Complete Blackjack Strategy Guide

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a classic casino card game where the goal is to have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. Each card has a value: number cards are worth their number, face cards are worth 10, and aces can be 1 or 11. If your hand exceeds 21, you bust and lose the round.

Basic Strategy Chart

The foundation of winning at blackjack is following a basic strategy chart. This chart tells you the best move (hit, stand, double, split) for every possible hand combination. Here are some key rules:

• Always split aces and 8s.
• Never split 5s or 10s.
• Double down on 11.
• Stand on hard 17 or higher.
• Hit on hard 11 or less.
• For soft hands (with an ace), double on soft 13-18 against dealer 5-6.
• Stand on 12-16 if the dealer shows 2-6, otherwise hit.

Card Counting Basics

Card counting is a technique to track the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck. The most common method is the Hi-Lo system:

• Assign +1 to 2-6, 0 to 7-9, and -1 to 10-Ace.
• Keep a running count as cards are dealt.
• A high positive count means more high cards remain, favoring the player.
• Adjust your bets higher when the count is positive.

Bankroll Management

Set a budget for your blackjack session and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Professionals recommend betting no more than 5% of your total bankroll on a single hand. Take breaks and avoid chasing losses.

Top Tips for Success

• Always use basic strategy—don't play by hunches.
• Practice card counting in free games before trying it in a casino.
• Avoid insurance bets—they rarely offer good value.
• Choose tables with favorable rules (3:2 blackjack payout, dealer stands on soft 17).
• Manage your emotions and take breaks to stay sharp.

Sources: DEV.to, Blackjack Review, CasinosHub. This guide is for informational purposes only. Gamble responsibly.