Blackjack basic strategy is a mathematically derived set of recommendations for playing each hand against the dealer’s upcard. It helps players decide when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender based on their hand and the table’s rules.

A blackjack basic strategy chart matches your hand with the dealer’s visible card to show the recommended action. The correct chart can vary by rules, including the number of decks in play, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and whether surrender is available. Basic strategy can improve decision-making, but it does not guarantee a win.

Blackjack Basics: Rules, Terms, and Hand Values

Blackjack is a card game in which players try to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Players usually receive two cards, while the dealer receives a visible upcard and, in most games, a face-down card. A tied total is called a push, and the original bet is returned.

Blackjack Rules and Objectives 

Blackjack is a card game in which players try to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. Players receive cards, total their hand values, and choose whether to hit, stand, double down, or split based on their hand and the dealer’s visible card.

If your hand total matches the dealer’s, the result is a push and your original bet is returned. Players receive two cards at the start, while the dealer gets one card face up and one face down. Players can hit to draw additional cards, stand to keep their current hand, double down to double their bet and receive one more card, or split a pair into two separate hands.

How to Play Blackjack 

Place your bet within the table limits, then play your hand against the dealer without exceeding 21. Read the full guide to how to play blackjack.

Blackjack Terms You Need to Know

What Is a Hard Hand vs. a Soft Hand?

A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11 without exceeding 21. For example, a soft 17 is an Ace plus a 6. A hard hand has no Ace counted as 11; a hard 17 could be a 10 and a 7.

What Is Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Blackjack basic strategy is a set of mathematically derived recommendations for each possible player hand and dealer upcard. It tells a player when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender, based on the specific rules of the table.

A basic strategy chart places the player’s hand on the left and the dealer’s face-up card across the top. Find where the two values meet to see the recommended action.

How to Use a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart?

1. Identify your hand as a hard total, soft total, or pair.

2. Find the dealer’s face-up card across the top of the chart.

3. Match your hand with the dealer’s card.

4. Follow the recommended action: hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender.

Strategy charts can vary by table rules, including whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, whether surrender is allowed, and how many decks are used.

Advanced Blackjack Strategies

Advanced strategies like card counting, shuffle tracking, and hole carding can benefit experienced players. These methods require significant skill and practice. While card counting is not illegal, casinos may take measures to prevent its use.

Tips for Improving Your Strategy

• Manage your bankroll effectively to avoid overspending.

• Practice playing blackjack online or with friends to hone your skills.

• Always pay attention to the dealer's upcard and adjust your strategy accordingly.

• For most basic-strategy players, insurance is generally not recommended because its expected value is unfavorable.

• Know when to walk away and set limits on your playing time.

Ten Basic Blackjack Strategies to Easily Follow

Because those charts have a lot of data and can be hard to follow, we’re giving you relevant, simple rules to stick to. These combine to offer the best blackjack strategy according to the math:

1. Always double down on 11 unless the dealer shows an Ace.

2. When the dealer’s upcard is 2-9, always double down on an initial score of ten.

3. When the dealer’s upcard is a 5 or 6, always double down on a soft 13-18. 

4. Always split Aces and always split eights.

5. Never split a pair of fives or tens.

6. Never make the insurance bet

7. If the dealer has a 2 or 3 upcard, always hit on a hard 12.

8. If the dealer shows 9,10, or Ace, always hit A-7.

9. When you are dealt a pair of 2s or 3s, hit against a dealer’s 2 or 3.

10. Always stand with a pair of 9s when the dealer shows 7.

Bankroll Management and Blackjack Betting Systems

A solid strategy is crucial for optimizing blackjack outcomes. This section covers essential aspects such as bankroll management, effective betting strategies, and leveraging promotions.

Bankroll management is fundamental in any gambling game, including blackjack. It involves setting a budget for your sessions and sticking to it. Properly managing your bankroll ensures you don't overspend and allows you to play for extended periods. Always bet within your means.

No betting system changes the house edge; choose a stake size and session limit before playing.

Taking advantage of promotions can provide an edge at the blackjack tables. DraftKings offers various promotions and bonuses, such as deposit matches or free bet credits, which can give you additional funds to play with. Keep an eye out for these offers to boost your gameplay.

Remember, while a robust strategy can improve your chances, it's essential to approach the game responsibly. Set limits, play within your means, and prioritize enjoyment over outcomes. Good luck!

How Blackjack Variations Affect Basic Strategy

Blackjack comes in several variations, each with unique rules and strategies. Understanding these differences is crucial to developing an effective strategy. Here are key topics to consider:

4-Deck to 8-Deck Blackjack Strategies

For four- to eight-deck blackjack, use a basic strategy chart that matches the table’s number of decks and rules, as the recommended play can vary slightly by game conditions. Generally, more decks increase the house's edge.

What are the Blackjack Rule Variations?

Different online blackjack games may have varying rules for blackjack, affecting the game's overall odds and strategy. For example, some allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17, while others require the dealer to stand. Understanding these variations and how they impact your gameplay is essential.

How do Blackjack Rule Variations Affect the House Edge?

Rules that allow players to double down on any two cards or offer early surrender can decrease the house edge, improving your chances. Conversely, rules like the dealer hitting on a soft 17 or restrictions on doubling down can increase the house edge. Be aware of these variations and choose games with favorable rules to maximize your success.

Understanding different blackjack variations, including strategies for different deck sizes and rule effects on the house edge, allows for more informed gameplay decisions. Always practice responsible gambling and enjoy the excitement of blackjack at DraftKings.

