In the leftmost column, you will find your hand, which can be a total value or a particular starting combo of two cards.

The blackjack cheat sheet can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but you can quickly understand how it works by consulting solutions for each situation as you play blackjack. If you happen to be in a casino and have not memorized all the plays, you can consult a basic blackjack strategy chart as you play. We recommend printing the basic strategy chart, below, and keeping it in front of you or else simply opening this chart on your computer screen when you play. This is based on the cards you have and on the dealer’s upturned card. It provides an optimal way to play the game, with the correct move for every situation that arises at the table. Every strategy chart shows an “S” for stand when you hold A-8 or A-9, regardless of what the dealer’s up card is.The first step to learning how to beat blackjack involves becoming familiar with a basic strategy chart. Stand on soft 19 and 20: This is one of the easiest blackjack strategy rules to remember. While many players think splitting 10s is the correct call, drawing low cards would put you in a tricky position. With a total of 17 or more, you should simply stand and hope the dealer goes bust instead.ĭon’t split 5s or 10s: A pair of 5s gives you a great chance to hit blackjack. Stand on hard 17 or more: Without an Ace in your hand, it’s highly like that hitting will result in you busting. It’s always better to split and play two hands. A pair of 8s equals 16 and outs you in a difficult spot. Whether the dealer must stand on 17 or hit on soft 17 will always be clearly printed on the table.Īlways split Aces and 8s: By splitting Aces, you give yourself a chance to hit blackjack with two hands. Read the playing rules: Make sure you know the rules of the table before making your blackjack bets. The hand will be a push 30.74% of the time, which makes it a very bad bet in the long run. In the long run, you’ll lose less money by not taking insurance.ĭecline even money: If you’ve hit blackjack and the dealer’s up card is an Ace, you’ll be offered even money. The house edge increases to 5.9% when insurance is played. This chart will indicate the mathematically correct play to make.ĭon’t play insurance: This bet is considered a dumb move by blackjack pros. Reference a strategy chart: After your cards have been dealt, compare your hand with the dealer’s up card by reading our strategy chart above.

If you want the dummy’s guide to blackjack strategy, you’ll do well with our top blackjack strategy tips.

Advanced blackjack strategy table