Read this guide for online blackjack strategy to boost your chances at winning, including basic strategy, advanced strategy, and betting systems. These simple methods, charts and suggestions will give you all the fundamental knowledge you need to maximize your odds and winnings at the blackjack table.
If you already want to get started with blackjack, read our guide for the best casinos to play online blackjack for real money.
Or you can visit one of the online casinos in our list below.
Table of Contents
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Your objective in blackjack is to create a hand where you score a value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over. The other major rule is that your hand must be worth more than the hand of the dealer.
Within these two simple rules are tons of methods to increase your chances. Even as a blackjack newbie, with basic strategy you can significantly lower the house edge. Here are some of the common tactics to help you win.
Avoid Blackjack Insurance
When playing blackjack, it is best not to take the insurance. It is a 2 to 1 payoff and that is less than the odds that the dealer will have a blackjack. Blackjack insurance is commonly referred to as a sucker bet.
Hitting Strategies
In blackjack, hitting is the act of requesting an extra card from the dealer. You want to be careful when it comes to hitting because one of the game’s main objectives is to not go over 21. These are a few basic blackjack strategies when it comes to hitting:
Hit on Ace-7 with dealer up-card of 9, 10, or Ace
Always hit on hard 12 with dealer up-card of 2 or 3
Hit with pairs of 2s or 3s with dealer up-card of 2 or 3 (if rules don´t allow Double After Splitting (DAS)
Splitting Strategies
Splitting is a strategy where you have a pair of cards (two 5s or two 7s, for instance) and then split them apart. You can then play each of them as two separate hands instead of one. Be careful what pairs you choose to split because you can easily go over 21.
Split pairs of 8s and Aces
Avoid splitting pairs of 5s or 10s
Split pairs of 2s or 3s with dealer up-card of 2 or 3 (if rules do allow DAS)
Standing Strategies
Standing means sticking with the total you have in your current hand and not taking any extra cards. This ends your turn. This strategy is best used if you are close to 21 and do not want to go over.
Stand on pair of 9s with dealer up-card of 7
Stand on hard 16 (multi-card) with dealer up-card of 10
Double Down Strategies
Doubling down is the act of doubling your bet before the dealer gives you another card. You only get one more card from the dealer after doubling down, so you must make it count.
Double down on hard 11
Always double down on 10 with dealer up-card of 9 or less
Double down Ace-2 to Ace-7 with dealer up-card of 5 or 6
Double down on 8 with dealer up-card of 5 or 6 (single deck game)
Surrender Strategies
Surrendering is like folding in poker, but here you get back half your bet by choosing to not play out the rest of your hand.
Surrender hard 16 with dealer-up card of 9, 10, or Ace
Surrender hard 15 with dealer-up card of 10
Blackjack Strategy Cards
Blackjack strategy cards, also known as charts, are easy-to-follow tables that show you what play to make based on what cards you and the dealer have.
There are a lot of different strategies to take in by memory, so these cards are perfect to help you learn. Some blackjack cards are more basic than others to cater to your skill level and the number of decks in play.
The more you use these strategy cards, the more you will learn the moves, and the more frequently you will win over time.
Follow the blackjack strategy chart below and you will be ready to jump in:
Blackjack Strategy Chart
Alternative Strategy Card – Dealer Hits on Soft-17
Additional Basic Strategy
Never take insurance
Always stand hard 17 or higher
Always stand A8, A9, A10, and 10-10
Always play 5-5 as a 10
Always split Aces
Blackjack Strategy Additional Rules
Blackjack strategy varies depending on how many decks are in play. The most classic version of blackjack is played with one deck. However, others commonly use two, three, six, or more decks. In fact, six deck blackjack is the most common form.
Generally, the more decks in play, the harder it is for the player. To incentivize you to play multideck games, some games require the dealer to stand on soft 17. This can help return some odds in your favor.
However, if the dealer hits on soft-17, you should make the following adjustments to your strategy:
Double down on soft 11 if dealer up-card is Ace
Double down on soft 18 if dealer up-card is 2
Double down on soft 19 if dealer up-card is 6
Surrender if you have 15, 17 or pair of 8s, if dealer up-card is Ace
How to Memorize a Strategy Chart?
