Blackjack basic strategy is the mathematically best play for every combination of your hand and the dealer's up-card. It lowers the house edge but never removes it. Below are complete charts for a standard multi-deck game, the changes when the dealer hits soft 17, a week-long plan to learn them, and what they mean for RTG blackjack at offshore casinos.
Basic strategy is the highest-value play for each hand; any departure from it can only cost you over time.
It reduces the house edge but doesn't remove it, so losses remain likely over a long run.
Check the dealer's soft-17 rule first; when the dealer hits soft 17, a few plays change.
Never take insurance or even money: the arithmetic is about −7.7% per dollar in a shoe game.
Bonuses often weight blackjack low or set 60x playthrough, so read terms before using a chart to clear one.
Chart assumes
4–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17, double after split allowed
Always split
Aces and 8s
Never split
10s and 5s
Insurance value
About −7.7% per dollar (shoe game)
Super 21 return (third-party)
99.6%
Age
21+ (18+ where allowed)
What blackjack basic strategy is, and what it can't do
Basic strategy is a lookup table. For each of your possible hands and each dealer up-card, it names the single action (hit, stand, double, split or surrender) with the best long-run result. Mathematicians worked it out by calculating every outcome, so it isn't anyone's opinion or system.
What it can't do is turn blackjack into a winning game. The house keeps an edge because you act first and lose if you bust, even when the dealer busts later. Basic strategy shrinks that edge to its minimum for the rules on offer; it doesn't flip it. Think of it as the cheapest way to play, not a way to profit. Our how to play blackjack guide covers the rules if you need them first, and the full guides hub has the rest of the series.
By definition, basic strategy is the best expected play for each hand. So every departure from it, whether a hunch, a "feeling" about the dealer or fear of busting, can only lower your return over time.
The table rules this basic strategy chart assumes
Charts are built for specific rules. The ones on this page assume the conditions below, which are common in multi-deck online blackjack. Open the game's rules panel and compare before you rely on any chart.
Rules behind the charts on this page
Rule
Assumed here
If your game differs
Number of decks
4 to 8
Single- and double-deck games change a handful of plays
Dealer on soft 17
Stands
See the soft-17 changes section below
Double after split
Allowed
See the pair notes below
Double on
Any first two cards
If restricted to 9–11, hit the soft doubles instead
Surrender
Late surrender, where offered
If not offered, use the fallback play in the chart
Blackjack pays
3:2
Strategy is the same at 6:5, but the game costs more
Two shorthand rules make the charts easier to read: "2–6" means a dealer up-card of 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, and "A" means a dealer ace. A 10, jack, queen or king all count as 10.
Basic strategy for hard totals
A hard total has no ace, or has an ace that must count as 1. These are the hands where you can bust by taking a card, so the chart leans on the dealer's bust risk when the up-card is low.
Hard totals (dealer stands on soft 17)
Your hard total
What to do
5 to 8
Hit against every dealer card
9
Double against 3–6; otherwise hit
10
Double against 2–9; hit against 10 and A
11
Double against 2–10; hit against A
12
Stand against 4–6; hit against 2, 3 and 7–A
13 and 14
Stand against 2–6; hit against 7–A
15
Stand against 2–6; surrender against 10 if offered, otherwise hit; hit against 7–9 and A
16
Stand against 2–6; surrender against 9, 10 and A if offered, otherwise hit; hit against 7 and 8
17 or more
Always stand
If the chart says double but the game won't let you (for example, you already have three cards), hit instead. The plays that feel worst are 12 against a 2 or 3 and 16 against a 10. The chart says hit in both, because standing loses more often over many hands.
Soft hands: basic strategy when you hold an ace
A soft hand counts the ace as 11 and can't bust on the next card. That safety is why the chart doubles soft hands so often against weak dealer cards: you get more money in when the dealer is most likely to bust.
Soft totals (dealer stands on soft 17)
Your hand
What to do
A,2 and A,3 (soft 13–14)
Double against 5–6; otherwise hit
A,4 and A,5 (soft 15–16)
Double against 4–6; otherwise hit
A,6 (soft 17)
Double against 3–6; otherwise hit
A,7 (soft 18)
Double against 3–6; stand against 2, 7 and 8; hit against 9, 10 and A
A,8 and A,9 (soft 19–20)
Always stand
Soft 18 is the hand most players get wrong. It looks strong, but against a dealer 9, 10 or ace it's an underdog, and taking a card can't bust you. If doubling isn't allowed, stand on soft 18 against 3–6 rather than hitting.
