If you already know the basics of blackjack, you might be ready to take your game further with advanced blackjack strategy. Using advanced strategy means paying close attention to the dealer’s upcard, knowing the best times to split or double down, and making decisions based on the number of decks in play. These techniques give you more control over your choices and can give you a better chance against the house.
You don’t need to be a professional to use advanced blackjack strategies. By learning things like soft hand strategy, the “illustrious 18” moves, and when to surrender, you can make smarter plays that really help your results over time. Understanding when and why to use these advanced moves is what separates an average player from someone who can succeed at the blackjack table.
If you want to boost your skills and make every hand count, this guide will walk you through the advanced strategies used by the best blackjack players.
Understanding Blackjack Fundamentals
Before you can use advanced strategies, you need to be comfortable with how blackjack works, what each card is worth, and what payouts you can expect. Knowing these basics gives you a strong starting point and helps you make smarter moves when you play.
Basic Rules of the Game
Blackjack is a card game played between you and the dealer. The goal is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over. You win if your total is higher than the dealer’s or if the dealer busts (goes over 21).
Each player is dealt two cards. The dealer also gets two cards, usually with one face down. You choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep your current cards) to reach a total close to 21.
You can also “double down,” which means you double your bet and take one more card. When you have two cards of the same value, you can “split” them to form two new hands. Most blackjack tables use between one and eight decks shuffled together.
Card Values and Face Cards
All numbered cards from 2 to 10 are worth their shown value. For example, a 7 is worth 7 points. Face cards—Jack, Queen, and King—are each worth 10 points.
The Ace is special. It can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on what helps your hand the most. If counting the Ace as 11 would put you over 21, it automatically counts as 1.
Here is a simple chart of card values:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| 2-10 | Same as card |
| Jack | 10 |
| Queen | 10 |
| King | 10 |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
Payouts and Odds
If you win a standard hand, you get paid even money—usually 1:1. If you get a blackjack (an Ace plus a 10 or face card), the payout is usually 3:2, but some tables pay 6:5 instead. Always check the posted rules for payouts before you play.
If you and the dealer tie, it’s called a “push,” and you keep your bet. Losing a hand means you lose your bet. Insurance is offered if the dealer shows an Ace, but it’s not recommended because the odds are not in your favor.
Blackjack odds vary based on the number of decks and house rules, but you can improve your chances by making choices based on the odds for each situation. Knowing the payouts and how they work is key to managing your money and making the best bets.
Mastering Basic Strategy
If you want to do well at blackjack, you need a strong grasp of basic strategy. By understanding the best moves to make in common situations, you can lower the house edge and make smarter decisions during the game.
Blackjack Basic Strategy
Basic strategy is a set of rules that guides you on which move will give you the best chance for each hand you play. These rules are based on math and statistics rather than luck or guessing. Using basic strategy means you are making choices proven to work best over time against the dealer’s possible cards.
Most of the time, basic strategy tells you when to hit, stand, double down, or split cards, based on your hand and the dealer’s card that’s showing. For example, if you have a total of 16 and the dealer has a 10 showing, basic strategy says you should hit. If you hold 12 and the dealer has a 6, you should stand. Learning these decisions helps you avoid costly mistakes and increases your winning chances.
Strategy Charts
A blackjack strategy chart is a visual tool that shows the best move to make for every possible player hand versus any dealer upcard. The charts are usually set up like a table, with player hands along one side and dealer cards along the top. You look up your hand and the dealer’s card, and the chart tells you what to do.
| Your Hand | Dealer: 2 | Dealer: 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Hit | Hit |
| 16 | Stand | Hit |
| A,7 | Stand | Hit |
Most people use a chart to memorize basic strategy, at least when they first start. Over time, these moves can become second nature to you. Charts help you see patterns, like always hitting certain totals against a dealer’s strong card, so your decisions become quick and confident.
Hit or Stand Decisions
Knowing when to hit or stand is at the heart of any blackjack strategy. “Hit” means you want another card. “Stand” means you want to keep your hand as is. The right choice often depends on the sum of your cards and what card the dealer is showing.
If your hand is 12-16 (a “stiff” hand), you usually stand if the dealer shows a weak card (2–6), hoping the dealer will bust. But if the dealer’s upcard is 7 or higher, you should usually hit, to avoid losing to a stronger hand. Making the right hit or stand move, based on basic strategy, will help you avoid unnecessary losses and reduce the house edge.