Some casinos let you use strategy charts at the table, and obviously there is nothing stopping you from using them online. However, other casinos do not allow this.
Check the casino rules before you go. To be as professional as possible, it helps to memorize strategy cards by heart. Here are some suggestions on how to do that:
Write out or download a blank strategy chart. You can fill this in daily by memory, and check against the real chart.
Use flashcards. Each flashcard has your hand on one side. Write out the correct play for the hand. E.g. 14: Stand from 2-6; Hit from 7-Ace.
Play against yourself. Deal yourself two cards. Deal one up-card for the dealer. Decide how you want to play, and then check this against the strategy card
Some online casinos such as Las Atlantis and El Royale have free demo modes on their blackjack titles, where you can practice your strategy card moves
Advanced Blackjack Strategy
Once you have mastered basic strategy, there are some more advanced strategies you can utilize to further increase chances. Here we give a rundown of the main advanced strategy – known as card counting.
What is Card Counting?
Card counting is a blackjack strategy to help you keep track of how many high and low value cards are left in the deck. You assign positive, negative, and zero values to each card. As the cards are played, you total up these values. The trick is then to know when to bet big or small, depending on the total.
A successful strategy can bring the house advantage down almost on a par with the player.
You should note, this strategy is practically impossible with online blackjack due to most games using randomized reshuffling. Live dealers also employ multiple strategies to prevent card counting.
Major Card Counting Strategies
The value system assigned to each card differs depending on the counting system you use. This table shows the values assigned in some of the more common card counting strategies:
| Counting Strategy | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10-K | A | Count Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Lo | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 1 |
| Hi-Lo Option I | 0 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1 | 0 | 1 |
| Hi-Lo Option II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | 0 | 2 |
| KO | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 1 |
| Omega II | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | -1 | -2 | 0 | 2 |
| Red 7 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | 0/ +1 | 0 | 0 | -1 | -1 | 1 |
| Halves | +0.5 | +1 | +1 | +1.5 | +1 | +0.5 | 0 | -0.5 | -1 | -1 | 3 |
| Zen Count | +1 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +2 | +1 | 0 | 0 | -2 | -1 | 2 |
| 10 Count | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | +1 | -2 | +1 | 2 |
How to Count Cards in Blackjack?
Most counting systems use a +1, 0 and -1 value for each card.
The lower the value of the cards that have been played, the more the total “count” of the deck will increase, to signify there are more large cards left to play.
Meanwhile, the count will decrease as the large cards are played – to signify there are more lower value cards left to play.
To cater to differing numbers of decks, the total should be divided by the number of decks in play to give the “true count”. The more decks in play, the harder the card counting method is to pull off.
Card counting is famously tricky, due to needing to memorize the totals in your head as you go, which takes lot of practice. Use pen and paper or counting machine and you’ll be booted out the casino faster than you can say “Hit!”
Why do Large Cards Favor the Player?
Generally, the more large cards left in the deck, the better for the player. There are several main reasons for this:
- Increases the probability of you drawing the best hand you can have – a blackjack
- Dealers are obliged to hit on a stiff hand (valued 12-16). The more large cards left to draw, the more likely the dealer will go bust when they hit.
- Players are not obliged to hit on a stiff hand
- If the dealer has a weak up-card and the player splits, the player is more likely to draw large cards to bring both their totals close to 21
On the contrary, if there are more smaller cards, the dealer is less likely to go bust when hitting on a stiff hand.
Basic Strategies of Card Counting
You mentally tag each card with a value. The “Hi-Lo” method is the most common and easy to learn, and gives these values:
+1 for 2-6
0 for 7-9
+1 for 10-Ace
Every time you see a card in play, whether from your own hand, the dealers hand or any other players hand at the table, you add the value.
In most games, from 50% to 75% of the available deck will be played before being reshuffled by the dealer. The count is based on the probability of drawing a 10-value card from what remains of the deck, before it is reshuffled.
Once a deck is reshuffled, you start your count all over again.
Placing the Bet
Placing your bet is the key part of the card counting strategy.
The basic idea is to bet big when your count is high, meaning you are more likely to draw a larger ten-value winning card.
