What is basic strategy?
Basic strategy is a set of decisions (hit, stand, double, split, surrender) derived from millions of computer simulations that maximizes expected value for every possible player hand vs dealer upcard combination. It does not guarantee winning โ it minimizes the house edge.
- Basic strategy reduces house edge to โ0.5% in standard conditions
- Without strategy, average player faces โ2โ3% house edge
- Strategy varies slightly by number of decks and rule variations
Key strategy rules
The most important basic strategy rules: always split Aces and 8s; never split 5s or 10s; double on 10 or 11 when dealer shows low card; stand on hard 17+; hit soft 17 (Ace + 6); surrender hard 16 vs dealer 9, 10, Ace if allowed.
- Hard 16 vs dealer 10: hit (expected loss is lower than standing)
- Soft 18 (Ace+7) vs dealer 9, 10: hit โ standing has higher expected loss
- Double down on 11 vs dealer 2โ10: adds positive EV even with risk
Card counting overview
Card counting tracks the proportion of high vs low cards remaining. The Hi-Lo count assigns +1 to 2โ6, 0 to 7โ9, and โ1 to 10s and Aces. A high positive true count (running count / decks remaining) favors the player.
- True count = running count / decks remaining
- Players raise bets when true count is high (deck rich in 10s/Aces)
- Counting is legal but casinos can ban suspected counters