Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Updated for 2026 · 6-Deck Rules · Dealer Hits Soft 17

This chart represents the mathematically optimal way to play every possible hand in blackjack. By following this strategy, you reduce the house edge to its absolute minimum (approx. 0.5%).

Your Hand	Dealer Upcard
Your Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
8 or less	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
9	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
10	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
11	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
13-16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
17+	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,2 - A,3	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,4 - A,5	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,6	H	D	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,7	S	D	D	D	D	S	S	H	H	H
A,8+	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,A	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
8,8	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
2,2 - 3,3	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
9,9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S

Hit

Stand

Double

Split

How to read the chart

1. Find your hand total in the left column.
2. Find the dealer's face-up card in the top row.
3. The intersection tells you the mathematically correct move.

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