Common Blackjack Strategy Mistakes to Avoid

Adopting a solid strategy can significantly enhance your blackjack session. Here are valuable tips for a successful experience:

1. Avoid Chasing Losses

Do not chase losses. The best betting strategy will almost always be to keep your bet value consistent. Don’t think you’re due for a win when you're having a bad run. Odds don’t care about your streak. It's the same with winning streaks. Just because you feel hot doesn’t change your odds for the next hand. 

Progressive betting increases, where you double your bet each time you lose, can get expensive fast. The idea is one win will bring you back to even. However, you must be willing to lose a significant amount. If you hit a bad streak. Some people try progressive betting increases only after a win, so they’re only losing money they’ve won. This is a safer blackjack table strategy, but it can get expensive when splitting or doubting down.

2. Manage emotions at the table

Take a break if frustrated. Emotions can run high in blackjack, especially when money is involved. It's crucial to keep your emotions in check and avoid impulsive decisions. If you feel frustrated or angry, take a break and step away from the table. Remember, blackjack is a game of probabilities, and each hand is independent of the previous one. Stay calm and focused and make rational decisions.

3. Minimize alcohol consumption

In-person or online, alcohol drops your inhibitions and increases the chance of risky play and betting. Blackjack is excellent because it involves strategy. So, increase your odds by avoiding alcohol. It may be easier playing online where you aren’t being offered drinks.

4. Make Your Own Strategy Decisions

Once your strategy is established, don’t let other players pressure you into making a choice. This sadly happens often. Ignore them and stick with your game. One of the perks of an online casino like DraftKings is you can avoid these interactions.

5. Set a Blackjack Budget Before You Play

Set a session budget. Decide the amount you’re willing to lose in advance. No matter how your play progresses, stick with this amount. It’s easy to get swept up with emotions when you gamble, making you take chances at the moment. This is why it’s essential to determine your limit in advance and stick with it.

Following these blackjack tips can enhance your experience and improve your chances of success. 

Where to play Blackjack online?

With DraftKings, you can play blackjack whenever and wherever you like. You’ll find various themes, such as sports, retro, or your favorite holidays. Start as low as $1 per hand. Play variations with side bets if you want to take your blackjack further. “Four 20s blackjack” lets you play four hands and bet on twenties coming up on any of them. Practice responsible gambling and enjoy the thrill of the game responsibly.

When Should You Hit in Blackjack?

Hit any hard total of 8 or lower. Also hit on a hard 9 against a dealer 2 or 7 through Ace, a hard 10 against a dealer 10 or Ace, a hard 12 against a dealer 2, 3, or 7 through Ace, and a hard 13 through 16 against a dealer 7 through Ace. Where the chart says “D,” double if possible; otherwise, hit. Refer to the strategy chart for soft-hand and pair exceptions.

When Should You Stand in Blackjack?

Standing can be one of the most complex parts of blackjack, depending on your willingness to take risks. However, there are some statistically bright moments when you absolutely should stand.

• If your hand is a hard 17 or higher, it’s a good time to stand. It will be unlikely to get the small card you need if you hit in this circumstance. The odds are best for you if you stand, even if the dealer shows a face card or Ace.

• Stand when you have a hard 12 or higher, and the dealer shows a five or a six. A six is the worst card for a dealer since the likelihood of them busting is highest. No matter what you have, if it’s over 12, standing will be your best chance of coming out ahead.

What is Insurance in Blackjack?

Insurance is an optional side bet that pays out if the dealer’s initial two cards total 21. Insurance is a separate side bet, not protection for your original wager.

Statistically speaking, you should avoid buying insurance. The reason is simple. The odds are slightly against you, meaning if you play an infinite number of hands, you will lose more money paying for insurance than you will win back.

What Is Doubling Down in Blackjack?

Doubling down in Blackjack is where you can double down on any two initial cards you receive by doubling your initial bet. You then get one more card, but only one. If you win the hand, you win twice your original bet.

When to double down in blackjack? Consider doubling down whenever you’re in a position where one more card may greatly help you. For instance, if you have two cards equaling 10 or 11, a face card or 10 will bring your total to 20 or 21. Likewise, if the dealer has a lousy card showing, like a six, this increases your odds of winning and makes a double-down more strategic.

As you’re starting, consider doubling down whenever you have 11, unless the dealer has an Ace, and whenever you have 10, unless the dealer has a 10 or an Ace. You could also double down with a nine when the dealer has a lousy starting card, like a six, five, four, or three.

What Does Splitting Mean in Blackjack?

Splitting is an option whenever your starting two cards are a pair, like two nines or two threes. When you split, you place a second bet of the same value as your original, turning each card into its hand. You then play each card as a separate hand, hitting until you want to stay or you bust.

When should you split in blackjack? You may have heard the saying, “Always split Aces and eights.” These are good words to live by. Also, consider splitting nines, sevens, sixes, threes, and twos if the dealer shows between a two or a six.

Does Strategy Change in Multi-Deck Blackjack?

Most decisions are similar, but some change by deck count and table rules; use a chart that matches the game you are playing. More decks turn the odds slightly more in favor of the house. However, these changes are minimal, and for most players, a single-deck game has the best odds for a player if all else is equal. Most of the time, a single-deck game will have different payout structures, like 6:5 payouts for a blackjack rather than 3:2. These payout variations hurt the player enough that any advantages of a single deck are wiped out and should be avoided. Based on the odds, you should play only a few hands differently with a single-deck blackjack strategy.

Hard 11 vs. an Ace

With a single deck, you should double down in this situation. If you’re playing multiple decks, just hit here.

Hard nine vs. a two

With a single deck, double down against two. With multiple decks, hit.

Hard eight against a five or six

With a single deck, double down against a five or six. For a multi-deck game, just hit. The exception is with a 4-4. No matter the number of decks, you’ll want to split fours against five or six.