Meanwhile you bet low when the value is low, or when a deck has been newly reshuffled. This is when the probability is back in the dealer’s favor.
If your count is particularly high, for example +4 or above, it is time to start aggressively doubling down or increasing your bet.
When card counting, it doesn´t matter if you lose lots of small bets, so long as you win the big bets. This is the main aim of any effective card counting strategy. It is also why casinos don’t like it…..
Blackjack Betting Systems
Just as important as using blackjack strategy, is knowing when, how and how much to bet. It is perfectly possible to win lots of small bets using flawless blackjack strategy. But if you lose a few big bets, you can still come away empty handed. Betting systems are designed to maximize your chances of coming away with more money than you arrived with.
Here are some of the most common betting strategies to employ when you play blackjack:
Martingale
One of the most popular blackjack betting strategies is the Martingale way. The technique calls for you to double your bet after every loss until the you finally win. In the end, you will be ahead by one betting unit.
D’Alembert
This method is like Martingale – but with a few differences. Here, you raise one betting unit when you lose, and you lower one when you win.
Fibonacci
This method runs off a special mathematical sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, and so on. You bet following the numbers in this sequence. The sequence is followed for as long as you win, but if you lose, you will have to start back at the beginning.
With your first hand you bet one unit, your second hand you bet one unit, your third hand you bet two units, your fourth hand you bet five units, and so on. You keep following the sequence until you lose and then you restart.
1-3-2-6
In this strategy you also increase the bet by set increments. In this case, you follow the sequence of 1-3-2-6. If you lose, you must restart at the first step of the sequence.
Parlay
Parlay bets in blackjack follow the simple rule of increasing bets after a winning hand and decreasing bets after a loss.
Oscar’s Grind
This betting strategy involves grinding out a small profit over time. The general rule of thumb here is to repeat a bet when you lose a round and to add one betting unit to the previous bet when you win a round.
Blackjack Glossary – Terms to Know
These are a few of the terms and jargon you will encounter playing blackjack. It is very helpful to know these terms, especially playing at a fast paced casino with other players.
| Blackjack Term | Definition | Blackjack Term | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorman | The person that is seated next to the dealer who is the last of the players to act. | Bankroll | The sum of total of money that you have set aside to bet on blackjack. |
| Burn Card | This is the card that is placed face down by the dealer before dealing the first card to the first player. | Bust | This either means that you have run out of money in your bankroll or that you have a blackjack hand that is over 21. Either way, you want to avoid going bust when it comes to blackjack. |
| Card Counting | The act of tracking cards in a deck to figure out the likelihood of the dealer going over 21. | Cold Deck | If a blackjack player is running into a streak of bad cards, they sometimes refer to this misfortune as a cold deck. |
| Color Up | The act of trading in a lot of low-value chips in for higher denominations. | Cut Card | The act of the one blackjack player splitting the deck in half for the dealer to ensure everything is thoroughly shuffled. |
| Deck Penetration | This is important blackjack strategy for card counters. Penetration refers to the percentage of blackjack cards that are in play following the previous shuffle. | Discards | These are all the cards that have been dealt and lie in a pile waiting to be reshuffled and brough back into the deck. |
| Double Down | This is a blackjack strategy where the player can double their bet in a moment when the dealer looks weak. You double your bet but are limited to getting only one more card. | Face Card | Face cards are the jacks, queens, and kings. |
| Flat Bets | This is when a player bets the same amount every round. It makes for a boring betting experience. | Griffin Book | This is a black book of known card counters that has been compiled by security workers at land-based casinos. |
| Hard Hand | Because the ace functions as an 11 or a 1, blackjack hands can take on two values. A hard hand is one that has no ace and is, therefore, worth only one value. | Heads Up | This is where there is only one player at the blackjack table. |
| Hit | Asking the dealer for another card to add to your hand. | House Edge | This is the supposed advantage that the house has in a given casino game. In the case of blackjack, it is slightly over 1%. The house edge can be brought down with the use of a basic blackjack strategy. |
| Multi Deck | Many casinos will utilized over five decks of cards for their blackjack games. | Natural | This is the perfect hand when you play blackjack. It is two cards that are exactly equal to 21. |
| Paint | This is blackjack jargon for face cards: kings, queens, and jacks. | Pit | The area of the casino where you sit to play blackjack. |
| Push | Tying with the dealer. There is no win or loss as a result of the push. | Soft Hand | These are blackjack hands that have one or two aces that can act as either an 11 or a 1. |
| Split | If you have two cards of the same value, you can split them into two separate hands. This matches your initial wager. | Stand | The act of not taking another card from the dealer. |
| Surrender | This is the act of abandoning your hand and getting back half of your bet. | Toke | A tip to the staff of a land-based casino. |
| Up Card | This is the dealer’s one face up card. You can use this information to form your basic strategy. |
Where to Play Blackjack Online
If you´re ready to get started, read our guide to playing online blackjack for real money, including our top five online casino recommendations, best bonuses, blackjack variations, and how to find a good online blackjack casino.
