Blackjack strategy

Blackjack is one of the few casino games where players can control their destiny. Choosing the right time to stand, hit, double down, split, or surrender ensures the house edge stays as low as possible, thus increasing your chances of success in the long run.

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Though blackjack strategy may seem like witchcraft to beginners, it actually isn’t that difficult to learn. We’ll show you the best way to play the most popular online 21 games, including a few golden gambling rules by which all blackjack players should abide. For the superstitious, you can check out our guide to lucky gambling omens.

How does basic strategy work?

The most common method for stifling the house edge in blackjack is called ‘basic strategy’. This is essentially a set of predetermined moves for any given situation in a blackjack hand. By sticking to this list at all times, you can ensure that every action you take gives you the best possible chance of beating the dealer, and help you manage your bankroll.

Basic blackjack strategy focuses on three things:

  • The value of the player’s hand
  • The value of the dealer’s up-card
  • Whether the player has a hard total, a soft total, or a pair

The best action for a situation can depend on the specific rules and conditions of the game. For example: the strategy for a single-deck blackjack game might say to double down on a hard 11 against a dealer Ace; but for an eight-deck game, the better move might be to hit.

Online blackjack strategy charts

We’ve drawn up some charts (with help from the Wizard of Odds’ excellent basic strategy calculator) for some of the most popular real money blackjack games online. These are great learning tools, especially when playing over the Internet. Just compare your hand against the dealer’s card, then play the move listed according to the key:

H = Hit
S = Stand
P = Split
Dh = Double down if allowed, otherwise hit
Ds = Double down if allowed, otherwise stand
Xh = Surrender if allowed, otherwise hit
Xs = Surrender if allowed, otherwise stand

Microgaming Classic Blackjack strategy

  • Single deck
  • No peek for dealer blackjack
  • Dealer stands on soft 17
  • Double down on hard nine, 10, or 11
  • Cannot double after splitting
  • Can hit split Aces
  • No surrender

Hard hands
Classic Blackjack strategy for hard hands

Soft hands
Classic Blackjack strategy for soft hands

Pairs
Classic Blackjack strategy for splitting pairs

Microgaming Vegas Strip Blackjack strategy

  • Four decks
  • Dealer peeks for blackjack
  • Dealer stands on soft 17
  • Double down on any two cards
  • Double after splitting allowed
  • Cannot hit split Aces
  • No surrender

Hard hands
Vegas Strip Blackjack strategy for hard hands

Soft hands
Vegas Strip Blackjack strategy for soft hands

Pairs
Vegas Strip Blackjack strategy for pairs

Microgaming Atlantic City Blackjack strategy