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Blackjack Strategy Essentials: When to Hit, Stand, or Double

Rule set used in this guide: 6–8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17 (S17), double after split (DAS) allowed, late surrender allowed, blackjack pays 3:2. Some plays change if your table uses other rules. Where that happens, you will see clear notes.

Blackjack is not about getting 21. It is about beating the dealer. You do that by making the right move for your hand and the dealer’s upcard. The moves are simple: hit, stand, or double. The rules below are standard “basic strategy.” They cut the house edge to about 0.5% on good tables. They do not promise a win every hand. They help you lose less when you are behind and win more when you are ahead.

At a glance: the short list you can use right now

Hard hands (no Ace counted as 11): Stand on 17+. Stand on 13–16 vs dealer 2–6. Stand on 12 vs 4–6. Hit other hard hands unless a double is correct.
Soft hands (Ace counted as 11): Soft 19–21 stand. Soft 18: stand vs 2,7,8; double vs 3–6; hit vs 9,10,A. Other soft hands: hit unless a double is correct (see doubles below).
Double: Hard 9 vs 3–6. Hard 10 vs 2–9. Hard 11 vs 2–10 (hit vs Ace in S17; double vs Ace in H17). Soft doubles: A2–A3 vs 5–6, A4–A5 vs 4–6, A6 vs 3–6, A7 vs 3–6.
Surrender (late): Surrender 16 vs 9,10,A and 15 vs 10 (when allowed). If you surrender, you give up half the bet and keep half. It saves money long term.

The goal and the math in one minute

You win if your hand is higher than the dealer, without going over 21. You lose if you bust or if the dealer is higher. Push means tie and no one wins.

Basic strategy is a set of plays proven by math. It tells you the best move for every player hand and dealer upcard. If you follow it, the house edge can drop to about 0.5% on fair rules (3:2 payout, S17, DAS). If the table pays 6:5 on blackjack, or the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), or you cannot double after a split, the edge rises.

For the math and full charts, see trusted sources like Wizard of Odds (basic strategy charts and blackjack rules and house edge), and the Blackjack Info strategy engine (custom charts by rules).

Hard vs soft hands (know your hand type)

Hard hand: A hand with no Ace counted as 11. Example: 10-6 (hard 16). A hand with an Ace can still be “hard” if the Ace must count as 1. Example: A-6-10 is hard 17.
Soft hand: A hand with an Ace counted as 11. Example: A-7 (soft 18). If you hit and go over 21, the Ace can switch to 1. That is why soft hands can be played more bold.

Why it matters: Soft hands are safe to hit because the Ace can drop from 11 to 1. Hard hands can bust fast. Your plan must change based on this.

When to hit

Hit when your bust risk is low or when the dealer is strong (7, 8, 9, 10, Ace). The goal is to build a hand that can beat a strong dealer.

Hit with hard hands (no Ace counted as 11)

Hard 4–8: Always hit.
Hard 9: Double vs dealer 3–6. Hit vs other cards.
Hard 10: Double vs 2–9. Hit vs 10 or Ace.
Hard 11: Double vs 2–10. Hit vs Ace in S17 games. In H17 games, double vs Ace is better. (More on H17 later.)
Hard 12: Hit vs 2,3 and 7–Ace. Stand vs 4–6.
Hard 13–16: Hit vs 7–Ace. Stand vs 2–6 (unless surrender is better; see surrender rules).

Hit with soft hands (Ace counted as 11)

A2, A3 (soft 13, 14): Double vs 5–6. Hit vs other cards.
A4, A5 (soft 15, 16): Double vs 4–6. Hit vs other cards.
A6 (soft 17): Double vs 3–6. Hit vs other cards.
A7 (soft 18): Hit vs 9, 10, Ace; double vs 3–6; stand vs 2, 7, 8.
A8, A9 (soft 19, 20): Stand.

Why hit in these spots: When the dealer shows a 7–Ace, the dealer often lands 17 or more. A weak total like 12–16 loses often if you stand. Hitting gives you a better chance to reach a winning total. With soft hands, you can hit without much fear because the Ace can drop to 1.

When to stand

Always stand on hard 17+.
Stand on hard 13–16 vs dealer 2–6. The dealer is more likely to bust. Let them bust.
Stand on hard 12 vs 4–6. The dealer still busts often. Hitting here risks your own bust.
Stand on soft 19–21. These are strong hands.
Soft 18 (A7): Stand vs 2, 7, 8; double vs 3–6; hit vs 9, 10, Ace.