Otherwise, you can check out this list for our favorite blackjack casinos in [current year]:
Pros and Cons of Online Blackjack
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster pace of play | Higher hourly loss rate due to faster pace |
| Online casinos have bonuses and promotions | Rollover requirements are included with bonuses and promotions |
| Many blackjack games online have house edges of 1% or less | Card counting is not possible |
| Online blackjack offers lower stake limits | No socializing with other players |
Blackjack Etiquette
Blackjack is a time-honored casino classic. Accordingly, many traditions, table manners and etiquettes have emerged. This of course does not matter when playing on the net – many an online blackjack player has won big money sitting in their underwear!
However, it’s a different story when playing in-person at a land-based casino. This is all part of the fun brick-and-mortar casino experience. You don´t want to be rude, and at worst get kicked out of the casino.
Follow these rules and you will be fine:
- If the other players are quiet, don´t be too loud – some players like a chat or banter, but others prefer quiet. Don´t be that person….
- Learn the rules before you play – it will get on the dealers and other players nerves if you are constantly asking questions about the rules
- Respect the other players – don´t abuse or get angry with them, even if they´ve played bad hands or caused the dealer to win
- Tip your dealer – but know when to tip. The best time is when your dealer is leaving the table to switch over – not after every round or you´ll flitter away your winnings
- Respect the dealer – Never get angry at the dealer. It´s not their fault if you lose. Everyone knows the house always wins. Aside from matters of basic decency, disrespecting the dealer can end in a one-way trip to the exit door
And remember……shaken, not stirred!
Blackjack Strategy FAQs
Blackjack is one of the best table games you can be playing if you are looking for a game with a low house edge. Most blackjack games have a house edge around 1% and this can be brought even lower with the use of a basic blackjack strategy!
When playing online, this is not much of factor. However, when it comes to land-based casino games where you can card count, it is better to play with a single deck because there are less cards you need to track. The adoption of card counting by players is a big reason why many casinos have switched to multideck variations.
Las Vegas rules refers to the rules most commonly used in the Las Vegas strip, with a relatively high player advantage. This variation frequently uses six decks, though eight is not uncommon. The rules are as follows:
- The dealer is required to stand on a soft 17
- You are allowed to double down on split cards
- You are allowed to split cards more than once
- Insurance is allowed
- If you split Aces, you are only allowed to draw one more card on each
Yes, card counting is proven to work, with solid mathematics and calculated probabilities. Players who have learned to count cards have won millions from land-based casinos over the years.
No, not really. Online blackjack casinos run on random number generators as there is no human dealer present to perform the duties of the table. This means card counting strategies are next-to-useless.
You may have more luck with a live dealer – though live dealers have also implemented measures to prevent card counting, such as using multiple decks and reshuffling with less than 50% of cards used.
Blackjack insurance is for players who get nervous about the dealer having an ace up-card. However, blackjack insurance odds sit at 2 to 1 which are less than the odds that the dealer will have blackjack in the first place! Blackjack insurance also throttles the maximum bet allowed to half the player’s main bet. Blackjack insurance is considered a sucker bet – just another way for the casino to make some extra money on unsuspecting players.
Yes, some land-based casinos are fine with players bringing their blackjack strategy cards. However, others are not. Be sure to check the casino rules ahead of time!
