Blackjack Strategy: Complete Guide to Winning
Master blackjack strategy to reduce the house edge and maximize your winning potential. Learn basic strategy, when to hit, stand, double, and split for optimal play.
What is Basic Strategy?
Basic strategy is a mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. It's based on computer simulations that analyzed millions of hands to determine the best decision for each possible combination of your cards and the dealer's up card.
Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to as low as 0.5% (depending on game rules), making blackjack one of the best games for players in the casino.
Basic Strategy Rules
When to Hit
- Hard totals of 5-11 (always hit)
- Hard 12-16 when dealer shows 7-Ace
- Soft 13-17 when dealer shows 9-Ace
- Always hit soft 18 when dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace
When to Stand
- Hard totals of 17-21 (always stand)
- Hard 12-16 when dealer shows 2-6
- Soft 19-21 (always stand)
- Soft 18 when dealer shows 2-8
When to Double Down
- Hard 9 when dealer shows 3-6
- Hard 10 when dealer shows 2-9
- Hard 11 when dealer shows 2-10
- Soft 13-18 when dealer shows 4-6
- Soft 19 when dealer shows 6
When to Split
- Always split: Aces and 8s
- Never split: 10s, 5s, and face cards
- Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s when dealer shows 2-6
- Split 4s when dealer shows 5-6
- Split 9s when dealer shows 2-6, 8-9
Card Counting Basics
Card counting is a strategy that tracks the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck. When more high cards remain, players have an advantage and should increase bets.
Hi-Lo System
The most popular card counting system:
- • Low cards (2-6): +1
- • Neutral cards (7-9): 0
- • High cards (10-Ace): -1
Keep a running count and divide by remaining decks for true count.
Advanced Strategies
Bankroll Management
Set win/loss limits, use proper bet sizing, and never chase losses.
Table Selection
Choose tables with favorable rules: 3:2 blackjack, double after split, dealer stands on 17.
Insurance Bet
Never take insurance - it's a sucker bet with a 7.7% house edge.
Surrender
Use late surrender when available on hard 15-16 vs dealer 10, or hard 16 vs dealer 9-10-Ace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Taking Insurance: Always decline insurance bets - they favor the house
- ✗Not Splitting Aces: Always split aces - it doubles your chances of getting 21
- ✗Standing on 12-16 vs Low Dealer: Always hit when dealer shows 2-6
- ✗Playing by Feel: Always follow basic strategy, not intuition
- ✗Chasing Losses: Stick to your bankroll limits
Practice Blackjack Strategy at Bet2Jet
Apply your strategy knowledge and improve your blackjack skills!