Blackjack Basic Strategy Guide: Mastering When to Surrender, Split, Double & More
Blackjack isn’t just a game of chance—it’s a battle of strategy. Unlike roulette or slots, where the outcome is purely random, blackjack allows players to make decisions that directly impact their odds of winning. When played with a basic blackjack strategy, the house edge can drop to 0.5% or lower, making it one of the best bets in the casino.
This guide breaks down key blackjack decisions—when to surrender, split, double down, hit, or stand—so you can play smarter and win more hands. We’ll also include real-game examples so you can see exactly how these strategies work in action.
Basic Strategy Has An Order Of Operations:
- Can/Should you Surrender? If the casino allows late surrender, you can only do this on your first two cards. If surrender is the correct play, take it; otherwise, move on.
- Can/Should you Split? You can split if your first two cards are a pair or two ten-valued cards. If splitting is the right move, do it; if not, continue.
- Can/Should you Double Down? If basic strategy recommends doubling and the casino allows it, double your bet. If not, proceed to the final step.
- Should you hit or stand? If none of the above options apply, follow basic strategy to determine whether to take another card or stay with your current hand.
Below we will explain each of these circumstances in detail, so you always know exactly what the "Book" says.
When to Surrender
Surrendering in blackjack allows you to fold your hand before playing it out, forfeiting half your bet instead of risking a full loss. Not all online blackjack games offer surrender, so check the rules before playing.
Best Situations to Surrender & Why It Works
Surrendering is a strategic way to minimize losses when the odds are heavily against you. It allows you to forfeit half your bet instead of likely losing the full amount.
- Hard 16 (but not a pair of 8s) vs. Dealer 9, 10, or Ace – This is one of the worst hands in blackjack. The dealer has a high chance of making a strong hand, and your odds of winning are very low.
- Hard 15 vs. Dealer 10 – The dealer’s 10 gives them a strong advantage, making surrender the best option.
- Hard 17 vs. Dealer Ace (if the dealer hits soft 17) – If the dealer must hit on soft 17, their odds of improving increase, making surrender the smarter move. But make sure to check your game's specific blackjack rules.
Example:
You bet $20 and receive 10♥ and 6♦, while the dealer shows K♠.
- Hitting puts you at risk of busting (high chance of drawing a 10-value card).
- Standing gives the dealer an easy win.
- Best Move: Surrender and recover $10, rather than playing out a losing hand.
When to Split Pairs
If you’re dealt two identical cards, you can split them into two separate hands by placing an additional bet equal to your original wager.
When & Why to Split Pairs
Splitting is a powerful move that can turn a weak hand into two strong hands, but only if done correctly.
- Always Split Aces & 8s – Aces give you the best chance at 21, while splitting 8s helps you avoid a weak total of 16.
- Never Split 5s & 10s – A pair of 5s should be played as a hard 10 (a strong starting hand), and 10s already give you a great total.
- Split 2s & 3s vs. Dealer 4-7 (or 2-3 if DAS is allowed) – Small pairs are better played separately against weaker dealer cards.
- Split 4s only if DAS is allowed and dealer shows a 5 or 6 – Otherwise, treat it as a hard 8 and hit instead.
- Split 6s vs. Dealer 3-6 (or 2 if DAS is allowed) – A weak dealer hand makes splitting beneficial.
- Split 7s vs. Dealer 2-7 – A dealer with a weak upcard is more likely to bust, so splitting gives you a better chance.
- Split 9s vs. Dealer 2-6 or 8-9, but NOT 7 or 10-Ace – Keeping 9-9 against a dealer 7 is better since 18 is a strong total.
Example:
You bet $10 and are dealt 8♦ 8♠. The dealer’s upcard is 6♥.
- Best Move: Split your 8s.
- You now have two separate hands with a fresh chance to improve.
- This move prevents you from being stuck with a weak 16.
When to Double Down
Doubling down lets you double your bet in exchange for receiving only one more card.
When & Why to Double Down
Doubling down is a high-risk, high-reward move that’s best used when the odds favor you significantly. You should only double down when you have a strong chance to improve while the dealer is likely to be in a weaker position.
- Hard 9 vs. Dealer 3-6 – Your chances of drawing a 10-value card are high, making this a strong move.
- Hard 10 vs. Any Dealer Card Except 10 or Ace – A 10 gives you a great shot at 20, which dominates most dealer hands.
- Hard 11 vs. Any Dealer Card Except Ace – This is the best double-down opportunity since a 10-value card gives you 21.
- Soft 13-14 vs. Dealer 5-6 – The dealer’s weak position makes this an ideal time to press your advantage.
- Soft 15-16 vs. Dealer 4-6 – Another opportunity where the dealer is vulnerable.
- Soft 17-18 vs. Dealer 3-6 – The dealer is likely to bust, and doubling down gives you an extra payout.
- Soft 19 vs. Dealer 6 (if the dealer hits soft 17) – When the dealer is required to hit on soft 17, doubling down on 19 can be profitable.
Example:
You bet $10 and receive 5♣ 6♠. The dealer’s upcard is 4♦.
- Best Move: Double down.
- You place an extra $10 bet and receive Q♣, making 21!
- If the dealer busts, you win $40 total ($20 profit).
When to Hit or Stand
Your decision to hit or stand should always factor in the dealer’s upcard, as it dictates how risky or conservative your play should be. A weak dealer upcard (2-6) means they have a high chance of busting, so you should often stand on marginal hands and let them make mistakes. A strong dealer upcard (7-Ace) puts pressure on you to improve your total, making hitting the better option in many cases. By reading the dealer’s upcard correctly, you can make smarter decisions that maximize your winning potential.:
- Weak dealer upcard (2-6): Play conservatively and let them bust.
