Basic Strategy is the mathematically optimal play for every blackjack hand. Using it correctly reduces the house edge from ~2–3% (random play) to approximately 0.5%.
Hard Totals
8 or less: Always hit.
9: Double if dealer shows 3–6, otherwise hit.
10: Double if dealer shows 2–9, otherwise hit.
11: Double always (hit if dealer has Ace in some rules).
12: Stand vs dealer 4–6, otherwise hit.
13–16: Stand vs dealer 2–6, hit vs 7+.
17+: Always stand.
Soft Totals (with Ace)
Soft 13–14 (A+2, A+3): Double vs dealer 5–6, otherwise hit.
Soft 15–16 (A+4, A+5): Double vs dealer 4–6, otherwise hit.
Soft 17 (A+6): Double vs dealer 3–6, otherwise hit.
Soft 18 (A+7): Double vs dealer 3–6; stand vs 2, 7–8; hit vs 9+.
Soft 19+ (A+8, A+9): Always stand.
Pairs
Always split: Aces, 8s.
Never split: 10s, 5s (treat 5+5 as a 10 and double).
Split 9s: vs dealer 2–6, 8–9 (stand vs 7, 10, Ace).
Split 7s: vs dealer 2–7.
Split 6s: vs dealer 2–6.
Split 4s: vs dealer 5–6 only.
Split 3s and 2s: vs dealer 2–7.
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