Blackjack is a game where the player's decision directly affects the outcome.
Do you hit? or are you staying Or should you retire? Is your hand the right one to start with?
Or should you just surrender?
All of this and much more is easy to see thanks to blackjack strategy.
One of the things aboutBlackjack pairing strategyis that it is not based on assumptions but contains mathematical proofs.
Basic blackjack strategy
The first step to learning and winning blackjackis learning basic blackjack strategy. Basic strategy helps in another important way: it can help reduce the house edge to 0.5% or even less! Of course, this applies to dependencies - the number of decks, the table rules for the game, etc. It doesn't automatically guarantee a reduced house edge, but it does help you understand your game.
Short video showing some of the basic strategies:
The basic strategy differs depending on a number of factors. These include:
- The blackjack game played by the player (see alsoBlackjack-Tipps).
- The number of decks of cards used in the game.
Contents
- Basic blackjack strategy
- Basic strategy for single deck blackjack
- Basic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy: Dealer hits soft 17
- Basic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart - Dealer Stops on Soft 17
- Basic strategy for 4-8 deck blackjack
- Frequently asked questions about blackjack strategy
- What is Blackjack Basic Strategy?
- What is blackjack basic strategy based on?
- How should I use blackjack strategy in practice?
- Does the number of decks affect blackjack strategy?
- Are blackjack games where the dealer has a soft 17 different from those where the dealer has a hard 17?
- Blackjack Basic Strategy says nothing about "Safe", why?
- What are the most important rules in the perfect blackjack strategy?
- So can I start playing blackjack after learning at least some basic strategy rules?
- Is blackjack strategy legal? Can I use it without fear of being banned?
- Is there another more advanced blackjack strategy?
- Resources:
On this page we bring you thebasic blackjack strategy for different number of decks. We'll start with a simple single-deck blackjack strategy.
Basic strategy for single deck blackjack
Here are some rules to follow regardingBasic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy:
- Don't take the insurance bet as it increases the house edge to 5.9% in single deck blackjack.
- If you cannot re-split a hand, treat it as a full hand and follow the strategy for that hand according to the charts below.
The basic strategy for single deck blackjack mainly depends on a few factors:
- When the dealer stands or hits a hard 17
- When the dealer stands or hits a soft 17.
- The type of totals the player has for the rest of the hands:
- hard buzz
- uniform sums
- Pairs (hands that can be shared)
Below we present the strategy for single deck blackjack based on the player's hand.
In the table below, the different elements represent:
- H: blow
- S: Remain
- PAG: Split
- DH: Double if allowed, hit otherwise
- SD: Bend down if allowed, otherwise stand up
- PH value: Split if double allowed after split, hit otherwise
- DP: Split if duplicate is allowed after split, otherwise duplicate
- RH: Give up if option is available, press otherwise
- RS: Give up if option is available, otherwise stay
Basic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy: Dealer hits soft 17

Basic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy Chart - Dealer Stops on Soft 17
NOBlackjack-StrategietabelleAbove we do not provide separate lines for 5-pair and 10-pair hands as we consider these hands to be hard 10s and hard 20s and cover them in the corresponding hard hands chart.
Basic strategy for 4-8 deck blackjack
As we have already mentioned, the house edge and the way the game plays differs mainly based on the number of decks used. It is therefore natural that the strategy isdifferent for multi-deck blackjack gamescompared to the strategy we provided for single-deck games above.
Here are some rules to follow as part of a 4-8 deck blackjack strategy:
- Don't play the insurance bet as it greatly increases the house edge.
- When a player cannot re-split a hand, treating that hand as a full hard hand is the best option.
Below we have listed the basic strategy charts for 4 to 8 deck blackjack games.
- H: blow
- S: Remain
- PAG: Split
- DH: Double if allowed, hit otherwise
- SD: Bend down if allowed, otherwise stand up
- PH value: Split if double allowed after split, hit otherwise
- DP: Split if duplicate is allowed after split, otherwise duplicate
- RH: Give up if option is available, press otherwise
- RS: Give up if option is available, otherwise stay
Basic strategy for 4-8 deck blackjack: Dealer hits soft 17
Basic Single Deck Blackjack Strategy: The dealer bets on a soft 17
Whenever you can't find separate information to split a 5 pair or 10 pair hand, treat it as a hard hand (10 hard or 20 strong respectively).
