This essential Blackjack Strategy Guide will tell you what the best mathematical decision is in every possible Blackjack scenario. This is basically your beginner's Blackjack bible, and should be followed religiously, especially when learning the ropes of the game. Following the Blackjack Strategy Chart below is simple: look for your Blackjack hand on the left-most vertical column, and the dealer's exposed card on the top-most horizontal row. Refer to the chart's legend for acronym meanings. It would be an excellent idea to print this page and keep it next to your computer for easy reference while playing online.
Basic Blackjack Strategy:
- Always stand on 17 or better.
- Always hit on 12-16 when the dealer's exposed card is 7 or higher.
- Always hit on 8 or less.
Blackjack Double Down Strategy:
- Always Double Down on 11 - with the exception being when a dealer has an Ace exposed.
- Always Double Down on 10 when the dealer is exposing a 9 or lower.
- Always Double Down on 9 when the dealer is exposing a 6 or lower.
Blackjack Soft Hands Strategy:
- Always stand on soft 19 and soft 20.
- Always Double Down on soft 13-18 when the dealer is exposing either a 4,5, or 6.
Blackjack Split Strategy:
- Always split Aces and 8's.
- Never split 5's, 10's or face cards.
- Always split 2's and 3's when the dealer is exposing a 4,5,6, or 7.