Blackjack Strategy Chart & Cheat Sheet
Use this mobile-friendly blackjack strategy chart to make the right move every time. This cheat sheet shows exactly when to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender - just find your hand and the dealer's card. Basic strategy reduces the house edge to less than about 0.5% on good rules. Save this page, take a screenshot, or print the chart for your next blackjack session.
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How To Use This Blackjack Strategy Chart
- 1. Identify your hand type: The chart is grouped into hard totals (no Ace counted as 11), soft totals (hands with an Ace counted as 11), and pairs.
- 2. Find your row: Look down the left side for your total or pair (for example, 16, A,7, or 8,8).
- 3. Find the dealer's upcard: Look across the top for the dealer's visible card (2 through A).
- 4. Match row and column: The cell where your hand row and dealer column meet shows the recommended play: Stand, Hit, Double, Split, Surrender.
- 5. Use it every hand: Basic strategy only works if you follow it consistently, not just when you feel like it.
- Mobile tip: On phones, rotate to landscape and swipe sideways if needed to see all dealer upcards clearly.
The chart below is designed for standard multi-deck blackjack where the dealer stands on soft 17, doubling after split is allowed, and blackjack pays 3:2. If your table uses different rules, see the FAQ at the bottom for what changes.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
This chart is for standard multi-deck blackjack with the following rules: dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), doubling after split is allowed, and blackjack pays 3:2. For other rules, see the notes below.
| Your Hand | Dealer Upcard | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | A | |
| 8 or Less | Hit | |||||||||
| 9 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 11 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit |
| 12 | Hit | Hit | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 13-16 | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 17+ | Stand | |||||||||
| A,2 / A,3 | Hit | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,4 / A,5 | Hit | Hit | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,6 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,7 | Stand | Double | Double | Double | Double | Stand | Stand | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| A,8 / A,9 | Stand | |||||||||
| 2,2 / 3,3 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 4,4 | Hit | Hit | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 5,5 | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Double | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 6,6 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 7,7 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Hit | Hit | Hit | Hit |
| 8,8 | Split | |||||||||
| 9,9 | Split | Split | Split | Split | Split | Stand | Split | Split | Stand | Stand |
| 10,10 | Stand | |||||||||
| A,A | Split | |||||||||
| 16 vs 9/A | Surrender | Surrender | ||||||||
Use blackjack strategy to win at the Best Blackjack Online Casinos.
Rules & Assumptions Behind This Chart
Basic strategy is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on the rules of the game you are playing. This chart assumes:
- 4-8 decks in the shoe.
- Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17).
- Doubling allowed on any first two cards.
- Doubling after split (DAS) is allowed.
- Late surrender available (where indicated).
- Blackjack pays 3:2, not 6:5.
If your table uses different rules (for example, dealer hits soft 17, no surrender, or blackjack pays 6:5), some plays change slightly and the house edge increases. When in doubt, choose games with the most player-friendly rules you can find and then apply this chart.
Why Basic Strategy Works
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where your decisions have a major impact on the outcome. Every time you choose to hit, stand, double, or split, you change the mathematical expectation of the hand. Basic strategy was developed by analysing millions of possible blackjack situations and identifying the play that loses the least money or wins the most money over the long run.
Unlike systems based on intuition, lucky streaks, or betting progressions, basic strategy relies entirely on probability. It tells you the statistically best move for every combination of player hand and dealer upcard. Following these recommendations consistently can reduce the house edge to around 0.5% under favourable rules, making blackjack one of the lowest-edge casino games available.
Common Blackjack Strategy Mistakes
Refusing to Split 8s
Many players dislike splitting a pair of 8s because it doubles their wager. However, a hard 16 is one of the weakest hands in blackjack. Splitting gives you two chances to build stronger totals.
Always Standing on 16
Beginners often assume 16 is strong enough to stand on. Against a dealer 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace, basic strategy frequently recommends hitting because standing loses even more often.
Taking Insurance
Insurance may sound appealing when the dealer shows an Ace, but it is generally a losing side bet. Basic strategy players almost always decline insurance unless they are using advanced card-counting techniques.
Ignoring Table Rules
Not all blackjack games are equal. Rules such as dealer hits soft 17, restricted doubling options, or no surrender can increase the house edge and slightly alter optimal strategy decisions.
Playing 6:5 Blackjack
A 6:5 payout on natural blackjack significantly increases the casino's advantage. Whenever possible, choose tables that pay the traditional 3:2 rate.
Blackjack Strategy Chart FAQ
What is a blackjack strategy chart?
A blackjack strategy chart is a cheat sheet that tells you the mathematically best move for every hand: whether to hit, stand, double, split, or surrender based on your cards and the dealer's upcard.
How do I use a blackjack strategy chart?
Find your hand on the left and the dealer's upcard along the top. The chart shows the optimal move. Follow it for every hand to reduce the house edge and improve your results.
Is it legal to use a blackjack cheat sheet in casinos?
Yes, it's legal in most casinos to use a printed chart or reference on your phone, but always check local rules. Using basic strategy is not cheating - it's smart play.
Does the blackjack strategy chart change for different rules?
Yes. If the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), if doubling after split is not allowed, or if blackjack pays 6:5 instead of 3:2, some recommended plays change and the house edge increases. Always try to use a chart that matches the specific rules of your game.
Can I download or print this blackjack strategy chart?
Yes. You can save this page, take a screenshot on your phone, or print the chart for personal use. Many players keep a printed copy at home and a screenshot in their photo gallery for quick reference.
Does using basic strategy guarantee that I will win?
No. Basic strategy does not guarantee wins in the short term. It simply gives you the mathematically best decision in each situation and reduces the house edge as much as possible, which improves your chances over the long run.