This may not seem like aAdvanced blackjack betting strategy, but understanding the basics of how betting systems work is about as advanced as it gets.You can use the free welcome bonus to try different blackjack casinosCard strategies before wagering real money. When you play online most online gambling sites give you a free deposit bonus.
Frequently asked questions about blackjack strategy
Everything you want to know
Every player who wants to be successful at blackjack must follow the simple but detailed blackjack strategy. Here you will find all the answers you need.
What is Blackjack Basic Strategy?
Basic blackjack strategy is a set of rules and guidelines designed to maximize your chances of winning. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to make a profit at blackjack, especially over the long term, if you don't use basic strategy. The basic strategy can be presented as a table (multiple tables) or as text. Players with visual memory will prefer the table(s), while others will find it easier to learn the text version. Basic strategy tells you what is the smartest thing to do in a given situation.
What is blackjack basic strategy based on?
The basic strategy is based on a computer simulation. A computer program is set up to play a large number of hands and learn what to do in a given situation through trial and error. Please note that the strategy is based on statistics and will only give you the most viable option. There is no guarantee that you will win every hand in which you use the strategy. However, you can rest assured that you will have a better chance of winning if you use the strategy.
How should I use blackjack strategy in practice?
If you can't remember the entire table and are having trouble remembering what to do in a specific situation, follow these steps. First, ask yourself whether you should give up in this particular situation (if that's allowed). If the answer to this question is no, consider splitting (if that's an option). So if it shouldn't be split, it will ask if it should be doubled (where applicable). Finally, if you shouldn't fold or it's not an option, ask yourself whether to hit or stand.
Does the number of decks affect blackjack strategy?
Yes, since the number of decks changes the house edge, so does the strategy. In general, fewer decks result in a smaller house edge. However, mostonlineCasinosgamesUse 4-8 decks, up to 9 in some cases and the same strategy can be used whether it's 4, 6 or 8 decks as the differences are negligible and the outcome of all hands won't be by that amount influence A different strategy should be used.
Are blackjack games where the dealer has a soft 17 different from those where the dealer has a hard 17?
Yes, the rule of whether the dealer should hit or stand on soft 17 changes basic strategy. For example, if you look at the tables, one six-deck game where the dealer has a soft 17 and another where the dealer has to hit a soft 17, it might not seem like a huge difference, but it does can make a big difference difference. Difference. Impact. If you find both tables difficult to remember, it is better to memorize the rules for the versions where the dealer has a soft 17. The effects are less negative compared to the situation where you always use the strategy on a game where the dealer hits a soft 17.
Blackjack Basic Strategy says nothing about "Safe", why?
This is because you should never take insurance as it is a side bet that actually increases the house edge. Insurance is a bet available when the dealer's up card is an ace. Basically, with insurance, if the dealer hits a blackjack, you get your original bet back.
But to activate it you need to wager an additional amount equal to half your original bet. If the dealer doesn't get a blackjack, you lose the additional insurance bet but still have a chance of winning the original bet. Insurance is a bad bet because it's really a bet that the dealer will get a blackjack, and the odds are 9/4 if your card is an ace, meaning you'll lose most of the time.
What are the most important rules in the perfect blackjack strategy?
All rules are very important, but perhaps you should learn and remember the rules that contain the word "always" or "never". For example, it's more important to remember to always split aces, so remember to only split 4s when the dealer has a 5 or 6. The reason is simple: you are more likely to get two aces regardless of the dealer. Card, the one that receives two 4's against a 5 or 6 from the dealer.
So can I start playing blackjack after learning at least some basic strategy rules?
It is much wiser to thoroughly learn the strategy and memorize all the rules and situations before you start playing. Practice at home and only play for real money when you are sure you remember the entire table and know what to do in each situation.
Is blackjack strategy legal? Can I use it without fear of being banned?
Blackjack basic strategy is completely legal and players can memorize the rules and use strategy when playing blackjack.Casinos are not overlookedor ban you from playing if they see you using the strategy. In fact, all professional blackjack players use strategy, that's how blackjack is played.
Is there another more advanced blackjack strategy?
There can be a variety of different blackjacksLawsStrategies depending on the particular blackjack variant. However, all blackjack strategies are based on one basic strategy. You can change the basic strategy and adapt it to any type of blackjack. For example, if a new version of blackjack is invented tomorrow, you can still change and apply the basic strategy.