When to split pairs in blackjack
Splitting turns one hand into two, each with its own bet. The chart splits when two hands starting from one card each are worth more than the pair played together.
Pairs (double after split allowed)
Your pair
What to do
A,A
Always split
10,10
Never split; stand
9,9
Split against 2–6, 8 and 9; stand against 7, 10 and A
8,8
Always split
7,7
Split against 2–7; otherwise hit
6,6
Split against 2–6; otherwise hit
5,5
Never split; play as hard 10
4,4
Split against 5 and 6; otherwise hit
2,2 and 3,3
Split against 2–7; otherwise hit
If the game doesn't allow doubling after a split, tighten up: split 2s and 3s only against 4–7, split 6s only against 3–6, and never split 4s. Eights are split because 16 is the worst total in the game, while two hands starting from 8 each have a fighting chance. See the split glossary entry for how the bets work.
Insurance, even money and surrender in basic strategy
Basic strategy never takes insurance. The bet pays 2:1 if the dealer's hidden card is a 10-value card. In a multi-deck shoe, about 4 of every 13 cards are 10-value, so the long-run value per $1 insured is 2 × 4/13 − 1 × 9/13 = −1/13, roughly −7.7 cents.
In dollars: insuring a $10 hand costs $5, and on average that $5 side bet loses about 38 cents each time you take it. Even money on your own blackjack is the same bet in disguise, so the answer is the same.
Surrender works the other way. Giving up half your bet sounds like quitting, but on hard 16 against a 9, 10 or ace, and hard 15 against a 10, you lose less on average by surrendering than by playing on. Not every online version offers it, so check the buttons and rules panel.
Dealer hits soft 17: how the strategy chart changes
When the dealer must hit soft 17, the dealer improves slightly, and a few of your plays shift to press the advantage when the dealer shows a weak card or to cut losses against an ace. Third-party listings say RTG's Suit 'Em Up Blackjack uses this rule, so it's worth knowing.
Changes when the dealer hits soft 17 (4–8 decks)
Your hand
Dealer stands on soft 17
Dealer hits soft 17
Hard 11 vs A
Hit
Double
A,7 vs 2
Stand
Double (stand if doubling not allowed)
A,8 vs 6
Stand
Double (stand if doubling not allowed)
Hard 15 vs A
Hit
Surrender if offered, otherwise hit
Hard 17 vs A
Stand
Surrender if offered, otherwise stand
8,8 vs A
Split
Surrender if offered, otherwise split
Everything else in the charts above stays the same. If you can't find the soft-17 rule in the game's help screen, the safest approach is to use the standing chart and skip the extra doubles.
Using basic strategy on RTG blackjack games
Most partner casinos on this site run RealTime Gaming software, and RTG's blackjack family varies in ways that matter to a chart. Here's how each version reported by third parties lines up.
RTG blackjack variants and the chart
Game
Reported return
Chart notes
Super 21
99.6% (PokerListings)
Six decks reported; read the rules panel, as Super 21 rules can differ from classic blackjack
Suit 'Em Up Blackjack
99.51% (SlotCatalog)
Dealer hits soft 17 and 3:2 blackjack reported; use the soft-17 changes
Blackjack + Perfect Pairs
95.9%–99.59% (GamesHub)
Main hand uses the chart; the Perfect Pairs side bet is separate and costs more
Blackjack (classic)
Not published in the sources available
Check deck count and soft-17 rule in the help screen
Pontoon, Face Up 21, Match Play 21
Not published
Rules not confirmed; don't assume this chart applies
The house edge is 100% minus the game's return, and expected loss = total wagered × house edge. The figure is a long-run average; a single evening can land far from it in either direction.
Expected cost over 200 hands at the published returns
Bet per hand
Total wagered
Super 21 at 99.6%
Suit 'Em Up at 99.51%
$2
$400
$1.60
$1.96
$10
$2,000
$8.00
$9.80
$50
$10,000
$40.00
$49.00
These are best-case figures, because the chart is the best you can do. Add an insurance habit and the cost climbs: insuring once every 13 hands at $5 adds about 38 cents each time on average. Splits and doubles raise your total wagered, so real totals run a little above bet × hands. The house edge explained guide goes further into the formula.
How to learn blackjack basic strategy in a week
Day 1: learn the hard-total chart only. Read each row out loud, then cover the action column and quiz yourself.
