Use our free blackjack strategy calculator to find the best move for any hand. First, pick the dealer’s upcard. Then add your two cards, and the calculator shows whether to hit, stand, double, split or surrender, based on basic strategy for the table rules you choose.
Watch: How to Play BlackjackA 1 min 39 sec video on the rules, card values and basic strategy.
card by card
Find your best move
Pick the dealer’s upcard and your two cards, then keep adding cards as they’re dealt. The best basic-strategy move updates after every card.
Follow the moves card by card: after each new card, the advice is for your new total. Doubling, splitting and surrender are only possible on your first two cards.
Show the full strategy chart
The chart follows your table rules above. Your current hand is outlined. With three or more cards, a D in the chart means hit (Ds means stand), because you can only double on two cards.
How to use the blackjack strategy calculator
- Pick the dealer’s upcard. When the calculator opens, the dealer card is highlighted first.
- Next, pick your first card and then your second card. The highlight moves along for you.
- Read the advice. The coloured badge shows the best move, and a short note explains why.
- Add more cards as they’re dealt with the “+ 3rd card” slot. As a result, the advice updates after every card.
- On a pair, tap “Split this hand” to play each hand separately, up to four hands.
- Finally, set the table rules: whether the dealer stands on soft 17, double after split, surrender and the number of decks. To start again, use the restart button in the top-right corner or “Reset hand”.
What is basic strategy?
Basic strategy is the best decision for every combination of your hand and the dealer’s upcard, worked out mathematically. On standard rules, it cuts the house edge to around half a percent.
However, it won’t beat the casino over time. Instead, it simply means every other choice costs you more on average. That’s why it’s worth checking a hand whenever you’re unsure.
Quick blackjack strategy tips
- Always split aces and eights.
- Never split tens or fives.
- Double on 11 against everything except an ace.
- Stand on hard 17 or more.
- Don’t take insurance when the dealer shows an ace, including “even money” on a blackjack.
Blackjack strategy calculator FAQs
Is the calculator free?
Yes. It’s free to use, with no sign-up, and it works on phones, tablets and computers.
Can basic strategy beat the casino?
No. In contrast to card counting, basic strategy only reduces the house edge. The casino still keeps a small advantage over time, so set a budget before you play.
Does the advice change with the table rules?
Yes, slightly. For example, the number of decks and whether the dealer stands on soft 17 change a few decisions. So set the rules to match your table.
New to the game? Read our betting and casino basics and the glossary.
18+. Blackjack is a game of chance and the casino always has an edge. Please gamble responsibly. For free, confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org.