Black Jack Basic Strategy - internet blackjack strategy. The basics of how to play and win in BlackJack.

Online BlackJack Basic Strategy

BlackJack, also known as "21," is the most popular table game. It is also the only casino game where skills can help the luck and reduce casino edge. Applying and sticking to the strategy in blackjack can definitely increase chances to succeed, although the element of luck is always there and there is no strategy that guarantees the win. To beat the house in BlackJack you will need three things on your side: strategy, sensible money management and luck.

BlackJack rules vary from casino to casino and it's definitely worth checking the rules before playing. There is a Bad BlackJack, as Bill Burton explains in his article Bad Blackjack, and it's advisable to find a casino that sets fairer rules.

Once you find a casino of your liking stick at least to the Basic BlackJack Strategy. Playing online has the advantage of having time to thing over a move and consult the strategy tables. Remember, don't play too long, set limits and monitor bank-rolls.

Basic Strategy
(Multi-deck game, dealer must stand on soft 17)

Hard Totals

	Dealer's Up Card
Your Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
17 to 21	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
13 to 16	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	H
10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H

S = Stand, H = Hit, D = Double Down

Soft Totals
When an Ace holds dual values of 1 and 11.

	Dealer's Up Card
Your Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
19, 20 or 21	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
18	S	D	D/S*	D/S*	D/S*	S	S	H	H	H
17**	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
15 or 16**	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
13 or 14**	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
12	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp

S = Stand, H = Hit, D = Double Down, Sp = Split
* - Stand with a three (or more) cards hand
** - Always hit with a three (or more) cards hand

Spliting Pairs

	Dealer's Up Card
Your Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
Aces	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp
10s	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp
9s	Sp	NSp	NSp	NSp	Sp	S	Sp	Sp	S	S
8s	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp
7s	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp
6s	Sp***	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp
5s	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp
4s	NSp	NSp	NSp	Sp***	Sp***	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp
2s and 3s	Sp***	Sp***	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	NSp	NSp	NSp	NSp

S = Stand, H = Hit, D = Double Down, Sp = Split, NSp - don't split
*** - Split if post-split doubling is allowed, otherwise don't split