Blackjack Strategy Guide

Blackjack is the most popular table game in the casino and the one where skilled play matters most. Your goal is simply to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.

Because you act before the dealer and decide how much to commit, correct decisions — known as basic strategy — cut the house edge to roughly half a percent, lower than any other game on the floor.

How to Play

• Beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Number cards count their face value, J/Q/K count 10, and an Ace counts 1 or 11.
• Place your bet, then you and the dealer each get two cards — one dealer card stays face down.
• Hit to take another card or Stand to keep your total. Going over 21 (a bust) loses immediately.
• Double Down doubles your bet for exactly one more card; Split turns two equal-rank cards into two hands; Surrender forfeits half your bet on your first two cards.
• A two-card 21 is a Blackjack and pays 3:2. The dealer hits 16 and stands on all 17s. Insurance is offered when the dealer shows an Ace.

Pay Tables

Strategy

• Always split Aces and 8s; never split 5s or 10s.
• Double down on 11 vs any dealer card, 10 vs 2–9, and 9 vs 3–6.
• Hard hands: stand on 17+; stand on 13–16 vs a dealer 2–6, otherwise hit; hit 12 vs 2–3.
• Soft hands (Ace as 11): stand on soft 19+, hit soft 17 or less, and double soft 13–18 vs a dealer 4–6.
• Never take insurance — it's a losing side bet over the long run.

House Edge

With perfect basic strategy and these rules (3:2 blackjacks, dealer stands on soft 17), the house edge is about 0.5% — the best bet in the casino.

Tips

• Memorize basic strategy with the chart below or drill it in the trainer — it's the single biggest thing you can do.
• Never take insurance or even money; both are losing bets long-term.
• Set the right bet size for your bankroll and don't chase losses — the edge plays out over many hands.