Question 1

What is blackjack basic strategy?

Accepted Answer

The mathematically optimal way to play every possible hand against every dealer upcard, computed from the game's probabilities. Following it minimizes the house edge — typically to around half a percent under common rules — though it never guarantees a winning session.

Question 2

How do I read the strategy chart?

Accepted Answer

Find your hand in the left column (hard total, soft total with an ace, or a pair) and the dealer's visible card across the top. The cell where they meet is the play: H hit, S stand, D double (or hit if doubling isn't allowed), Ds double (or stand), P split.

Question 3

What rules does this chart assume?

Accepted Answer

The most common online format in Canada: 4 to 8 decks, the dealer stands on soft 17, and doubling after a split is allowed. If your table uses different rules a few plays change slightly, but this chart is correct or near-optimal for the vast majority of games.

Question 4

Should I always split 8s and aces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pair of 8s is 16 — the worst hand in blackjack — and splitting turns it into two playable hands. A pair of aces is two chances at 21. Conversely, never split 10s: 20 is already a winning hand.

Question 5

Does basic strategy beat the casino?

Accepted Answer

No. It minimizes the house edge, it doesn't remove it — the casino keeps a small mathematical advantage on every hand. Basic strategy simply makes your money last longer and avoids costly mistakes. Play for entertainment, with a budget and limits. 19+.

Question 6

Can I use this chart while playing online?

Accepted Answer

Yes — at online tables there is no rush, so keeping the chart open (or printed) while you play is the easiest way to learn it. Play only at casinos licensed by the AGCO through iGaming Ontario.

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	H
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
17+	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

Your hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
A,2	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,3	H	H	H	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
A,4	H	H	D	D	D	H	H	H	H	H
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	Ds	Ds	Ds	Ds	S	S	H	H	H
A,8	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,9	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

Your hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
2,2	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
3,3	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
4,4	H	H	H	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
5,5	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	H	H
6,6	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H	H
7,7	P	P	P	P	P	P	H	H	H	H
8,8	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
9,9	P	P	P	P	P	S	P	P	S	S
10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
A,A	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P

Blackjack Strategy Chart

Hard totals (no ace, no pair)

Soft totals (hand with an ace)

Pairs

Why basic strategy matters

Frequently asked questions