Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart and Decision Trainer

Blackjack basic strategy: hit, stand or double down

Basic strategy matches each player hand (hard, soft or pair) and each dealer upcard with the decision that loses the least money over time. Example: with 13 against a 6, stand, because the dealer must draw to 17 and may bust; with 13 against a 7, hit. It lowers the house edge without removing it.

Rules applied by the tool

• Hard hands: 17 or more, stand; 13 to 16, stand against 2 to 6 and hit against 7 to Ace; 12, stand against 4 to 6, otherwise hit; 11, double against 2 to 10 and hit against an Ace; 10, double against 2 to 9; 9, double against 3 to 6; 8 or less, hit.
• Soft hands (Ace counted as 11): 19 and 20, stand; 18, double against 3 to 6 if the table allows (otherwise stand), stand against 2, 7 and 8, hit against 9, 10 and Ace; 17 (A-6), double against 3 to 6; 15 and 16 (A-4, A-5), against 4 to 6; 13 and 14 (A-2, A-3), against 5 and 6; otherwise hit.
• Pairs (identified by their total): always split Aces and 8s, never split 10s; 9-9, stand against 7, 10 and Ace, otherwise split; 2-2, 3-3 and 7-7, split against 2 to 7; 6-6, against 2 to 6; 4-4, against 5 and 6; 5-5 is never split and is played as a hard 10; otherwise hit. The pair slider moves in steps of 2, from 4 (2-2) to 22 (A-A).

Example

You hold 10 + 3 = 13 (hard) and the dealer shows a 6: the tool says stand. With A + 6 (soft 17) against a 5 it advises doubling; against a 9, hitting.

Assumptions and limits

The chart follows the usual strategy for 4 to 8 decks, with the dealer standing on soft 17, doubling allowed after a split and no surrender. If the dealer hits soft 17, a few cells change: 11 against an Ace is doubled, for example. Even played perfectly, basic strategy leaves the casino an edge: it is a learning tool with no guarantee of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hit or stand on 16 against a 10?

Without a surrender option, basic strategy says hit: 16 against a strong dealer card loses more often if you stand. That is the tool's advice for any hard 13 to 16 against 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace.

When should you double down in blackjack?

The tool advises doubling 11 against 2 to 10, 10 against 2 to 9 and 9 against 3 to 6, as well as soft hands: A-6 and A-7 against 3 to 6, A-4 and A-5 against 4 to 6, A-2 and A-3 against 5 and 6. Doubling means placing the same bet again and receiving only one more card.

Which pairs should always be split?

Always split Aces and 8s, and never split 10s. A pair of 9s is split against 2 to 6, 8 and 9, and kept against 7, 10 or Ace.

Can basic strategy beat the casino?

No. It cuts the house edge to its minimum for a player who does not count cards, but the edge stays positive under the table's rules. The tool is for learning decisions, with no guarantee of winning.

Is this tool really free?

Yes, all tools on Kristools are 100% free and accessible without registration.

Is my data protected?

Yes. All processing is performed directly and securely inside your browser. No personal data is sent to our servers.