Blackjack Strategy Chart

Interactive basic strategy chart customized for your table rules

Formula:Optimal play based on millions of simulated hands

Table Rules

Customize for your specific game

H
Hit
S
Stand
D
Double
P
Split
R
Surrender

Hard Totals

Total2345678910A
8HHHPPHHHHH
9HDDDDHHHHH
10DDDDDDDDSS
11DDDDDDDDDD
12PPPPPPHHHH
13SSSSSHHHHH
14PPPPPPHHHH
15SSSSSHHHRhH
16PPPPPPPPPP
17SSSSSSSSSS

Soft Totals

Hand2345678910A
A-2HHHHHHHHHH
A-3HHHHHHHHHH
A-4HHHHHHHHHH
A-5HHHHHHHHHH
A-6HHHHHHHHHH
A-7HHHHHHHHHH
A-8HHHHHHHHHH
A-9HDDDDHHHHH

Pairs

Pair2345678910A
2-2PPPPPPHHHH
3-3PPPPPPHHHH
4-4HHHPPHHHHH
5-5DDDDDDDDSS
6-6PPPPPPHHHH
7-7PPPPPPHHHH
8-8PPPPPPPPPP
9-9PPPPPSPPSP
10-10SSSSSSSSSS
A-AHHHHHHHHHH

Quick Answer

Key concepts at a glance

A basic strategy chart shows the optimal play for every hand combination. Green = Stand, Blue = Hit, Yellow = Double, Purple = Split, Red = Surrender. Read player hand on the left, dealer upcard on top. For example: hard 16 vs dealer 10 = Hit (blue). Memorize the chart by section: hard hands first, then soft hands, then pairs.

Key Strategy Rules

Most important plays to remember

  • Hard hands: Always stand on 17+, hit 11 or less
  • Soft hands: More aggressive - double on soft 13-18 vs weak dealers
  • Pairs: Always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s or 5s
  • Surrender: Give up 16 vs 9/10/A and 15 vs 10 (when available)
  • Double: On 10 vs 2-9, on 11 vs 2-10
  • The chart changes slightly based on deck count and rules
  • H17 (dealer hits soft 17) makes doubling against dealer Ace worse

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about strategy charts

How do I read the strategy chart?

Find your hand total on the left side (rows), then find the dealer upcard on the top (columns). The cell where they intersect shows the optimal play: H = Hit, S = Stand, D = Double, P = Split, R = Surrender. If the action isn't available (like doubling after hitting), use the fallback shown.

Why are there different charts for different rules?

Rule variations change the math slightly. Dealer hitting soft 17 (H17) vs standing (S17) affects some close decisions. Double after split (DAS) changes when splitting is advantageous. More decks slightly reduce player advantage. The differences are small but meaningful over thousands of hands.

Should I memorize the entire chart?

Yes, but do it in stages. Start with hard totals (they come up most often), then soft hands, then pairs. Focus on the areas you struggle with. Most players only need to consult the chart for unusual situations once they have practiced enough.

What do the colors mean?

Colors make the chart easier to scan: Stand (green) means keep your hand. Hit (blue) means take a card. Double (yellow) means double your bet. Split (purple) means separate a pair. Surrender (red) means give up half your bet. The visual pattern helps with memorization.