Simple Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

This is a simplified version of the full basic strategy, which means that some of the strategy decisions are not optimal, but the chart is easier to memorize than the full "Perfect" basic strategy. The cost of non-optimal decisions is about 0.14% of the amount bet, or about $1.40 per hour based on betting $10 per hand, 100 hands per hour. Click on the chart to download a printable PDF file.

The left side of the chart explains the strategy verbally, while the right side displays the same information graphically. After the cards are dealt, start from the top of the chart and work your way down:

Do you have a pair? Check the table to see if you should split it.
Do you have a two-card total of 9, 10, or 11? Check to see if you should double down.
Do you have Ace-6 or Ace-7? Double down vs. a dealer low card.
Do you have a soft total (Ace=11)? Hit soft 17 or less, stand on soft 18 or more.
Against a dealer low card, "never bust" (stand on 12 or more). Against a dealer high card, "mimic the dealer" (hit until you get at least 17).

The top half (blue and purple part) of the chart applies only to your initial two cards. The bottom half (green and red) applies to your initial cards and your total after you receive one or more hit cards.

For typical tourists and weekend gamblers, this strategy offers a very good balance between simplicity and accuracy. If you find this chart too easy, consider the Great strategy described in the BlackjackCalculation.com main page; or if you want an even simpler chart, see the Super-Easy Casual strategy, also described in the main page.

For a good introduction to blackjack, go to the Wizard of Odds web site.