If you are new to the game of blackjack then one of the best ways to start out is by familiarizing yourself with the basic strategy of the game. Basic blackjack strategy charts can help make it easy to learn the basics of when to hit, when to stand, when to double down and when to split pairs in any situation.

Blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules and guidelines which allow you to maximize your winning odds. It is very hard, if not impossible, to make a profit playing Blackjack, especially in the long term, if you’re not employing the basic strategy. Generally, having 9-11 is almost always a good position for doubling down. Double down on hard 11 if the dealer’s card is 2-8, on hard 10 in case the dealer has 2-9, and on hard 9 when the dealer has 3-6. In case you get an Ace and another card is 7 or less, it is necessary to be attentive to the dealer’s up card. When Not to Double Down in Blackjack. Along with the positive scenarios for doubling down, there are negatives as well. These are the basic initial card you shouldn’t double down with: Although 11 hard is one of the best hand for doubling down, that doesn’t mean you should use this move constantly. If you decide to double down you will then receive only one more card. Doubling Down is very profitable and lets you double your bet when you have an edge. The following charts show when you should double down for hard totals (a hand without an ace or where an ace is 1) for multiple and single deck games. The following color-coded charts summarize the double down basic strategy for Double Deck and 4/6/8 Decks with S17, followed by Double- and 4/6/8-Deck with H17. Examples of How to Use the Tables and Charts.

Basic blackjack strategy charts are tables that list possible hand values on one axis and possible dealer upcard values on the other axis. Based on the value of your hand and the value of the dealer's upcard you can easily determine which move you should make. Strategy charts are based upon a number of factors including the probability of the dealer busting or getting blackjack, the probability of the player busting or getting blackjack and a number of other factors.

You will see from looking at a basic chart that there are several hands that have easy and straightforward decisions that you should make every time. For instance, when you are dealt a hand worth a hard total of 17 through 21 (not including an Ace) you should always stand. On the other hand, when your hand is valued at 5, 6, 7 or 8 you should always hit. It doesn't matter what upcard the dealer is showing, you should always stand or always hit in these instances.

Other decisions are not so black and white. For instance, when you have a hand with a value of 12 blackjack strategy charts will tell you to hit on everything except when the dealer is showing a 4, 5 or 6, in which case you should stand. The reason for this is that the dealer is likely to bust when he shows a 4, 5 or 6. By studying basic strategy charts you can learn the best decision to make in any hand of blackjack.

Your handDealer's face-up card
2345678910A
Hard totals (excluding pairs)
17-20SSSSSSSSSS
16SSSSSHHSUSUSU
15SSSSSHHHSUH
13-14SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhH
10DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
9HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
5-8HHHHHHHHHH
Soft totals
2345678910A
A,8 A,9SSSSSSSSSS
A,7SDsDsDsDsSSHHH
A,6HDhDhDhDhHHHHH
A,4 A,5HHDhDhDhHHHHH
A,2 A,3HHHDhDhHHHHH
Pairs
2345678910A
A,ASPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
10,10SSSSSSSSSS
9,9SPSPSPSPSPSSPSPSS
8,8SPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSPSP
7,7SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH
6,6SPSPSPSPSPHHHHH
5,5DhDhDhDhDhDhDhDhHH
4,4HHHSPSPHHHHH
2,2 3,3SPSPSPSPSPSPHHHH

The above is a basic strategy table for 3 or more decks, dealer stands on soft 17, double on any 2 cards, double after split allowed, dealer peeks for blackjack, and blackjack pays 3:2. Key:

S = Stand
H = Hit
Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit)
Ds = Double (if not allowed, then stand)
SP = Split
SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)

Use the below blackjack strategy chart to increase your chances of winning when playing live dealer blackjack. This chart tells you as the player when to hit, stand, split or double down based on your cards and the dealers up card. Don't just guess at what to do, have proven mathematics tell you what to do. By following the recommendations of this strategy chart you WILL increase your chances of winning when playing blackjack. Properly followed you will see longer winning streaks and shorter losing streaks and an overall higher win percentage. Whether you are using a USA live dealer casino to play live dealer online blackjack, standard online blackjack or playing at a traditional brick and mortar casino, be sure to reference this blackjack strategy chart to know what the best action is to take when its your turn. To give it a try see our top recommended online casinos for playing real money live dealer blackjack.

