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

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