Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack is an easy game to play, but learning the strategy can be challenging for some people out there, although we’ll try making it as easy as possible for you. When you’re just starting out with blackjack you should adapt to a beginner strategy. We’ll go through some of the hands possible in blackjack and I’ll tell you what play you should make with the different hands. These basic black jack strategies can be used to cut down the house edge to less than 0.5%. These strategies have been developed with the aid of computers that are able to run millions of online blackjack hands and analyze which plays work the best.

Basic Blackjack Strategy Rules

There are some basic rules differences from casino to casino, hitting soft 17, respliting aces, etc..., but the basic blackjack strategy remains the same no matter where you are playing.

General Blackjack Strategy

• Total of 2-8 you should hit


• Total of 12-16 you should hit when the dealer shows a 7 or higher


• Total of 17, 18, 19 or 20 you always stand


• Total of 21 you automatically win the hand

Double Down Blackjack Strategy

• Total of 9 you should double down if the dealer has a 2-6


• Total of 10 you should double down if the dealer shows a 2-9


• Total of 11 you should always double down unless the dealer has an ace showing

Soft Hand Blackjack Strategy

• Stand on Soft 19 and Soft 20


• Double Down on Soft 13-18 if dealer shows 4-6

Splitting Strategies

• Always split Aces and 8's


• Never split 5's, 10's, or Face Cards

Blackjack strategy is easy to learn and although this is the simplest form of blackjack strategy you should follow this for awhile while you become comfortable with the system. Once you’re comfortable with your game then you can start trying out more advanced strategy systems that can be found on the Advanced Blackjack Strategy page.