Basic Strategy
The mathematically optimal play for every situation
Legend
Rules: 6 decks, Dealer Stands on Soft 17 (S17), Double After Split (DAS) allowed
| Total | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H | H |
| 9 | H | D | D | D | D | H | H | H | H | H |
| 10 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | H | H |
| 11 | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D |
| 12 | H | H | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 13 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 14 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | H | H |
| 15 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | H | Rs | Rs |
| 16 | S | S | S | S | S | H | H | Rs | Rs | Rs |
| 17 | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Key Rules to Memorize
Always Do
- ✓Split Aces and 8s
- ✓Double 11 vs any dealer card (except Ace)
- ✓Stand on 17 or higher
- ✓Hit soft 17 (A+6)
- ✓Stand on 12-16 vs dealer 2-6
Never Do
- ✗Split 10s or 5s
- ✗Take insurance (without counting)
- ✗Stand on 12-16 vs dealer 7+
- ✗Hit on 17+ (you'll bust too often)
Understanding the Charts
Hard Totals
A “hard” hand is any hand without an Ace, or where the Ace must count as 1 to avoid busting. Find your total on the left, the dealer's upcard on top, and the intersection tells you what to do.
Soft Totals
A “soft” hand has an Ace counting as 11. These hands are more flexible because you can take a hit without risk of busting - the Ace will become 1 if needed.
Pairs
When you're dealt two cards of the same rank, you have the option to split. The chart shows when splitting gives you better expected value than playing the hand normally.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to memorize basic strategy is to play. Our game shows the correct play if you enable hints, helping you learn as you go.