Blackjack basic strategy: the full strategy table explained

What this table assumes

Four to eight decks, the dealer stands on soft 17, and you may double after splitting. Check the rules panel on your table, because different rules change a few decisions.

Many UK and European tables deal the dealer no hole card. On those tables, be more cautious about doubling or splitting against a dealer 10 or ace.

Hard hands (no ace counted as 11)

8 or less: always hit.

9: double against a dealer 3 to 6, otherwise hit.

10: double against 2 to 9, otherwise hit.

11: double against 2 to 10, hit against an ace.

12: stand against 4 to 6, otherwise hit.

13 to 16: stand against 2 to 6, otherwise hit.

17 or more: always stand.

Soft hands (an ace counted as 11)

Ace-2 and ace-3: double against 5 and 6, otherwise hit.

Ace-4 and ace-5: double against 4 to 6, otherwise hit.

Ace-6: double against 3 to 6, otherwise hit.

Ace-7: double against 3 to 6, stand against 2, 7 and 8, hit against 9, 10 and ace.

Ace-8 and ace-9: always stand.

Pairs

Aces and 8s: always split.

10s and 5s: never split. Play 5s as a hard 10.

2s, 3s and 7s: split against 2 to 7, otherwise hit.

4s: split against 5 and 6, otherwise hit.

6s: split against 2 to 6, otherwise hit.

9s: split against 2 to 6, 8 and 9. Stand against 7, 10 and ace.

Insurance and side bets

Basic strategy never takes insurance, and side bets carry a much higher house edge than the main game.

Strategy reduces the cost of playing over time. It does not change the fact that the casino keeps an edge, so set a budget first.