Blackjack Basic Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering blackjack strategy is essential for anyone who wants to improve their odds at the table. Although blackjack is still a game of chance, the game involves a great deal of skill and decision-making which gives you the opportunity to minimise the house edge. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of blackjack basic strategy, step-by-step, to help you play smarter and more confidently.

Blackjack Basic Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide



What Is Blackjack Basic Strategy?

Blackjack basic strategy is a mathematically proven method for deciding your moves during gameplay. It takes into account the value of your hand and the dealer’s upcard to recommend the best possible action—whether to hit, stand, double down, or split.

Using a blackjack strategy minimises mistakes and helps reduce the house edge to as low as 0.5% which makes it an essential tool for both beginners and experienced players. Learning and implementing this strategy doesn’t just improve your chances of winning; it also gives you a better experience by giving you confidence in your decisions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Blackjack Basic Strategy

Here’s Ivy Casino’s step by step guide to learning and implementing blackjack basic strategy in your game:

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Start by understanding the basic rules of blackjack:

  • Your goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value closer to 21 without going over.
  • Face cards are worth 10, Aces can count as 1 or 11 and all other cards are worth their numerical value.
  • The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher.

Understanding these rules is crucial for making informed decisions and using basic strategy effectively.

Step 2: Familiarise Yourself with Key Moves

Basic strategy revolves around four main actions:

  1. Hit: Request another card when your hand is weak and needs improvement.
  2. Stand: Keep your current hand when it’s strong or when the dealer is likely to bust.
  3. Double Down: Double your original bet and take one additional card when your hand has strong winning potential.
  4. Split: Separate two identical cards into two hands and play them individually, doubling your chances of winning.

Memorising when to make these moves based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard is the cornerstone of basic blackjack strategy.

Step 3: Use a Blackjack Strategy Chart

A blackjack strategy chart outlines the optimal move for every possible combination of player hands and dealer upcards. For example:

  • Player hand 16, dealer upcard 7: Hit.
  • Player hand 12, dealer upcard 4: Stand.
  • Player has a pair of 8s: Always split. Keep a chart handy when playing online or at home to reinforce your understanding of the correct moves.

Step 4: Adapt Based on the Dealer’s Upcard

The dealer’s upcard is a critical factor in determining your move:

  • Dealer shows 2–6: These are considered “weak” cards, so you should stand on lower totals like 12 or 13.
  • Dealer shows 7–Ace: These are strong cards, so you may need to hit or double down more aggressively.

Step 5: Practice in Demo Modes

Many online casinos including Ivy Casino offer free-play versions of blackjack, not including live casino games. Use these to practice basic strategy without risking real money. Familiarise yourself with different hand scenarios and test your ability to follow the strategy chart.

Using a Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

A blackjack strategy chart is a valuable tool for players of all skill levels. It gives you a quick reference for the best move in any situation while helping to minimalism guesswork. Here’s how to use one effectively:

  1. Understand the Layout: The chart compares your hand total with the dealer’s upcard.
  2. Match Your Hand and Upcard: Find the intersection of your hand value and the dealer’s upcard to determine the recommended move.
  3. Follow the Chart Religiously: Trust the chart’s guidance even when it feels counterintuitive. It’s based on statistical probabilities and not gut feelings.

Here’s an example blackjack strategy chart that we’ve put together at Ivy Casino:

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart



Common Mistakes to Avoid Using Blackjack Basic Strategy

Missteps like overestimating your odds or ignoring the dealer’s upcard can quickly undermine your efforts. By recognising and steering clear of these errors, you can improve your decision-making and maintain better control over your bankroll which sets you up for a more rewarding blackjack experience.

Ignoring the Dealer’s Upcard

Many players focus solely on their hand and ignore the dealer’s upcard which is a crucial part of basic strategy. Always consider the dealer’s visible card before deciding your move.

Misusing Splits and Doubles

Splitting pairs and doubling down can be lucrative but only when used correctly:

  • Always split Aces and 8s.
  • Never split 5s or 10s.
  • Double down on 11, especially against a dealer’s weak upcard.

Chasing Losses

Trying to recover losses by increasing your bets impulsively often leads to bigger losses. Stick to your strategy and avoid emotional decisions.

Skipping Practice

Basic strategy requires familiarity. Failing to practice or relying on guesswork can result in costly errors.

FAQs – Basic Blackjack Strategy Simplified

Dive into these FAQs to strengthen your knowledge and make informed decisions at the blackjack table.

What is the best blackjack strategy?

Basic blackjack strategy is widely regarded as one of the best approaches for minimising the house edge and making optimal decisions. It’s beginner-friendly and effective.

Do I need a blackjack strategy chart to win?

While not mandatory, a strategy chart is an excellent tool for beginners. It helps you to make the right decisions in every scenario.

Can I use basic strategy in all blackjack variations?

Yes, but minor adjustments may be needed for specific rules.