Blackjack basic strategy is a set of mathematically optimal decisions for every possible hand combination against every dealer up-card. Followed perfectly, basic strategy reduces the house edge from 2–3% (typical player) to 0.5% — the lowest of any standard casino game. This chart covers all common rule variants (single deck, multi-deck, dealer hits/stands on soft 17, doubling rules).

Find your hand total on the left, the dealer's up-card on the top, and the chart tells you whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender. The decisions are based on expected value — sometimes the right play looks counter-intuitive (like hitting a hard 12 against a dealer 4) but the math is clear. Print the chart or keep it on screen for the first few sessions until the decisions become muscle memory.

For UK online blackjack specifically: most UK live casino blackjack uses 8-deck shoes with dealer stands on all 17s. Use the corresponding column on the chart. Variations from US rules (no surrender, no peek for blackjack) are noted. Pair with our house edge calculator to see how rule variations affect your expected return. See our full blackjack guide for advanced techniques.