Standing is right when the dealer is in trouble (2–6) or when your total is already strong. Do not “fix” a good hand.

When to double down

Double when you are a clear favorite and want to bet more while the odds are on your side. You get one card after you double. Make it count.

Core doubles (S17, DAS)

Hard 9: Double vs 3–6.
Hard 10: Double vs 2–9.
Hard 11: Double vs 2–10. Hit vs Ace in S17 games. In H17 games, double vs Ace is the right play.
Soft doubles: A2–A3: Double vs 5–6. A4–A5: Double vs 4–6. A6: Double vs 3–6. A7: Double vs 3–6 (stand vs 2,7,8; hit vs 9,10,A).
A2–A3: Double vs 5–6.
A4–A5: Double vs 4–6.
A6: Double vs 3–6.
A7: Double vs 3–6 (stand vs 2,7,8; hit vs 9,10,A).

A2–A3: Double vs 5–6.
A4–A5: Double vs 4–6.
A6: Double vs 3–6.
A7: Double vs 3–6 (stand vs 2,7,8; hit vs 9,10,A).

Why double: You push more money in when the dealer is weak (4–6) and when your hand draws well. For example, hard 11 vs 6 is a strong spot. One card will often make 19–21. On soft doubles, you have safety from the Ace and many ways to land a strong total.

Want to check special cases by your table rules? Use a tool like the Wizard of Odds calculator (EV calculators) or a trainer like Blackjack Apprenticeship (basic strategy trainer).

Late surrender: a small rule that saves money

Late surrender lets you give up half your bet after the dealer checks for blackjack. Use it when your hand is in bad shape against a strong dealer card.

Surrender hard 16 vs 9, 10, Ace (except 8-8, which you would split; splitting pairs is another topic).
Surrender hard 15 vs 10.

These plays have been checked by math and reduce losses over time. For more detail, see Wizard of Odds on surrender.

Rule changes that shift the right play

Not all blackjack tables use the same rules. Small rule changes can flip the right move. Always check the table sign.

H17 vs S17: If the dealer hits soft 17 (H17), the house edge rises. A few plays get more bold. Example: Double 11 vs Ace in H17. Another example: In some H17 games, doubling A8 (soft 19) vs 6 is correct; in S17 you stand. Check a chart made for H17 to be sure.
3:2 vs 6:5 payout: 6:5 on blackjack is bad for you. It adds a big edge for the house. Try to play only 3:2 tables. See the math here: payout and rule effects.
DAS (double after split): If you cannot double after a split, some soft doubles after a split become weaker. This raises the house edge.
Number of decks: Single- or double-deck changes a few plays and the edge. Multi-deck games are common online and in big casinos. Use a chart built for your deck count: BlackjackInfo charts by decks.
Dealer peek: Some tables check for blackjack when showing 10 or Ace (“peek”). If no peek, be careful with doubles vs Ace or 10, because you may lose the double to a dealer blackjack.

For a deep dive on rule effects and exact edges, see the UNLV Center for Gaming Research (UNLV gaming research).

Common mistakes that burn money

Standing on hard 16 vs a dealer 10. You should hit (or surrender if allowed). Standing loses more over time.
Forgetting to double 11. In S17 you double 11 vs 2–10. In H17 you also double vs Ace.
Misplaying soft 18 (A7). Many players stand vs 9, 10, Ace. The right play is to hit those.
Playing 6:5 tables. The bad payout erases your skill edge. Look for 3:2.
Side bets with high house edge. Most side bets have poor odds. If you care about EV, skip them. For typical house edges, see side bet analysis.
Not checking rules. One sign can change many best plays. Always read the table plaque.

Bankroll and table selection

Pick fair rules: 3:2 payout, S17 if you can, DAS, late surrender. Bad rules cost more than small strategy gains.
Set your bet size: A simple rule is 1–2% of your session bankroll per hand. Example: With $500, bet $5–$10 per hand.
Know your stop: Set a loss limit and a time limit. Do not chase losses.
Check min and max: Pick a table where your plan fits the limits.

Regulators publish standards and player guides. Learn your market’s rules and your rights: see the UK Gambling Commission safe gambling page or the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

Practice and tools (learn fast and risk-free)

Use a basic strategy trainer to build strong habits. Start slow. Say your move out loud for each hand. Then check the tool. This locks in the rules.

Blackjack Apprenticeship trainer: Drill by hand type and dealer card.
Blackjack Info strategy engine: Make charts for your table rules.
Wizard of Odds charts: Trusted, clear, and free.