Using the Blackjack Chart

Using the blackjack chart you will know statistically what the best action is to take. To determine what to do, look at the intersection of your hand and what the dealers up card is. Down the left side of the chart you can match your hand to the chart and along the top you can see what the dealer has. At the intersection of those two rows you will see a letter which represents the best decision given what your cards are and what the dealers up card is. If the corresponding letter is a 'H', statistics show you should Hit. If the letter is an 'S' you should stand, a 'D' means to double down and a 'P' represents a split.

When playing live dealer blackjack follow the advice of this strategy chart and you will improve your winning percentage. Followed to a tee, the blackjack strategy chart will statistically give you the best chance of winning and lower the casino advantage as much as possible. Use any of our recommended real money live dealer casinos and when you do win you can always be sure you will receive your winnings. All the live dealer casinos recommended here have outstanding reputations for quick and easy payouts.

How the Chart was Developed

We cannot take credit for producing the above blackjack strategy chart. Students at MIT actually simulated thousands of blackjack hands to determine statistically what the best action to take is. Math does not lie and is not emotional. At times you may 'feel' like taking a card or doubling down against the advice of the above chart is the right thing to do but statistically it is not and over the long term you will lose more than you win. At times you may be correct, but after several of the same instances you will lower your winning percentage. Always take the advice of the above blackjack strategy chart and you can be sure you are playing with the best advantage possible against the casino.

Playing online it is easy to reference the chart by simply bookmarking this page but if you plan on playing at a brick and mortar casino you can also print the above chart to carry it with you (see our printable blackjack strategy chart). When playing at a brick and mortar casino you can reference the chart and the staff at the casino will not care. We do recommend being somewhat discreet, but referencing the chart at the blackjack table is allowed. Worse case scenario a casino employee may ask you to put the chart away, in which case you can simply visit a different casino. We have never experienced this, but in theory it could happen.

Best USA Blackjack Online Casinos

The BetOnline Casino has been in business since 2001 and is a top USA live dealer casino. Play live dealer and standard online casino games and enjoy easy USA banking options.

Live Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Super 6

Sign up at BetOnline for Easy Deposits and Fast Withdraws.

USA Deposit Methods:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • eCheck
  • Cash Transfer
  • Bitcoin

The Drake Casino offers both a standard and mobile live dealer casino as well as a full selection of standard games, slots and video poker machines.

Live Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Casino Holdem

Play at the Drake Casino with any Mobile Device.

USA Deposit Methods:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Cash Transfer
  • Bitcoin

The CryptoReels Casino is a great USA live dealer casino with great USA deposit ad withdraw options. Play live dealer games using the download or instant play software.

Live Games: Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Super 6

Play Live Dealer Games Online at the CryptoReels Casino

USA Deposit Methods:

  • Bitcoin
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Diners Club

The Wild Casino just opened in 2018 but is owned by the well respected casino operator CommissionKings. Play USA live dealer casino games and find easy USA banking options.

Live Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Super 6

When To Double Down In Blackjack Charter

Sign up at the Wild Casino to play online from the USA.

USA Deposit Methods:

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Cash Transfer

The Las Vegas USA Casino accepts USA players and has been in business since 1999. Get your credit card deposit approved and play at the Las Vegas USA live dealer casino.

Blackjack

Live Games: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Super 6

Get your USA credit card approved at Las Vegas USA.

USA Deposit Methods:

Blackjack Double Up System

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Bitcoin
  • Bank Wire

When To Double Down In Blackjack Chart Printable

Use any of the above USA online blackjack casinos and put the above blackjack strategy chart to use. Whether you want to play standard online blackjack or live dealer blackjack, play both at the best USA live blackjack online casinos. Then if you properly follow the strategy chart above you can be sure you are playing using the optimal strategy and lowering the casino advantage to the lowest percentage possible.