Zane | February 20, 2023 | Updated on: April 15th, 2025
Using the right blackjack strategy is the key to reducing the house edge and increasing your winning chances. Unlike slot machines, blackjack is a game of skill where making the correct decisions can turn the odds in your favor. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, knowing the best blackjack strategies can help you win more. It can also help you make smarter bets.
In this guide, we will explain important blackjack strategies for various situations. This includes basic strategy, advanced tactics, and card counting methods. By the end, you will have the knowledge to play smart. This will increase your chances of winning at both online casinos and in-person tables.
Introduction to Blackjack Strategy
Why Blackjack Strategy Matters
✔ Reduces the house edge to as low as 0.5%.
✔ Helps you make mathematically correct decisions.
✔ Improves your long-term winning potential.
Unlike games of pure luck, blackjack allows players to use strategy to influence the outcome. This means that the better your strategy, the better your chances of winning.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
✅ The fundamentals of basic blackjack strategy.
✅ How to adjust your strategy based on the dealer’s upcard.
✅ Advanced blackjack strategies for experienced players.
✅ When and how to use card counting techniques.
Basic Blackjack Strategy: The Foundation for Winning
What Is Basic Blackjack Strategy?
Basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of rules that tells you the best move for every possible hand combination. Following this strategy helps minimize losses and maximize wins over time.
The Golden Rules of Basic Strategy
✔ Always hit if your hand totals 11 or less.
✔ Stand on 17 or higher.
✔ Double down on 10 or 11 if the dealer has a weak card (2-6).
✔ Always split Aces and 8s.
✔ Never split 10s or 5s.
Basic Blackjack Strategy Chart
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Best Move |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Any | Hit |
| 9 | 3-6 | Double Down |
| 10 | 2-9 | Double Down |
| 11 | 2-10 | Double Down |
| 12 | 4-6 | Stand |
| 13-16 | 2-6 | Stand |
| 13-16 | 7-Ace | Hit |
| 17+ | Any | Stand |
Memorizing this blackjack strategy chart can help you make optimal decisions at the table.
3. Adjusting Your Strategy Based on the Dealer’s Upcard
The dealer’s upcard plays a critical role in how you should approach your hand.
How to Play Based on the Dealer’s Upcard
✔ If the dealer has a weak upcard (2-6), play conservatively.
✔ If the dealer has a strong upcard (7-Ace), be aggressive.
Example:
✔ If you have 16 and the dealer shows a 6, stand.
✔ If you have 16 and the dealer shows a 10, hit.
This small adjustment can make a big difference in real money blackjack games.
4. Advanced Blackjack Strategies for Experienced Players
Once you’ve mastered basic strategy, it’s time to explore more advanced blackjack tactics.
1. Card Counting (For Land-Based Casinos)
Card counting is a technique used to track high and low-value cards remaining in the deck. It helps skilled players know when to increase their bets.
✅ High cards (10s, Aces) are good for players.
✅ Low cards (2-6) favor the dealer.
✅ Increase bets when the count is high.
👉 Want to learn more? Check out our Card Counting Guide.
2. Composition-Dependent Strategy
Instead of just following a basic chart, you should consider the composition of your hand.
Example:
- A hard 16 (10+6) is weaker than a soft 16 (Ace+5).
- If you have a soft 18 (Ace+7) against a dealer’s 9 or 10, hit instead of standing.
3. Surrendering Hands to Cut Losses
Many online casinos and land-based venues allow surrendering, which lets you forfeit half your bet and fold your hand.
✔ Surrender if you have a 16 vs. a dealer’s 10 or Ace.
✔ Surrender if you have a 15 vs. a dealer’s 10.
5. Best Betting Strategies in Blackjack
Your betting strategy is just as important as your playing strategy. Here are some of the most effective systems used by blackjack players.
1. Martingale Betting System
✔ Double your bet after every loss.
✔ Helps you recover losses quickly.
⚠ Risk: Requires a large bankroll and can lead to big losses.
2. Paroli System (Reverse Martingale)
✔ Double your bet after every win.
✔ Great for taking advantage of winning streaks.
⚠ Risk: A losing streak can wipe out winnings.
3. 1-3-2-6 Betting System
✔ A structured approach that minimizes risk.
✔ Best for players who want to manage their bankroll efficiently.
⚠ Remember: No betting system changes the house edge—use them wisely.
6. Online Blackjack Strategy vs. Land-Based Blackjack Strategy
Key Differences in Strategy
| Feature | Online Blackjack | Land-Based Blackjack |
|---|---|---|
| Card Counting | Not effective (RNG shuffling) | Effective in single-deck games |
| Betting Limits | Lower minimum bets | Higher minimum bets |
| Live Dealer Games | Available in online casinos | Only in physical casinos |
Online casinos have many types of blackjack. One popular option is live dealer blackjack. This lets you play with real dealers from home.
👉 Check out our Blackjack Variants Guide to explore different types of blackjack games.
7. Conclusion & Next Steps
By following these blackjack strategies, you’ll improve your game and increase your chances of winning.
✔ Use basic strategy to reduce the house edge.
✔ Adjust your play based on the dealer’s upcard.
✔ Master advanced blackjack techniques like card counting.
✔ Use betting systems wisely to manage your bankroll.
Want to Learn More? Check Out These Guides:
👉 Card Counting – Learn how to track high and low cards like the pros.
👉 Blackjack Variants – Explore different versions of blackjack and their unique rules.
Start applying these best blackjack strategies today and watch your results improve!
FAQs About Blackjack Strategy
1. What is the best blackjack strategy for beginners?
Using basic strategy is the best way to minimize losses and make smart decisions.
2. Does card counting still work?
Yes, but only in land-based casinos. It doesn’t work in online casinos because of automatic shuffling.
3. Can I win consistently with a betting system?
No betting system can guarantee wins, but they help manage your bankroll effectively.
4. Should I always follow basic strategy?
Yes! Deviating from basic strategy increases the house edge.
5. What’s the safest way to play real money blackjack?
Play at licensed online casinos, use basic strategy, and manage your bankroll properly.
Blackjack Strategy Final Thoughts
Using the best blackjack strategies can make you a smarter and more successful player. Whether you’re playing at online casinos or in a live casino, following these strategies will improve your winning chances.
📢 Next Step: Learn Card Counting to take your game to the next level!