Day 2: add the soft-hand chart. Practice spotting soft totals quickly; the ace is easy to miss.
Day 3: add pairs. Memorize the two absolutes first (always split aces and 8s, never split 10s and 5s), then the rest.
Day 4: practice in a free-play or demo table with the chart open, checking every decision before you click.
Day 5: play demo hands without the chart and note every mistake on paper.
Day 6: learn the soft-17 changes and the surrender spots for any game you plan to use.
Day 7: review your mistake list. Only move to real money once errors are rare, and keep the chart open anyway.
Blackjack strategy myths that cost money
"Never bust, so stand on 12 or more." This gives the dealer free chances to beat you against 7 or higher; the chart says hit.
"The dealer is hot, so change your play." RNG hands are independent; nothing about the last hand changes the next.
"Double your bet after a loss and you'll get it back." That's the Martingale, and it changes the size of losing streaks, not the edge. See is Martingale a good strategy.
"Insurance protects a good hand." It's a separate side bet with a negative value.
"Basic strategy wins." It loses the least. Over time the house edge still applies.
Basic strategy and clearing a blackjack bonus
Many bonuses exclude blackjack or count it at a reduced rate, and some set a separate, higher playthrough. Silver Oak's offer page, for instance, lists 30x playthrough but 60x on blackjack and video poker, and a third-party listing reports the same 60x split at Royal Ace.
Worked example: deposit $50, receive a $50 match, and wager 60 × ($50 + $50) = $6,000 on blackjack. At a 99.51% return, the expected cost is $6,000 × 0.49% = $29.40, which eats most of the $50 bonus before variance is counted. Perfect basic strategy is assumed in that figure; mistakes make it worse.
Check the max-bet rule too: SlotoCash's welcome terms cap bets at $10 while a bonus is active and exclude table games from the welcome bonus entirely. The game weighting guide and table games bonus page show how to compare offers.
Where to use basic strategy online: offers via our links
The partner offers below suit blackjack players better than the original list for this page: each has a published or reported blackjack playthrough rather than a blanket table-game ban. They are offshore casinos, not licensed or regulated by any US state, so check your state's law before you deposit; there is no state regulator to complain to and no state protection of balances. We earn a commission through these links, and the order is commercial. Our best blackjack casinos page ranks them in more detail.
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). The casino's offer page (opens in a new tab) advertises its own ten-deposit match with 30x playthrough, 60x on blackjack and no max withdrawal; its terms say 40x on slots, so check both. Deposits start at $30 on its banking page. Michigan's regulator named Silver Oak on April 9, 2025. See the Silver Oak review.
Royal Ace Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 35 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). A third-party listing (opens in a new tab) reports 30x (bonus plus deposit) on slots, 60x on blackjack, and a max cashout of 10x the deposit, with $30 card and $5 Lightning Bitcoin minimums; other reviewers describe a different package. See the Royal Ace review.
Planet 7 Casino: $2,750 Welcome Bonus + 45 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews list a 200% match with 30x on slots and a $1,000 max cashout, and report Suit 'Em Up Blackjack in its lobby. Michigan named Planet 7 on April 9, 2025. See the Planet 7 review.
The headline free spins are for slots, and the terms shown at sign-up apply. If play stops being fun, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or use the NCPG helpline (opens in a new tab).
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
These partner casinos are offshore and not licensed by any US state; check your state's law first. 21+ (18+ where allowed), terms apply.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Royal Ace Casino#6 on our listSlots and specialty games
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Planet 7 Casino#5 on our listRealTime Gaming slots
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 200% match with code WELCOME200; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: $1,000 (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
Does blackjack basic strategy actually work?
Yes, in the sense that it gives the lowest house edge possible for the rules of the game. It doesn't make blackjack profitable over time, and short sessions still swing widely. Third-party listings put RTG's Super 21 at 99.6% return, which is a 0.4% edge even with perfect play. Our house edge on blackjack answer explains what that means in dollars.
Can I use a basic strategy chart while playing online?
Yes, and it's a good idea. Playing online at your own pace gives you time to check each decision against a printed chart. Accuracy matters far more than speed or memory. Make sure the chart matches the game's rules, especially the dealer's soft-17 rule and whether surrender is offered. The how to play blackjack guide explains where to find those rules.
Should you always split 8s in blackjack?
