Blackjack Simulator Blackjack Basic Strategy Trainer

Blackjack Basic Strategy

Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack, based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. Following this chart minimizes the house edge and maximizes your chances of winning in the long run. House edge ranges from 0.3% (best rules) to 1.5% (worst rules) depending on the table.

How to Use the Chart

Find your hand type (Hard, Soft, or Pair) and your total.
Look across to the dealer's upcard column.
Follow the recommended action: Hit, Stand, Double, Split, or Surrender.

Hit Stand Double Split Surrender ^*

Basic Strategy Chart (House Edge: 0.3%–1.5% depending on rules)

Your Hand	Dealer's Upcard
Your Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
Hard Totals
17-20	Stand
16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
8 or less	Hit
	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
A,9 or A,8	Stand
A,7	D	D	D	D	D	S	S	H	H	H
A,6	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,5	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,4	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,3	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H	H
A,2	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H	H
	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
AA, 88	Split
TT, JJ, QQ, KK	Stand
99	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	S	SP	SP	S	S
77	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H
66	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H	H
55	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
44	H	H	H	SP	SP	H	H	H	H	H
33	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H	H
22	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	H	H	H	H	H

^* Surrender only: Hard 16 vs 9, 10, or Ace; Hard 15 vs 10. Never surrender a pair of 8s or a soft hand.

Basic Strategy Rules

Hard totals are hands without an Ace, or with an Ace counted as 1.
Soft totals are hands with an Ace counted as 11.
Pairs are two cards of the same value.
Double means double your bet and take one more card (if allowed).
Split means split your pair into two hands (if allowed).
Surrender means forfeit half your bet (if allowed).
If doubling or splitting is not allowed, follow the next best action (usually Hit or Stand).

This chart assumes standard rules: 4-8 decks, dealer hits soft 17, double after split allowed, no re-splitting Aces, and late surrender. For other rule sets, consult a specific chart.

Disclaimer: GambleSim is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Not for use by minors. No real money gambling or prizes. Please play responsibly.