Want to turn guesswork into smart play? This blackjack basic strategy chart shows the mathematically best moves for every common hand, helping you cut the house edge to around 0.5% under standard rules. If you’ve ever wondered whether to hit, stand, double, or split, this perfect play chart translates complex math into simple, repeatable decisions.

What Is a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart?

A blackjack basic strategy chart is a visual guide that tells you the optimal action for any player hand versus the dealer’s upcard. It’s based on probability and computer simulations, not hunches.

Used correctly, it improves your player decisions and reduces losses over the long run. It won’t guarantee wins every session, but it will maximize expected value on every hand you play.

How to Use This Strategy Guide at the Table

  1. Identify the table rules (decks, dealer hits/stands on soft 17, doubling after splits, surrender).
  2. Find your hand type: hard total (no Ace counted as 11), soft total (Ace counted as 11), or pair.
  3. Look up your hand versus the dealer upcard and follow the listed action.
  4. Stay consistent. Long-term edge comes from repeating correct decisions hand after hand.
Rule set for the chart below: 6–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), doubling after split (DAS) allowed, late surrender (LS) allowed if noted. If your table uses H17 (dealer hits soft 17), see the rule adjustments section.

The Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart (S17, DAS, LS)

Hard Totals (no Ace counted as 11)

Action by player hard total vs dealer upcard (2–10, A)
Player Total 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A
5–8 Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
9 Hit Double Double Double Double Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
10 Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Hit Hit
11 Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Double
12 Hit Hit Stand Stand Stand Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
13–14 Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
15 Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Hit Hit Hit Surrender/Hit Hit
16 Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Hit Hit Surrender/Hit Surrender/Hit Surrender/Hit
17+ Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand

Surrender guidance: If late surrender is allowed, surrender 16 vs 9, 10, or A (except split 8s), and 15 vs 10. If surrender is not allowed, follow the Hit alternative.

Soft Totals (Ace counted as 11)

Action by player soft total (A,x) vs dealer upcard
Player Hand 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A
A,2 or A,3 (13–14) Hit Hit Double Double Double Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
A,4 or A,5 (15–16) Hit Hit Double Double Double Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
A,6 (17) Hit Double Double Double Double Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
A,7 (18) Stand Double Double Double Double Stand Stand Hit Hit Hit
A,8 (19) Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand
A,9 (20) Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand

Pairs

Action by player pair vs dealer upcard (DAS allowed)
Pair 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A
A,A Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split
10,10 Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand Stand
9,9 Split Split Split Split Split Stand Split Split Stand Stand
8,8 Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split Split
7,7 Split Split Split Split Split Split Hit Hit Hit Hit
6,6 Split Split Split Split Split Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
5,5 Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Double Hit Hit
4,4 Hit Hit Split Split Split Hit Hit Hit Hit Hit
3,3 Split Split Split Split Split Split Hit Hit Hit Hit
2,2 Split Split Split Split Split Split Hit Hit Hit Hit
Quick tips:

  • Never take insurance; it’s a negative expected value bet long-term.
  • Always split 8s and Aces; never split 10s.
  • With 11, double against any upcard in this S17 ruleset.
  • When in doubt, check whether your hand is hard, soft, or a pair, then consult the right table.

Rule Differences: If the Dealer Hits Soft 17 (H17)

Some casinos use H17. In that case, a few optimal moves change. Common adjustments include:

  • Double A,8 vs 6 (instead of standing).
  • Double A,7 vs 2 (instead of standing).
  • Some charts add surrender on 15 vs Ace if late surrender is offered.

Always match your chart to the table’s exact rules and number of decks.

Real-Life Example: How the Chart Saved My Session

mo

On a packed Friday in Las Vegas, I drew 16 against a dealer 10—never a fun spot. My instinct said “stand and hope.” The chart said “surrender.” I followed it. Over the night, similar disciplined calls—like doubling 11 vs Ace and splitting 8s vs 9—helped me avoid big mistakes. I still lost a few hands, but I walked away even after four hours. The lesson: following the chart keeps emotions out of your toughest player decisions.

Step-by-Step: Master the Chart in One Week

  1. Day 1–2: Memorize hard totals 8–17 rules (stand vs 2–6, hit otherwise; special cases on 12 and surrender).
  2. Day 3–4: Add soft totals (A,7 is the pivot: double vs 3–6, stand vs 2/7/8, hit vs 9–A).
  3. Day 5: Learn pairs (always split A,A and 8,8; never split 10s).
  4. Day 6: Practice with a free blackjack trainer app using S17/DAS options.
  5. Day 7: Run 200 hands of practice, tracking errors. Review any weak spots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Standing on 12 vs 2 or 3 (you should hit).
  • Not doubling 10 vs 9 or 11 vs Ace in S17 games.
  • Skipping the split on 8,8 vs 10 (still split; don’t let fear stop you).
  • Taking insurance because the dealer shows an Ace (skip it).

Why This Perfect Play Chart Works

These recommendations come from millions of computer-simulated hands that optimize expected value. In typical multi-deck S17 games with favorable rules, using basic strategy brings the house edge down to roughly 0.5%.

Printable Reference: Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Bookmark this page for your next trip. Many casinos allow quiet reference to a small card or chart at the table—ask the dealer or floor to be sure. Having a quick reference turns a complicated game into a confident, consistent routine.

Conclusion

The blackjack basic strategy chart replaces guesswork with math. Follow it for every hand, and your results will stabilize over time. If you want a compact strategy guide you can practice with daily, save this page now and revisit before you play.

FAQs

What is a blackjack basic strategy chart?

It’s a matrix that shows the mathematically optimal move (hit, stand, double, split, or surrender) for every player hand versus the dealer upcard, based on the table’s rules.

Does basic strategy guarantee I’ll win?

No. It maximizes expected value but variance remains. Over time, it reduces the house edge to a small fraction, improving your odds compared to guessing.

Should I ever take insurance?

In standard play, no. Insurance is a negative expected value side bet for non-counters and should be avoided.

What changes if the dealer hits soft 17 (H17)?

A few doubles become stronger (e.g., A,8 vs 6; A,7 vs 2). Always match your chart to the exact rules and decks used.

Can I use a chart at the table?

Many casinos allow a small, discreet chart. Policies vary—ask the dealer or floor person before play.

What is the house edge when using basic strategy?

In common multi-deck S17 games with good rules, around 0.5% (varies by exact rules like surrender, resplitting Aces, and the number of decks).