Blackjack basic strategy is a set of rules governing blackjack play for every situation that might be encountered on the blackjack table. This set of guidelines is based on the mathematic probabilities of each situation, showing you how to play your first two cards based on the dealer's up card. Each guideline has been thoroughly tested by computer simulation, yielding the best possible play based on the most favorable odds. That being said, it should be noted that utilizing blackjack basic strategy will not win every hand. There is still obviously an element of luck involved in blackjack play. Blackjack basic strategy is intended to help improve your hand based on probabilities which effectively minimize risk, while reducing the house advantage to 0.5%. Card players who choose not to follow basic strategy may find themselves working against a 7% house advantage and losing their money much more quickly.

Again, the goal in using blackjack basic strategy not to break the house, that's nearly impossible. The goal of blackjack basic strategy is to maximize your return on investment at any given blackjack table. Learning blackjack basic strategy is simple memorization. Each situation is recorded on a cheat sheet or strategy card with the dealer up card appearing across the top of the matrix and the player's hand running along the first column. Players can cross reference each situation encountered during each hand of blackjack to act accordingly. Blackjack basic strategy is also slightly different based on the rule variations of each blackjack game. The number of decks used, dealer guidelines, or special betting permitted by the game all affect basic strategy. Be sure to select the strategy card that pertains to your situation. The following are a few examples.

Upon review of the strategy cards, one can clearly see that blackjack betting strategy boils down to some simple rules. By writing out these rules rather than referencing a matrix for each hand, some find it easier to commit these to memory. Lots of guys will make up flash card to try to remember the rules as well. Do what works best for you, but break down the strategies into three main categories, Hard Hands, Soft Hands, or Pairs. Here's how blackjack basic strategy breaks down.

Playing Hard Hands in online Blackjack: (two starting cards that do not contain an Ace)
8 or less: Always Hit.
9: Dealer has 3 thru 6, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
10: Dealer has 2 thru 9, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
11: Dealer has 2 thru 10, Double-Down. Hit if Dealer has Ace.
12: Dealer has 2 or 3, Hit. Dealer has 4 thru 6, Stand - otherwise hit.
13-16: Dealer has 2 thru 6, Stand - otherwise hit.
17-21: Always Stand.

Playing Soft Hands in online Blackjack: (of the two starting cards one is an Ace)
Ace 2 or Ace 3: Dealer has 5 or 6, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
Ace 4 or Ace 5: Dealer has 4 thru 6, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
Ace 6: Dealer has 3 thru 6, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
Ace 7: Dealer has 2, 7 or 8, Stand. Dealer has 3 thru 6, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
Ace 8 or Ace 9: Always Stand.

Playing Pairs in online Blackjack: (two of the same card)
Pair of Aces or Eights: Always split.
Pair of 2's or 3's: Dealer has 2 - 7, Split - otherwise hit.
Pair of 4's: Dealer has 5 or 6, Split - otherwise hit.
Pair of 5's: Dealer has 2 thru 9, Double-Down - otherwise hit.
Pair of 6's: Dealer has 2 thru 6, Split - otherwise hit.
Pair of 7's: Dealer has 2 thru 7, Split - otherwise hit.
Pair of 9's: Dealer has 2 thru 6 and 8 or 9, Split. Dealer has 7, 10, or Ace, Stand.
Pair of 10's: Always Stand