	Double (hit vs A)
12	Stand vs 4-6, hit others	Hit
13-16	Stand	Hit
17+	Stand	Stand

Soft Hands (Ace counts as 11)

Your Hand	Dealer 2-6	Dealer 7-A
A-2, A-3	Double vs 5-6	Hit
A-4, A-5	Double vs 4-6	Hit
A-6	Double vs 3-6	Hit
A-7	Double vs 3-6, stand vs 2,7,8	Hit vs 9,10,A
A-8, A-9	Stand	Stand

Pairs

Your Pair	Dealer 2-6	Dealer 7-A
2-2, 3-3	Split vs 2-7	Hit
4-4	Split vs 5-6	Hit
5-5	Never split, treat as 10	Treat as 10
6-6	Split vs 2-6	Hit
7-7	Split vs 2-7	Hit
8-8	Always split	Always split
9-9	Split vs 2-6, 8-9	Stand vs 7, 10, A
10-10	Never split	Never split
A-A	Always split	Always split

Real-World Basic Strategy Examples

Example 1: The Classic Hard 16 vs. 10

You hold 10-6 and the dealer shows 10. This is one of blackjack's toughest hands.

Basic Strategy Decision: HIT

Why? With hard 16 vs. a 10, you'll lose about 54% of the time if you hit. But if you stand, you'll lose about 77% of the time (dealer makes 17+ more often than busting). Hitting loses less money in the long run.

Example 2: Soft 18 vs. 9

You hold A-7 and the dealer shows 9. Many players stand here—that's a mistake.

Basic Strategy Decision: HIT

Why? Soft 18 feels strong, but against a 9, hitting improves your expected value. You can't bust (the Ace becomes 1), and you'll often improve to 19, 20, or 21.

Example 3: Splitting 8s vs. 10

You hold 8-8 and the dealer shows 10. This looks scary.

Basic Strategy Decision: SPLIT

Why? Yes, you're doubling your money against a strong dealer card. But 16 is the worst hand in blackjack. Two hands starting with 8 each have better expected value than playing 16.

How Basic Strategy Optimizes Your Blackjack

Reduces House Edge to Minimum

Without strategy, casual players face a 2-4% house edge. Basic strategy drops this to approximately 0.5%, depending on table rules. That's a massive improvement.

Eliminates Costly Mistakes

The average player makes 10-20 strategy errors per hour, each costing money. Basic strategy eliminates these errors completely.

Provides Consistent Results

By always making the mathematically correct play, you remove emotional decisions and tilt. Your results become predictable (though variance still exists).

Foundation for Advanced Play

Basic strategy is the foundation for card counting. Counters adjust basic strategy based on the count, but they must know basic strategy perfectly first.

House Edge by Table Rules

Rule Variation	Effect on House Edge
6 decks vs. 1 deck	+0.5% (worse)
Dealer hits soft 17	+0.2% (worse)
Double after split allowed	-0.14% (better)
Re-split Aces allowed	-0.08% (better)
Late surrender allowed	-0.08% (better)
Blackjack pays 6:5 vs 3:2	+1.4% (much worse)

Best rules for players: Single deck, 3:2 blackjack, dealer stands on soft 17, double any two cards, double after split, re-split aces, late surrender. House edge: ~0.15%.

Common Basic Strategy Mistakes to Avoid

1. Standing on 12 vs. 2 or 3: Many players stand too often. Against dealer 2 or 3, you should HIT your 12. The dealer isn't as likely to bust as you think.

2. Not Doubling Soft Hands: Doubling A-6 against a dealer 4, 5, or 6 is correct. Many players just hit, leaving money on the table.

3. Splitting 10s: Never split 10-10. You have 20—one of the best hands possible. Don't get greedy.

4. Not Splitting 8s vs. Strong Cards: Splitting 8-8 against a 9 or 10 feels wrong, but it's mathematically correct. Sixteen is terrible; two eights aren't great but are better.

5. Taking Insurance: Insurance is a sucker bet with a house edge over 7%. Basic strategy says never take insurance (unless you're counting cards).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does basic strategy guarantee I'll win?

No. Basic strategy minimizes the house edge but doesn't eliminate it. You'll still lose in the long run, just less than players who don't use strategy. Short-term variance means you can win or lose any session.

Should I deviate from basic strategy based on hunches?

Never. Hunches and "feelings" have no mathematical basis. Every deviation from basic strategy costs you money in expected value. Trust the math.

Does basic strategy change based on deck count?

Slightly. The core strategy is similar, but some edge cases differ between single deck and 6-8 deck shoes. Our calculator adjusts for deck count automatically.

What about card counting? Is that basic strategy?

No. Card counting is an advanced technique that tracks high/low cards. Basic strategy is the foundation counters use, but counting itself adjusts play based on the current deck composition.

Why do some basic strategy charts differ?

Minor variations exist due to different rule assumptions (soft 17, surrender availability, etc.). Our calculator accounts for your specific table rules.

Is it legal to use basic strategy in casinos?

Absolutely. Basic strategy is legal everywhere. Casinos know skilled players use it. You can even bring a strategy card to the table at most casinos—they don't mind.

Pro Tips for Basic Strategy Mastery

• Memorize Don't Lookup: Using a chart at the table is fine, but memorizing strategy speeds up play and feels more natural

• Practice with Free Games: Use online blackjack simulators to drill strategy until decisions are automatic

• Learn the "Why": Understanding expected values helps strategy stick and prevents second-guessing

• Ignore Other Players: Their decisions don't affect your odds. Focus only on your hand vs. dealer

• Find Good Rules: A bad-rules table with perfect strategy still has worse odds than a good-rules table with imperfect strategy

Basic Strategy Practice Drills

Test yourself on these commonly misplayed hands:

1. Hard 12 vs. dealer 4 → Stand
2. Hard 12 vs. dealer 2 → Hit
3. Soft 18 vs. dealer 9 → Hit
4. 9-9 vs. dealer 7 → Stand (don't split!)
5. A-7 vs. dealer 6 → Double (if allowed, otherwise stand)
6. 11 vs. dealer Ace → Hit (in most games, double in some)
7. 4-4 vs. dealer 5 → Split (if DAS allowed, otherwise hit)

Related Blackjack Calculators

• Blackjack House Edge Calculator - Calculate edge for specific rules
• Blackjack Card Counting Calculator - Hi-Lo system trainer
• Blackjack EV Calculator - Expected value for any decision
• Blackjack Bankroll Calculator - Session requirements
• Blackjack Variance Calculator - Understand swings

Conclusion

Blackjack basic strategy is non-negotiable for anyone serious about minimizing losses or gaining an edge at the casino. Our free calculator provides instant, accurate decisions for every possible hand combination, customized to your table's specific rules.

Get the Optimal Play Now →

Stop guessing. Stop making costly mistakes. Let mathematics guide every decision, and give yourself the best possible odds at the blackjack table.