Casino Strategy

Complete blackjack strategy chart

The definitive reference for optimal decisions at blackjack. Every combination, every situation — covered.

🔄 Updated July 9, 2026

The blackjack strategy chart translates basic strategy into a single visual reference. Instead of memorising hundreds of rules, you consult the chart: find your hand total in the rows, the dealer's card in the columns, and the cell tells you exactly what to do.

How to read the chart

The chart has three sections: hard hands (no Ace, or Ace counted as 1), soft hands (hand with Ace counted as 11), and pairs. Always identify which section applies before looking up your decision.

Hard hands chart

Your hand	Dealer 2–3	Dealer 4–6	Dealer 7–8	Dealer 9–A
8 or less	Hit	Hit	Hit	Hit
9	Hit	Double	Hit	Hit
10	Double	Double	Double	Hit
11	Double	Double	Double	Double
12	Hit	Stand	Hit	Hit
13–16	Stand	Stand	Hit	Hit
17+	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand

Soft hands chart

Your hand	Dealer 2–3	Dealer 4–6	Dealer 7–8	Dealer 9–A
A-2, A-3	Hit	Double	Hit	Hit
A-4, A-5	Hit	Double	Hit	Hit
A-6	Double	Double	Hit	Hit
A-7	Stand	Double	Stand	Hit
A-8, A-9	Stand	Stand	Stand	Stand

Pairs chart

Your pair	Dealer 2–6	Dealer 7–8	Dealer 9–A
A-A	Split	Split	Split
8-8	Split	Split	Split
9-9	Split	Stand (vs 7)	Stand
7-7	Split	Hit	Hit
6-6	Split	Hit	Hit
5-5	Double	Double	Hit
4-4	Hit	Hit	Hit
2-2, 3-3	Split	Hit	Hit
10-10	Stand	Stand	Stand

Key rules to memorise first

If the full chart seems overwhelming, start with these high-priority rules — they cover the most common situations and avoid the costliest mistakes:

Always split Aces and 8s
Never split 10s or 5s
Always stand on hard 17 or more
Double on 11 against any dealer card except Ace
Hit on hard 16 against dealer 9, 10 or Ace

Use the interactive assistant

Instead of memorising the chart, let the Online Casino Coach assistant calculate the right decision for you in real time — for every hand, every situation.

Open the assistant →

Also read: complete blackjack strategy guide and bankroll management for casino.

Frequently asked questions

Why always split Aces in blackjack?

Two Aces form a 12, a mediocre hand. By splitting, you play two hands with a chance of making 21 on each. The potential is far greater.

Why never split 10s?

20 is one of the strongest hands in blackjack. Splitting risks turning this excellent hand into two ordinary ones.

Does strategy change between variants?

Yes, the house edge and certain rules vary (soft 17, double after split, etc.). Our assistant adapts automatically.

Do I need to memorise the whole chart?

Not necessarily. Our blackjack assistant does this work for you in real time. You can also start with the most frequent situations.