Yes, in standard multi-deck games where the dealer stands on soft 17. A pair of 8s is hard 16, the weakest total in the game, and two hands starting from 8 do better on average. When the dealer hits soft 17 and surrender is offered, surrendering 8s against an ace is slightly better. See the split glossary entry for how the second bet works.
What do you do with 16 against a dealer 10?
Surrender if the game offers it; otherwise hit. It feels wrong because you'll often bust, but standing on 16 wins only if the dealer busts, and a dealer showing a 10 makes 17 or better most of the time. Over many hands, hitting loses less than standing. The surrender entry explains how getting half your bet back works.
Is blackjack basic strategy the same as card counting online?
No. Basic strategy uses only your cards and the dealer's up-card, and it works in any game. Card counting tracks cards already dealt from a shoe and adjusts bets, which only matters in physical shoe games. Online RNG blackjack shuffles before every hand, so counting has nothing to track. Read our card counting online guide for the theory.
Does basic strategy change for Suit 'Em Up Blackjack?
Slightly. Third-party listings report that the dealer hits soft 17 in Suit 'Em Up, so use the soft-17 changes: double 11 against an ace, double soft 18 against a 2 and soft 19 against a 6, and use the extra surrender spots if offered. The suited side bet has no decisions, so no chart lowers its cost. See Suit 'Em Up Blackjack.
Why is insurance a bad bet in blackjack?
Because it pays 2:1 on an event that happens less than one time in three. In a shoe game, roughly 4 of 13 cards are 10-value, so each $1 of insurance loses about 7.7 cents over time. On a $10 hand that's about 38 cents per insurance bet. Even money is the same wager. The insurance glossary entry walks through it.
Can I use basic strategy to clear a casino bonus?
You can where blackjack is allowed, but the math is rarely kind. Some casinos exclude blackjack, and others set high playthrough; Silver Oak's offer page lists 60x for blackjack. At 60x on $100 of deposit plus bonus, you'd wager $6,000, costing about $29.40 at a 99.51% return. Read the game weighting guide before you claim.
Is using a blackjack basic strategy chart cheating?
No, a basic strategy chart isn’t cheating, because it uses only information every player can see: your cards and the dealer’s up-card. It’s a printed summary of the best long-run play for each hand, worked out mathematically. Online, you play at your own pace, so checking a chart before each click is simple. It doesn’t predict cards or exploit the software; it just stops you giving away extra edge through guesses. For the rules behind each decision, see how to play blackjack and the basic strategy glossary entry.
Does blackjack basic strategy change at 6:5 tables?
The chart stays the same at a 6:5 blackjack table, but the game costs you more. A 6:5 payout pays $12 on a $10 natural instead of the $15 you’d get at 3:2, and that lost $3 on every blackjack raises the house edge whatever you do with the rest of your hands. Basic strategy still gives the lowest cost available at that table. If a 3:2 game is on offer, it’s the better choice. Our blackjack game page and house edge explained guide cover payouts and edge.
When should you double down on 11 in blackjack?
Double hard 11 against every dealer up-card from 2 to 10, and hit it against an ace when the dealer stands on soft 17. If the dealer hits soft 17, the chart changes and you double 11 against the ace as well. An 11 is the strongest doubling hand because any 10-value card makes 21. If the game won’t let you double, for example after a third card, just hit. See the double down glossary entry and our best blackjack casinos page for where the rules are listed.
Should you hit or stand on soft 18 in blackjack?
Hit soft 18 against a dealer 9, 10 or ace, stand against a 2, 7 or 8, and double against 3 through 6. Soft 18 (an ace with a 7) looks like a finished hand, but against a strong dealer card it loses more often than it wins, and the ace means one more card can’t bust you. If doubling isn’t allowed, stand against 3 to 6 instead. When the dealer hits soft 17, double against a 2 too. The soft hand glossary entry explains how soft totals count.
How long does it take to learn blackjack basic strategy?
Most people can learn blackjack basic strategy in about a week of short daily sessions, though accuracy takes longer than memorizing. A sensible order is hard totals first, then soft hands, then pairs, then the soft-17 and surrender changes for the game you plan to use. Practice at a free demo table with the chart open before moving to real money. Even after it feels familiar, keep the chart beside you. Our demo mode guide explains free play, and bankroll management covers stake sizing.
We use no tracking cookies. We store one item in your browser to remember this notice. Casino sites may set their own cookies after you follow an advert link. Cookie policy
