Find the optimal play for any blackjack hand against any dealer upcard
Maximize EV by choosing the action with highest expected returnSelect your hand and dealer's upcard
Practice these common hands
Key concepts at a glance
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every blackjack hand. With player 16 vs dealer 10, hit. With 11 vs 6, double down. With A-8 (soft 19) vs any card, stand. Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to as low as 0.5% depending on table rules. Memorizing it takes practice but can save you thousands in the long run.
Essential rules to memorize
Common questions about basic strategy
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every possible blackjack hand combination against every dealer upcard. It was developed using computer simulations of millions of hands and tells you when to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender to minimize the house edge.
Different rules change the math. If the dealer hits soft 17, it slightly increases the house edge and affects some marginal plays. If you can double after splitting (DAS), it makes splitting more valuable in certain situations. The number of decks also affects optimal play.
Yes, unless you are card counting and adjusting for the true count. Basic strategy is mathematically optimal for a neutral deck. Hunches and feelings have no mathematical basis and will cost you money over time. Even small deviations add to the house edge.
Never take insurance or even money - it's a sucker bet with a 7.7% house edge. Also remember to always split Aces and 8s. These two rules alone save significant money. After that, focus on hard totals 12-16 vs dealer 7+ (hit) and when to double (11 vs 2-10).
With dedicated practice, most people can memorize basic strategy in 1-2 weeks. Start with the hard totals, then soft hands, then pairs. Use flashcards or practice tools. The goal is instant recall without hesitation at the table.