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Blackjack - Optimal Strategy

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Surrender

  • Surrender hard 16 (but not a pair of 8s) against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace.

  • Surrender hard 15 against a dealer 10.

Split

Hand

When to split

Aces and 8s

Always split

5s and 10s

Never split

2s and 3s

Against a dealer 4 to 7, or against a 2 or 3 if DAS is allowed

4s

Only if DAS is allowed and the dealer shows a 5 or 6

6s

Against a dealer 3 to 6, or against a 2 if DAS is allowed

7s

Against a dealer 2 to 7

9s

Against a dealer 2 to 6 or 8 to 9

Double

Hand

When to double

Hard 9

Against a dealer 3 to 6

Hard 10

Against any dealer card except a 10 or Ace

Hard 11

Against any dealer card except an Ace

Soft 13 or 14

Against a dealer 5 or 6

Soft 15 or 16

Against a dealer 4 to 6

Soft 17 or 18

Against a dealer 3 to 6

Hit or stand

Hand

Action

Hard 11 or less

Always hit

Hard 12

Stand against a dealer 4 to 6, otherwise hit

Hard 13 to 16

Stand against a dealer 2 to 6, otherwise hit

Hard 17 or more

Always stand

Soft 17 or less

Always hit

Soft 18

Stand, except hit against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace

Soft 19 or more

Always stand

Adjustments when the dealer hits on soft 17

If the dealer hits on soft 17, apply the following changes:

Hand

Adjustment

15, a pair of 8s, and 17

Surrender against a dealer Ace

Hard 11

Double against a dealer Ace

Soft 18

Double against a dealer 2

Soft 19

Double against a dealer 6

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