Super-Easy Simplified 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 much easier to memorize than the full "Perfect" basic strategy. The cost of non-optimal decisions is about 0.44% of the amount bet, or about $4.40 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, with your total in the column on the left and the dealer's up card in the row along the top. After the cards are dealt, start from the top of the chart and work your way down:

1. If you have a pair of Aces or 8s, split them.
   
   
2. Do you have a two-card total of 9, 10, or 11? Double down on 11 always. Double down on 9 or 10 vs. a dealer low card (2-3-4-5-6).
   
   
3. Do you have a soft total (Ace=11)? Hit soft 17 or less, stand on soft 18 or more.
   
   
4. Against a dealer low card (2-3-4-5-6), "never bust" (stand on 12 or more). Against a dealer high card (7-8-9-10-A), "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.

This very simple strategy is suitable if you don't have time to memorize anything more complicated, and you don't mind losing a few extra dollars per hour of play. If you find this chart too easy, consider the Simple strategy described in the BlackjackCalculation.com main page.

These are the additional decisions in the Simple strategy:

• Split a pair of 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, or 9s vs. a dealer low card; never split fours, fives, faces, or 10s. ($1.54 per hour improvement)
  
• Double on a two-card total of 10 vs. a dealer 7, 8, or 9 as well as any low card (85 cents per hour improvement)
• Double on A-6 or A-7 vs. a dealer low card (61 cents per hour improvement)

A video introduction to this strategy is available on YouTube.

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