What is Basic Strategy (Blackjack)?
A mathematically optimal set of decisions (hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender) for every possible blackjack hand combination. Applied correctly, basic strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 0.4–0.6%.
In Depth: Basic Strategy (Blackjack)
Basic strategy was developed by mathematically computing the optimal play for every possible combination of player hand and dealer upcard. It is the single most impactful thing a blackjack player can do to improve their expected results.
Core rules (standard 6-deck, dealer stands on soft 17):
- Always stand on hard 17+
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 5s or 10s
- Double down on 11 against dealer 2–10
- Hit hard 12–16 against dealer 7+
- Stand on hard 12–16 against dealer 2–6
- Never take insurance
Where to find it: Free basic strategy charts are available online and in print. Many casinos permit them at the table.
What it won't do: Basic strategy cannot overcome the house edge entirely or predict outcomes. It simply minimises the statistical disadvantage.
Related Terms
Hard Hand
In blackjack, any hand that either contains no Ace, or contains an Ace that must be counted as 1 to avoid busting. A hard 16 (e.g., 10 + 6) is the most statistically difficult hand in the game.
Double Down
A blackjack move where a player doubles their original bet after seeing their first two cards, in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. Strategically valuable when the player has a strong total (especially 11) and the dealer shows a weak upcard.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage a casino has over players on any given game, expressed as a percentage of each bet. The complement of RTP. A game with 97% RTP has a 3% house edge.
Soft Hand
In blackjack, any hand containing an Ace counted as 11 without risking bust. A soft hand can never bust on the next card because the Ace can revert to 1 if needed.
Split
A blackjack move where a player with two identical-value cards separates them into two independent hands, each requiring an additional bet equal to the original. Basic strategy dictates specific situations when splitting is optimal.