Blackjack Institute Basic Strategy Charts

Basic Strategy Charts for Different Blackjack Games

Blackjack Institute Basic Strategy Charts are designed to help players learn how to play a hand against the dealer’s up-card. The charts are presented as easy-to-read references for several blackjack game formats, since the correct basic-strategy decision can depend on the number of decks in use and on specific table rules.

Each chart measures 8.5 by 5.5 inches. The available formats cover single-deck, double-deck, and multi-deck games, along with a multi-deck chart that includes index plays. Several charts present rules for both situations in which the dealer hits soft 17 and situations in which the dealer stands on soft 17.

Single-Deck Chart

The single-deck chart covers games played with one deck. It includes dealer-hit-soft-17 rules on one side and dealer-stand-soft-17 rules on the other. This chart is intended for games in which doubling after splitting is not allowed.

Double-Deck Chart

The double-deck chart covers games played with two decks. Like the single-deck version, it provides one side for dealer hit soft 17 rules and another side for dealer stand soft 17 rules. This version is for games in which doubling after splitting is allowed.

Multi-Deck Chart

The multi-deck chart is intended for games using four to eight decks. It includes basic strategy for both dealer hit soft 17 and dealer stand soft 17 conditions. Doubling after splitting is allowed in the rules covered by this chart.

Multi-Deck Chart With Index Plays

The multi-deck chart with index plays is also intended for games using four to eight decks. One side addresses games in which the dealer stands on soft 17. The other side includes basic-strategy deviations. As with the standard multi-deck chart, it covers rules allowing doubles after splits.

Choosing a Chart

The appropriate chart depends on the game being played. A player should first identify the number of decks, determine whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17, and check whether doubling after splitting is permitted. The single-deck chart applies when doubles after splits are not allowed, while the double-deck and multi-deck charts described here apply when that option is allowed.

• Single deck: dealer hit soft 17 and dealer stand soft 17; no double after split.
• Double deck: dealer hit soft 17 and dealer stand soft 17; double after split allowed.
• Four to eight decks: dealer hit soft 17 and dealer stand soft 17; double after split allowed.
• Four to eight decks with index plays: dealer stand soft 17 and basic-strategy deviations; double after split allowed.

All four chart types can be used as a set to cover the game conditions described above.