Resources:
- Casino Licenses offered by:Gambling Commissioner of Gibraltar,Government of Curacao,UK Gambling Commission,Alderney Commission,Nevada,New Jersey
FAQs
Do you hit 13 against a 2? ›
13 stands against dealer 2 through 6, otherwise hit. 12 stands against dealer 4 through 6, otherwise hit. 11 always doubles.
Should you hit on a 12 or 13 in blackjack? ›When the dealer has a three, you should hit on anything eight or below and 12, while standing on anything 13 or over. If the dealer has a two it is best to hit on nine or less and stand on anything 13 or over.
Do you hit or stay on 16? ›You need to stand on the 16 to give yourself the greatest chance of not losing. Be patient, because you'll make your money at the blackjack table with the better hands that you're dealt… In my book, I give you everything you need to enjoy the results I enjoy at the Blackjack table.
What is the 21 3 rule in blackjack? ›The “21 + 3” blackjack side bet is based on examining the player's two cards and the dealer's up-card. If the three cards form a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind or straight flush, the player wins. In the original version, the payout for each of these was 9-to-1.
Do I hit a soft 17 against a 4? ›You hit and draw an ace giving you a soft 17 (2-4-A). The playing rules in most land-based and online casinos prohibit you from doubling down on a hand once you draw a third card; therefore, if you hold a multi-card soft 17, you should hit.
Do you hit soft 17 against a 6? ›Now you've got a 2-4-ace or a soft 17 hand. Bingo, you remember the rule that you should double down on soft 17 when dealer shows a 6. But hold on here. In most land-based and online casinos, the casino rules prohibit doubling down on a hand once you draw a third card.
Do you hit a soft 17 against a 3? ›Most blackjack players understand it's best to hit soft 17 rather than stand. But many won't go the next step and double down, as underlined by a recent email that said, “I can't bring myself to double down on soft 17. Basic strategy cards tell me to double when the dealer shows 3, 4 5 or 6.
Do I hit a 16 vs an ace? ›You actually gain more by hitting 16 vs. 7 than you do by hitting 16 vs. 10 or Ace. That's because if you improve your 16, you win more often when the dealer starts with a lower card.
Do you hit on 15 against a 10? ›In a double- or multi-deck game, if your 15 consists of an 8-7, hit against a dealer 10 upcard (rather than surrender). In all games, if your 16 is multi-card or the result of a pair split, stand against a dealer's 10 upcard instead of hit.
What not to hit on in blackjack? ›If you are playing a single-deck game, don't hit 8 against a dealer's 5 and 6 (you should double down), don't hit 9 against dealer's 2 (you should double down), and don't hit 11 against a dealer's ace (you should double down).
Should you ever split 10s? ›
When it comes to splitting 10s in the game of blackjack, the bottom line should be: Average players should never split and should always stand on 20. Card counters will sometimes split in ten-rich decks. Smart tournament players will sometimes split when they need to bet more chips, especially if it's the last hand.
What cards should you always split in blackjack? ›However, regardless of the various situations, the common strategic wisdom in the blackjack community is to "Always split aces and eights" when dealt either pair as initial cards. This is generally the first rule of any splitting strategy.
Should you hit 16 against 7? ›7. Card counters will sometimes stand on 16 against a dealer's 10, but go right on hitting 16 vs. 7. Now, the dealer will bust slightly more often starting with 7 than starting with 10 — 26 percent of the time on 7 as opposed to 23 percent of the time starting with 10.
Is there a way to consistently win blackjack? ›Since the game of blackjack is a game of percentages and edges, the only way you can win consistently would be to use any means at your disposal to reduce the house advantage. It is for this very reason, that you need to know when to use surrender wisely.
Should you hit or stand at 17 in blackjack? ›If it's good enough for the dealer, it's the same for players … hitting soft 17 is always better than standing. Therefore, one of the golden rules of smart play is this: No matter what blackjack game you are playing, never stand on soft 17.
Should you ever split a 20 in blackjack? ›Average players should never split and should always stand on 20. Card counters will sometimes split in ten-rich decks. Smart tournament players will sometimes split when they need to bet more chips, especially if it's the last hand.
Is blackjack more skill or luck? ›Purely based on statistics, some casino gamblers get lucky and win money. Blackjack, however, can be beaten based on skill—no luck involved.