What is basic strategy?
Basic strategy is a set of rules, derived from probability, that tells you the best action for your hand total versus the dealer's up‑card. It doesn't promise a win on any single hand — the house still has a small edge — but over time it produces the best possible expected return.
The core decisions
Every blackjack hand comes down to four choices:
- Hit: take another card.
- Stand: keep your total.
- Double down: double your bet for exactly one more card.
- Split: separate a pair into two hands.
Key rules of thumb
- Always stand on hard 17+ and always hit a hard 8 or below.
- Stand on 12–16 when the dealer shows 2–6 (they're more likely to bust); hit 12–16 when the dealer shows 7–Ace.
- Always split Aces and 8s; never split 10s or 5s.
- Double down on 11, and on 10 when the dealer shows 9 or lower.
- Soft hands (with an Ace): be more aggressive — for example, double a soft 16–18 against a weak dealer card.
A full basic‑strategy chart maps every combination; printing or keeping one open while you practise is the fastest way to learn.
Why it matters
With correct basic strategy, blackjack's house edge can fall to roughly 0.5%, compared with several percent for many slots. It won't overcome the edge entirely, and it isn't card counting — it's simply playing each hand the smart way.
Where to practise for Canadian players
Many casinos offer free‑play (demo) blackjack so you can drill basic strategy before betting real money. For the wider picture of table games available to Canadians, see online casino games in Canada and our best online casinos in Canada list.
FAQ
Does basic strategy guarantee a win? No — it minimises the house edge and maximises your expected return over time, but the casino keeps a small edge.
Is basic strategy the same as card counting? No — basic strategy is just optimal play per hand; card counting tracks the deck and is a separate, advanced technique.
How low can the house edge go? With correct basic strategy, often around 0.5%, depending on the specific rules.
Can I use a strategy chart while playing online? Yes — at online and demo tables you can keep a chart open while you learn.
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