Learn the Basics of Blackjack Strategy
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Do you know how to use blackjack strategy to beat the dealer's blackjack hand? The basic rules of blackjack strategy are presented below for simple reference. Remember that if you're a blackjack fan, memorizing these rules are in your best interest. The more strategy you learn, the better your game of blackjack will become.
When should I stand?
- If the dealer holds 4, 5 or 6 and you hold 12, stand.
- If the dealer holds 2 or 3 and you hold 13, stand.
When should I hit?
- If you hold an Ace and a six and the dealer holds a seven, hit.
- If you hold an Ace and a seven or less and the dealer holds a 9, 10 or Ace, hit.
- If the dealer holds 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace and you have not yet reached a total of 17, hit.
When should I surrender?
- If you hold a hard 16 and the dealer holds 9, 10 or Ace, surrender. The exception to this rule is when your hard 16 consists of two 8's.
- If you hold a hard 15 and the dealer holds a 10 and an Ace, surrender.
When should I double?
- If the dealer holds 4, 5 or 6 and you hold Ace and 5 or 4, double.
- If the dealer holds 5 or 6 and you hold Ace and 3 or 2, double.
- If the dealer holds more than 6 and you hold Ace and 7 or 6, double.
- If the dealer holds more than 6 and you hold 9, double.
- If the dealer holds an Ace or 10 and you hold 10, double.
- Always double if you hold 11 regardless of the dealer's hand.
When should I split?
- Never split on 5.
- If the dealer holds less than 8, split on 2 or 3.
- If the dealer holds 5 or 6, split on 4.
- If the dealer holds 7 or higher, split on 6.
- If the dealer holds 8 or more, split on 7.
- If the dealer holds 7, 10 or Ace, split on 9.
- Always split on 8 and on Ace.
More basic strategies for playing a game of blackjack
- Playing a Hand of 2 and 2
- Playing a Hand of 3 and 3
- Playing a Hand of 4 and 4 Against a Hand of 6
- Playing a Hand of 6 and 6 Against a Hand of 2
- Playing a Total of 8 against a Total of 5
- Playing a Total of 8 against a Total of 6
- Playing a Hand of 8 and 8


