Blackjack is one of the few casino games where your decisions change the odds. Playing "basic strategy", the mathematically best move for every hand, cuts the house edge to roughly 0.5% on a game with good rules. Here are the core rules in plain English.
The core rules (hard totals)
- 8 or less: always hit.
- 9: double against dealer 3–6, otherwise hit.
- 10: double against dealer 2–9, otherwise hit.
- 11: double against dealer 2–10 (and usually against an ace in multi-deck games where the dealer stands on soft 17).
- 12: stand against dealer 4–6, otherwise hit.
- 13–16: stand against dealer 2–6, otherwise hit.
- 17+: always stand.
Soft hands (with an ace counted as 11)
- Soft 13–17: hit, or double against weak dealer cards (4–6) where allowed.
- Soft 18: stand against 2, 7, 8; double against 3–6 if allowed; hit against 9, 10 and ace.
- Soft 19+: stand.
Pairs: when to split
- Always split aces and 8s.
- Never split 10s or 5s (play 5-5 as a hard 10).
- Split 2s, 3s and 7s against dealer 2–7; 6s against 2–6; 9s against 2–9 except 7.
- 4s: split only against 5–6 when doubling after split is allowed.
Table rules that matter
- 3:2 blackjack payout is essential; 6:5 tables add over 1% to the house edge.
- Dealer stands on soft 17 is better for you than hits soft 17.
- Fewer decks, double after split and late surrender all help the player.
Common myths
"Mimic the dealer", "take even money", or "never bust" all cost money over time. And no betting system changes the maths: see realistic gambling strategies and our guide to the house edge. Prefer the live tables? Read live dealer vs RNG.
18+. Gambling involves risk: only play with money you can afford to lose. If it stops being fun, read our responsible gambling page.
Frequently asked questions
Does basic strategy guarantee winning at blackjack?
No. It minimises the house edge, typically to around 0.5% with good rules, but the casino keeps a small advantage in the long run.
Should I take insurance in blackjack?
Basic strategy says no. Insurance is a side bet with a high house edge for players who are not counting cards.
Does blackjack count towards bonus wagering?
Often only 10–20%, or not at all. Check the game weighting in the bonus terms before playing table games with a bonus.
