Basic Blackjack Strategy: Hit, Stand, Double Down, and Split

The goal of Blackjack is to have a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without busting. Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value, J, Q, and K are worth 10 points, and Aces can be counted as 1 or 11. A starting hand of an Ace and any 10-point card is called a Blackjack, typically paying 3:2; if the table only pays 6:5, the player's expected return is lower.

Core Decision Order

• Hard Hands: Hands without an Ace that can be counted as 11. Generally, lower totals require hitting, while higher totals depend on the dealer's upcard to determine whether to stand.
• Soft Hands: Hands with an Ace that can be counted as 11. Because hitting is less likely to bust immediately, some hand types are suitable for doubling down.
• Pairs: Splitting creates two separate hands. Aces and 8s are usually worth splitting; 10s are usually not split.
• Double Down: Doubling the bet and taking only one additional card, suitable for starting hands where the player has a clear advantage.

Check Before Sitting at the Table

Look at Blackjack payouts, whether the dealer stands on soft 17, whether doubling after splitting is allowed, and the number of decks in use. The more favorable the rules, the lower the dealer's edge usually is. Insurance bets may seem to protect the hand but generally carry a higher house advantage.

Basic strategy is chosen based on long-term expected value calculated from the player's hand and the dealer's upcard, and does not guarantee a win every hand. Practice using a strategy chart first, set a maximum bet per round, and avoid chasing losses when emotions are high.