Free Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart & Cheat Sheet

Use this interactive blackjack strategy card to know exactly when to hit or stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender. Toggle common table rules, use the quick lookup, and highlight any move directly inside the charts.

  • Quick Lookup Pick your hand + dealer upcard → instant action.
  • Rule Toggles S17/H17, DAS, and surrender (late) supported.
  • Mobile Friendly Sticky headers + row labels and scroll hints.

Set your table rules

This chart is optimized for multi-deck (4–8) blackjack. Pick the rules that match your table.

Dealer Soft 17
Double After Split
Surrender

Quick decision lookup

Pick your hand and the dealer upcard to get the best action instantly (and highlight it in the chart).

Select a hand to begin

The recommendation will update instantly when you change rules, hand type, or upcard.

Download chart

Strategy charts

Tables below update based on your selected rules. Sticky headers and row labels keep context while you scroll.

Tip: swipe/scroll horizontally to see all dealer upcards →

Hard totals: use when you have no usable Ace (or Ace counts as 1).
Your totalDealer upcard 2Dealer upcard 3Dealer upcard 4Dealer upcard 5Dealer upcard 6Dealer upcard 7Dealer upcard 8Dealer upcard 9Dealer upcard 10Dealer upcard Ace
17SSSSSSSSSS
16SSSSSHHHHH
15SSSSSHHHHH
14SSSSSHHHHH
13SSSSSHHHHH
12HHSSSHHHHH
11DDDDDDDDDD
10DDDDDDDDHH
9HDDDDHHHHH
8HHHHHHHHHH
7HHHHHHHHHH
6HHHHHHHHHH
5HHHHHHHHHH
HHit
SStand
DDouble (otherwise Hit)
PSplit
RSurrender

Download blackjack strategy chart

Save a printable chart image for offline use. The download is a high-resolution JPG; a faster WebP preview is shown below.

Download Blackjack Strategy Chart Open full size

File: JPG (2528×1696). Tip: use “Print charts” above for a table-friendly printout.

Blackjack perfect play strategy chart for download and printing
Downloadable blackjack strategy chart (perfect play). Use it for quick reference while you practice.

How to use the chart (step-by-step)

  1. Match your table rules (S17/H17, DAS, surrender) in the rule section above.
  2. Identify your hand type: hard total, soft total (Ace counts as 11), or a pair.
  3. Find the dealer upcard across the top, then read the letter at the intersection.
  4. Use Quick lookup when you want an instant answer (and highlight) without scanning tables.

Beginner guide: blackjack strategy charts

If you are new to blackjack, this section explains what the charts mean, why table rules matter, and how to use this blackjack cheat sheet to make optimal decisions with fewer mistakes.

What "basic strategy" actually is

A blackjack basic strategy chart (sometimes called a blackjack strategy card) tells you the mathematically best decision for every possible player hand against every dealer upcard. It answers the most common question: when to hit or stand in blackjack—plus when to double down, split, or surrender. It is designed to minimize the house edge by choosing the action with the highest expected value (EV) in the long run.

Hard totals vs soft totals vs pairs

  • Hard totals have no usable Ace (or the Ace must count as 1). Example: 10-6 is a hard 16.
  • Soft totals include an Ace counting as 11. Example: A-6 is soft 17, because you can hit without busting immediately.
  • Pairs are your first two cards of the same rank. Pair strategy decides when splitting creates higher EV.

What changes the chart (and what matters most)

Blackjack payout: 3:2 vs 6:5 This is one of the biggest rule differences. 6:5 pays less for blackjack and increases the house edge significantly.
Dealer soft 17: S17 vs H17 When the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), the dealer improves more often—your blackjack strategy chart adjustments are needed.
Blackjack double down rules Tables vary on when you can double. DAS (double after split) makes some pair splits stronger. Know your table's double down rules before playing.
Surrender (late) If available, surrender can reduce losses in a few tough spots—for example, knowing when to surrender hard 15 or 16 vs dealer 10.

How to use this in real play

  • Match the rules first (S17/H17, DAS, surrender) before memorizing patterns.
  • Use quick lookup during practice to build speed and confidence.
  • Prioritize the high-impact decisions: splitting A,A and 8,8; not taking insurance; and playing hard 12–16 correctly vs strong dealer cards.
  • Avoid “gut feel” overrides. The chart already accounts for bust risk and dealer outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

Does this chart change when I toggle rules?
Yes. This version resolves conditional actions based on your selected table rules (S17/H17, DAS, and surrender) so the letters you see match the rules you picked.
What does “Double (otherwise Hit)” mean?
It means: if you have exactly two cards and the table allows doubling, you should double. If you cannot double (for example, after you already hit), follow the fallback action (Hit).
What is DAS (Double After Split)?
DAS means you are allowed to double on hands created after you split pairs. Some pair decisions change when DAS is not allowed, so we let you toggle it.
When should I surrender in blackjack?
If your table offers late surrender, the most common basic-strategy surrenders are hard 16 vs 9/10/A and hard 15 vs 10. If surrender is not available, the chart automatically falls back to the next-best action.
Is this tool client-side?
Yes. The charts render in your browser and your inputs are not sent anywhere.
Will this guarantee profit?
No. Basic strategy reduces mistakes and minimizes the house edge, but blackjack still has variance and a remaining house advantage in standard games.
Can I use a blackjack strategy chart at the table?
In most casinos, using a basic strategy card is allowed because it is not card counting. Policies can vary, so follow the house rules. Online blackjack makes it even easier to reference a chart while you play.
Why should I avoid 6:5 blackjack?
6:5 blackjack pays less on natural blackjacks than 3:2. That single rule change increases the house edge significantly. If you want the best odds, look for 3:2 payouts whenever possible.
Do strategy charts change by number of decks?
Yes. Single-deck and double-deck blackjack have a few different optimal plays than multi-deck shoes. This tool is tuned for common multi-deck rules and is an excellent baseline for most casino and online games.
Should I take insurance?
Almost never. Insurance is a side bet with a negative expected value for most players. It only becomes profitable in rare situations when you have extra information (like advanced card counting).

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Responsible Gambling: Basic strategy reduces mistakes but does not eliminate the house edge. This tool is educational. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.