Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal play for every blackjack hand against every dealer upcard, derived from probability, not superstition. Playing it correctly reduces the house edge to roughly 0.5% on most standard tables — one of the lowest edges in the casino — while ignoring it can push the edge several percentage points higher. Here’s the standard chart.
Hard totals (no ace, or ace counted as 1)
| Your hand | Dealer 2–6 | Dealer 7–9 | Dealer 10/Ace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Double (else hit) | Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double | Hit |
| 11 | Double | Double | Double (else hit) |
| 12 | Stand vs 4–6, else hit | Hit | Hit |
| 13–16 | Stand | Hit | Hit |
| 17+ | Stand | Stand | Stand |
Soft totals (hand includes an ace counted as 11)
| Your hand | Dealer 2–6 | Dealer 7–9 | Dealer 10/Ace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft 13–15 (A,2 – A,4) | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| Soft 16–17 (A,5 – A,6) | Double (else hit) | Hit | Hit |
| Soft 18 (A,7) | Double vs 3–6, else stand | Stand vs 7/8, hit vs 9 | Hit |
| Soft 19+ (A,8+) | Stand | Stand | Stand |
Pairs
| Your pair | Action |
|---|---|
| Aces | Always split |
| 8s | Always split |
| 10s / face cards | Never split — stand as hard 20 |
| 9s | Split vs dealer 2–6, 8, 9; stand vs 7, 10, Ace |
| 7s | Split vs dealer 2–7; otherwise hit |
| 6s | Split vs dealer 2–6; otherwise hit |
| 5s | Never split — treat as hard 10, double vs 2–9 |
| 2s / 3s | Split vs dealer 2–7; otherwise hit |
The rules worth memorizing first
If the full chart feels like too much at once, these five principles cover the majority of correct decisions: always split Aces and 8s; never split 10s; stand on any hard 17 or higher; hit any hard 11 or lower (since you can’t bust); and double down on 10 or 11 whenever the dealer shows 2 through 9.
Basic strategy assumes standard multi-deck rules and can shift slightly with single-deck games, doubling restrictions, or surrender availability — always check a table’s specific rule variations before assuming this exact chart applies unmodified. For the underlying math of why a lower house edge matters over a long session, see house edge explained, and if you’re playing with a bonus attached, the Wagering Calculator shows how table games typically contribute less to wagering than slots. Compare operators offering blackjack with fair terms on the Bonus Review page.