Blackjack Strategy Chart & Cheat Sheet
Last updated: 03 September 2026
Use this blackjack basic strategy chart to check whether to hit, stand, double, split or surrender based on your hand and the dealer's upcard. It covers common multi-deck rules and can be saved, screenshotted or printed for quick reference.
Basic strategy does not remove the house edge or guarantee a winning session, but it reduces avoidable decision errors. The exact strategy can change with the table rules, so check the assumptions below before using the chart.
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Casino Beacon Opinion
Basic strategy is the most useful skill a blackjack player can learn. It will not remove the house edge or prevent losing sessions, but it does reduce avoidable mistakes by showing the mathematically strongest decision for each hand. Betting systems and gut instinct cannot do the same. Learning the chart is therefore far more valuable than trying to predict streaks or chase short-term patterns.
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How To Use This Blackjack Strategy Chart
Using the chart is simply a matter of matching your hand with the dealer's visible upcard and following the action shown at their intersection.
- 1. Identify your hand type: The chart is grouped into hard totals (no Ace counted as 11), soft totals (hands with an Ace counted as 11), and pairs.
- 2. Find your row: Look down the left side for your total or pair (for example, 16, A,7, or 8,8).
- 3. Find the dealer's upcard: Look across the top for the dealer's visible card (2 through A).
- 4. Match row and column: The cell where your hand row and dealer column meet shows the recommended play: Stand, Hit, Double, Split, Surrender.
- 5. Use it every hand: Basic strategy only works if you follow it consistently, not just when you feel like it.
- Mobile tip: On phones, rotate to landscape and swipe sideways if needed to see all dealer upcards clearly.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
This chart is for standard multi-deck blackjack with the following rules: dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), doubling after split is allowed, and blackjack pays 3:2. For other rules, see the notes below.
← Swipe to view all dealer cards →
| Your Hand | Dealer Upcard | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A | |
| 8 or Less | Hit | |||||||||
| 9 | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 11 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit |
| 12 | Hit | Hit | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 13-16 | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 17+ | Stand | |||||||||
| A,2 / A,3 | Hit | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,4 / A,5 | Hit | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,6 | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,7 | Stand | Double | Double | Double | Double | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,8 / A,9 | Stand | |||||||||
| 2,2 / 3,3 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 4,4 | Hit | Hit | Hit | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 5,5 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 6,6 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 7,7 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 8,8 | Split | |||||||||
| 9,9 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Stand | Split | Split | Stand | Stand |
| 10,10 | Stand | |||||||||
| A,A | Split | |||||||||
| Hard 16 | Surrender | Surrender | Surrender | |||||||
| Hard 15 | Surrender | |||||||||
Rules & Assumptions Behind This Chart
Basic strategy is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on the rules of the game you are playing. This chart assumes:
- 4-8 decks in the shoe.
- Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17).
- Doubling allowed on any first two cards.
- Doubling after split (DAS) is allowed.
- Late surrender available (where indicated).
- Blackjack pays 3:2, not 6:5.
Different table rules can change individual strategy decisions or increase the house edge. For example, a dealer hitting soft 17 and restrictions on doubling can alter some plays, while a 6:5 blackjack payout mainly makes the game more expensive to play. Check the table rules before relying on any strategy chart.
Why Basic Strategy Works
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where your decisions have a major impact on the outcome. Every time you choose to hit, stand, double, or split, you change the mathematical expectation of the hand. Basic strategy was developed by analysing millions of possible blackjack situations and identifying the play that loses the least money or wins the most money over the long run.
Unlike systems based on intuition, lucky streaks, or betting progressions, basic strategy relies entirely on probability. It tells you the statistically best move for every combination of player hand and dealer upcard. Following these recommendations consistently can reduce the house edge to around 0.5% under favourable rules, making blackjack one of the lowest-edge casino games available.
Common Blackjack Strategy Mistakes
Basic strategy only works when it is applied consistently. These are some of the decisions that most often pull players away from the mathematically preferred play.
Refusing to Split 8s
Many players dislike splitting a pair of 8s because it doubles their wager. However, a hard 16 is one of the weakest hands in blackjack. Splitting gives you two chances to build stronger totals.
Always Standing on 16
Beginners often assume 16 is strong enough to stand on. Against a dealer 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, basic strategy frequently recommends hitting because standing loses even more often.
Taking Insurance
Insurance may sound appealing when the dealer shows an Ace, but it is generally a losing side bet. Basic strategy players almost always decline insurance unless they are using advanced card-counting techniques.
Ignoring Table Rules
Not all blackjack games are equal. Rules such as dealer hits soft 17, restricted doubling options, or no surrender can increase the house edge and slightly alter optimal strategy decisions.
Playing 6:5 Blackjack
A 6:5 payout on natural blackjack significantly increases the casino's advantage. Whenever possible, choose tables that pay the traditional 3:2 rate.
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Read GuideBlackjack Strategy Chart FAQ
What is a blackjack strategy chart?
A blackjack strategy chart is a cheat sheet that tells you the mathematically best move for every hand: whether to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender based on your cards and the dealer's upcard.
How do I use a blackjack strategy chart?
Find your hand on the left and the dealer's upcard along the top. The chart shows the optimal move. Follow it for every hand to reduce the house edge and improve your results.
Can I use a blackjack strategy chart while playing?
A printed basic strategy chart may be permitted, but casino rules vary and phone use can be restricted at live tables. Check the casino or table rules before referring to a chart during play.
Does the blackjack strategy chart change for different rules?
Yes. Rules such as the dealer hitting soft 17 or restrictions on doubling can change some basic strategy decisions. Other rules, including a 6:5 blackjack payout, can increase the house edge. Use a strategy chart that matches the rules of the game you are playing.
Can I save or print this blackjack strategy chart?
Yes. You can save this page, take a screenshot on your phone or print the chart for personal reference.
Does using basic strategy guarantee that I will win?
No. Basic strategy cannot guarantee a winning hand or session. Its purpose is to make the mathematically strongest available decision in each situation and reduce avoidable losses over the long term.