When you are ready to play online, pick sites with fair blackjack. Look for 3:2 payout, S17, DAS, and late surrender. For tested options, see independent reviews at www.gamblingfellas.com. They list tables with good rules, clear limits, and solid support, so your strategy work can pay off.

Quick-reference cheat sheet (S17, DAS)

Hard hands

4–8: Hit.
9: Double vs 3–6, else hit.
10: Double vs 2–9, else hit.
11: Double vs 2–10; vs Ace hit (double in H17).
12: Stand vs 4–6, else hit.
13–16: Stand vs 2–6, else hit (surrender 16 vs 9,10,A; 15 vs 10).
17+: Stand.

Soft hands

A2–A3: Double vs 5–6, else hit.
A4–A5: Double vs 4–6, else hit.
A6: Double vs 3–6, else hit.
A7: Double vs 3–6; stand vs 2,7,8; hit vs 9,10,A.
A8, A9: Stand.

FAQs

Is it ever right to hit 12 vs 3?

Yes. In most multi-deck games with S17, you hit 12 vs 3. You stand on 12 vs 4–6. This is standard basic strategy. See the charts at Wizard of Odds.

Should I always double 11?

Almost. Double 11 vs 2–10. In S17, you hit vs Ace. In H17, double vs Ace. Check your table rules first.

Why do I hit soft 18 vs 9 or 10?

Because the dealer is strong with 9 or 10. Standing loses too often. Hitting gives you a better average result. You can land 19–21 or make a hard 18 and try again next hand.

Does basic strategy change online?

The math is the same, but the rules may not be. Online tables can be H17, 6:5, or have limits on doubling. Always read the rules. Then use a chart for those rules.

What about pair splits?

Pair splits are key but are not in this guide. As a taste: Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 5s or 10s. For full split charts, see multi-deck strategy charts.

How much does basic strategy help?

On a fair 3:2 S17 table, it can cut the edge to about 0.5% or less. On bad rules like 6:5 or H17, the edge can be much higher. Your skill matters less if rules are poor.

Is card counting needed?

No for most players. Basic strategy first. Counting is advanced, needs practice, and some casinos ban it. If you study it later, read trusted material like Card Counting Guides.

Do I ever stand on soft 18 vs 2?

Yes. Stand on A7 vs 2. Double vs 3–6. Hit vs 9, 10, Ace. Stand vs 7, 8 too.

Real examples: why the play makes sense

Hard 12 vs 4: Stand. The dealer will bust often with a 4 because they must hit and risk a 10. You do not want to bust your 12 first.
Hard 16 vs 10: Hit (or surrender). A 10 is strong. Standing loses more over time. Hitting can save you when you draw a small card.
Soft 18 vs 3: Double. You have many good hits (A counts as 1 if needed). The dealer’s 3 is weak.

How to read a table sign (fast checklist)

Payout: Look for “Blackjack pays 3:2.” Avoid 6:5.
Dealer rule: “Dealer stands on soft 17 (S17)” is better than “Dealer hits soft 17 (H17).”
Double rules: Can you double any two cards? Can you double after split (DAS)? More freedom is better.
Surrender: If “late surrender” is allowed, use it right (see above).
Decks: 6–8 decks is common. Some plays change in single or double deck. Use a deck-accurate chart: get charts by decks.

Sources and further study

Wizard of Odds by Michael Shackleford: Blackjack hub, strategy charts, rule effects.
Blackjack Info: Strategy engine.
Blackjack Apprenticeship: Basic strategy trainer.
UNLV Center for Gaming Research: Research hub.

Responsible gambling help

Only play with money you can lose. Set limits. Take breaks. If you feel stress or loss of control, get help.

USA: National Council on Problem Gambling (call/text/chat available).
UK: GamCare and BeGambleAware.
Global: Check local help lines via your regulator (for example the UKGC).

Conclusion

Blackjack rewards clear rules and steady play. Know if your hand is hard or soft. Look at the dealer’s card. Then hit, stand, or double as the chart says. Use surrender when it saves money. Pick fair tables. Practice with a trainer before you bet real money. This is how you turn a fun game into smart play.

Disclosure: Strategy here follows 6–8 deck S17 with DAS and late surrender. Some plays change with H17, 6:5 payout, no DAS, or different decks. Always check your table sign and use a chart matched to those rules. This article is for education, not financial advice. Play only where it is legal in your area.