- Strong dealer upcard (7-Ace): Play aggressively and try to improve.
When & Why to Hit
Hitting is necessary when your current hand is too weak to win. The key is knowing when to take the risk and when to avoid it.
- Always hit hard 11 or less – You cannot bust, so there is no downside.
- Hit hard 12 vs. Dealer 2-3 or 7-Ace, stand against 4-6 – Against a weak dealer, standing is safer, but against strong cards, you need to improve.
- Hit hard 13-16 vs. Dealer 7-Ace, stand against 2-6 – If the dealer has a strong card, you need to take the risk and improve.
- Always hit soft 17 or less – A soft hand can’t bust immediately, so hitting is almost always the right move.
- Hit soft 18 vs. Dealer 9, 10, or Ace, otherwise stand – Against strong dealer cards, 18 isn’t good enough to win, so taking another card improves your chances.
- 12-16 vs. Dealer 7-Ace – You’re in a losing position; improve your hand.
- Soft hands (Ace + low card) – Hitting allows flexibility.
When & Why to Stand
Standing means keeping your current hand and ending your turn. The key to standing is recognizing when your hand is strong enough to beat the dealer.
- Always stand on hard 17 or more – You have a strong hand, and the risk of busting is too high.
- Stand on hard 12 vs. Dealer 4-6, otherwise hit – Against weak dealer upcards, it’s better to stand and let them bust.
- Stand on hard 13-16 vs. Dealer 2-6, otherwise hit – If the dealer has a strong card, you need to hit to improve.
- Always stand on soft 19 or more – A soft 19+ is almost always a winning hand.
- Stand on soft 18 except hit against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace – Against a weak dealer, standing is best, but against strong cards, you need to hit.
- Hard 17 or higher – You’re strong enough to beat most dealer hands.
- 12-16 vs. Dealer 2-6 – Let the dealer play into a bust.
Example:
You bet $10 and receive 10♦ 2♠. The dealer shows 9♣.
- Best Move: Hit.
- You draw a 6♦, making 18—much stronger against the dealer’s 9.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Charts
How to read and use a basic strategy chart for blackjack.
Using a basic strategy chart might seem daunting at first, but it's easier than you think. Here's how it works:
- Player Hand: Look at your hand's total. This could be a hard total (no aces) or a soft total (with an ace).
- Dealer Upcard: Identify the dealer's face-up card.
- Chart Recommendation: Find the intersection of your hand and the dealer's upcard on the chart. The chart will indicate whether to hit, stand, double down, or split. Follow the chart's recommendation for the best move.
- Repeat: Repeat this process for each hand you're dealt.
The chart takes the guesswork out of your decisions, ensuring you're always making the statistically sound choice for each scenario. It almost seems too good to be true, right?
Expert Tips for Using a Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
Now that you've got a good footing on the basics of using basic strategy charts, here are some of the tips you can use to keep yourself on top of the competition.
1. Start with Basic Decisions
Focus on mastering the fundamental decisions first. Learn when to hit and when to stand with various player hands against different dealer upcards. These are the most common scenarios and can significantly impact your game. It's like a muscle that will eventually get stronger over time, we promise!
2. Keep a Pocket-Sized Chart
In the beginning, it's perfectly fine to have a pocket-sized strategy chart with you at the table. This discreet reference can be a lifesaver when you're feeling unsure during the heat of the game If you're on a computer, either have one on your desk or as a sticky note.
3. Practice Online
Playing blackjack online allows you to play with the strategy chart and get used to it. This hands-on practice helps you internalise the chart's recommendations and build confidence in your decision-making, building that all-important harmony between your own discretion and the trustworthy nature of the chart.
Plus, there are many online casinos that have free blackjack game tables for you to practice without putting any cash down.
4. Avoid Progressive Betting Systems:
While not directly related to using the chart, it's crucial to understand that progressive betting systems like the Martingale don't work in the long run. At times, using different strategies can benefit you in the short term, but don't use one famous betting system like it's the perfect blackjack strategy. When starting out, it's safe to stick to your strategy and avoid chasing losses with risky betting patterns.
5. Stay Calm and Collected:
Emotions can run high in blackjack, especially during losing streaks. Using the chart for your blackjack strategies can help you stay composed and make rational decisions. Take a deep breath, consult the chart, and trust your strategy.
6. Review Your Play After Sessions:
After each blackjack session, review your decisions and assess how well you followed the chart. Identify any areas where you may need improvement (is your initial bet wise? Are you using the split aces tactic correctly?
7. Learn From Experienced Players:
If you have the opportunity, observe experienced blackjack players at the casino. You'll notice that they consistently use the chart and maintain a disciplined approach to the game.
8. Be Patient and Play Smart:
In saying all this, basic strategy isn't a guarantee of immediate success when you play blackjack. It's about making smarter decisions over time to tilt the odds in your favour. Stay patient, and don't chase losses with reckless bets.
Popular Betting Systems in Blackjack
Martingale System
Reverse Martingale (Paroli)
D’Alembert System
Fibonacci System
Labouchère System
Other Blackjack Guides
Conclusion
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill makes a real difference. Every decision—whether to surrender, split, double down, hit, or stand—shapes the outcome of your hand. By following basic strategy, you’re not guessing; you’re making calculated moves that give you the best possible odds. The smartest players don’t rely on luck—they trust the math, stay disciplined, and play with confidence. Stick to the strategy, manage your bankroll wisely, and enjoy the game. Over time, the right decisions will pay off, and you’ll see why blackjack remains the best bet in the casino.
Basic Blackjack Strategy FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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