There are many different blackjack strategies employed by players around the world. Some are better than others. The basic strategy we feel is best to use is listed below and will help you minimise the house edge. It is based on multiple decks being used, as is in online blackjack. However, this will not make you invincible and an overnight millionaire, you should still use caution before throwing more money at the tables.

As we would advise with any casino game, if you amass some profits, then take a few moments to lock some in and withdraw them from your account. As a general guide, if you double your money, then keep 50% of the profits. It only takes a moment and will ensure a far more enjoyable playing time. This way you can lock in some of your blackjack profits.

Before reading in detail below the basic strategy to use, casino beginners should be aware of the differences between a Hard and a Soft Hand. A Hard Hand is a hand which either does not hold an Ace or holds an Ace which cannot be used as an 11. A Soft Hand is where there is an Ace held that can be used either as a 1 or an 11. Beginners should read the Blackjack Basic Rules page before continuing.

Blackjack Players Hard Hand
8 Hit against everything;
9 Double against a 3 through to a 6. Hit everything else;
10 Double on a 2 through to 9, hit on 10 and an Ace;
11 Double on a 2 through 10 hit on an Ace;
12 Hit against 2 or 3. Stand against 4,5 and 6, hit against 7 through Ace;
13 Stand against 2 through to 6. Hit everything else;
14 Stand against 2 through to 6. Hit everything else;
15 Stand against 2 through to 6. Hit everything else;
16 Stand against 2 through to 6. Hit everything else;
17-21 Stand against everything;

Blackjack Players Soft Hand
A-2 Double against a 5 or 6, hit everything else;
A-3 Double against a 5 or 6, hit everything else;
A-4 Double against a 4, 5 or 6, hit everything else;
A-5 Double against a 4, 5 or 6, hit everything else;
A-6 Double against a 3, 4, 5 or 6, hit everything else;
A-7 Double against a 3, 4, 5 or 6. Stand on 2, 7, 8, hit everything else;
A-8 Stand against everything;
A-9 Stand against everything.

Blackjack Players Pair
A-A Split against everything;
2-2 Split 2 through to a 7, hit against everything else;
3-3 Split 2 through 7, hit against everything else;
4-4 Split against 5 or 6, hit everything else;
5-5 Double 2 through 9, hit everything else;
6-6 Split against 2 through 6, hit against everything else;
7-7 Split against 2 through 7, hit against everything else;
8-8 Split against everything;
9-9 Split 2 through 6; 8 and 9. Stand against 7, 10 and an Ace;
10-10 Stand against everything.

If you want to learn more about blackjack tournament strategy see our articles on Blackjack Tournament Players and Blackjack Tournaments and Insurance.