Soft Hands and Hard Hands
A soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11, like Ace-6 (soft 17). A hard hand has no Ace or the Ace counts only as 1, like 10-7 (hard 17). Soft hands are more flexible, since you can hit without risking a bust right away.
For example, with a soft 18 (Ace-7), basic strategy says to stand if the dealer shows a 2, 7, or 8, but hit against a dealer’s 9, 10, or Ace. With a hard hand, be more cautious. A hard 16 against a dealer’s 10 is risky, but hitting is usually better than standing and losing outright.
Knowing how to play soft hands differently from hard hands is important for following basic strategy and making the best move in each situation. Reading the chart helps you decide exactly what to do, no matter what cards you or the dealer have.
Advanced Blackjack Strategies
Advanced blackjack strategy uses math, observation, and memory to give you more control over each table game. You’ll use these techniques to make smarter bets, spot dealer patterns, and gain a more precise edge than you can by just following basic strategy.
Card Counting Systems
Card counting is a core skill for pro blackjack players who want to make smarter decisions. When you count cards, you track which cards have already been dealt and which are left in the deck.
The most common system is the Hi-Lo system, where you add +1 for each low card (2-6) and subtract -1 for each high card (10, face cards, Ace). You keep a running count as cards are played. To get the true count—which is key at tables with multiple decks—you divide the running count by the number of decks remaining. A higher true count means the advantage swings in your favor.
Learning card counting does not guarantee a win, but it can shift the odds slightly. Casinos know about card counting, so be alert to their rules and restrictions.
Shuffle Tracking
Shuffle tracking is another advanced blackjack strategy that can help you gain an edge. You try to follow “clumps” or groups of high and low cards through the shuffle, so you can predict which sections of the shoe will have more high cards.
You’ll need a good memory and lots of attention to detail to do this. As the dealer shuffles, you watch the process closely, noting how the dealer combines and splits the card stacks.
If you know where a cluster of high-value cards might end up, you can change your bet size or playing decisions when those cards are about to come into play. Not all shuffling styles are trackable, so this method won’t always be possible.
Dealer Tells and Table Observation
Observing the dealer and the table game can give you subtle hints about upcoming cards. Some dealers unknowingly give away small clues, called “dealer tells.” For example, the way a dealer handles cards or reacts to certain situations may help you guess the hole card’s value.
You can also watch how other players bet and play their hands. Noticing repeated patterns helps you make more informed choices about when to hit, stand, or change your bet size.
These skills require patience, focus, and experience. They won’t help every hand, but with time you might spot trends the average player misses.
Table of Common Dealer Tells:
| Tell Example | What It Could Mean |
|---|---|
| Hesitation with cards | Dealer may have a weak hand |
| Checking hole card | Possible strong dealer value |
| Quick movement | Nothing unusual |
Optimal Betting Approaches
Choosing how much to bet and when can make a big difference in your blackjack results. A good betting approach helps protect your bankroll, take advantage of winning streaks, and limit losses during rough patches.
Bet Sizing and Managing Bankroll
Managing your bankroll is one of the most important parts of successful blackjack play.
Your bankroll is the total amount of money you set aside for the game. A smart rule is to never risk more than 1-5% of your bankroll on any single hand. For example:
| Bankroll | 1% Bet | 5% Bet |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $2 | $10 |
| $500 | $5 | $25 |
| $1,000 | $10 | $50 |
Keeping bets small during losing streaks helps you stay in the game longer and avoid going broke. Set clear limits on your maximum loss for each session and do not chase losses.
Progressive and Flat Betting Systems
There are two main ways to place your bets: progressive and flat betting.
Flat betting means you wager the same amount each hand. It’s simple and helps you control your bankroll because you’re not increasing bets after losses or wins. This approach keeps your swings small.
Progressive betting systems change your bet size based on wins or losses. One common method is to increase your bet after a win (positive progression) or increase it after a loss (negative progression). For advanced players, progressive betting can help take advantage of hot streaks, but it increases risk and can drain your bankroll if luck turns.
Both methods have strengths. Flat betting is safer. Progressive betting can be exciting but is riskier. You should choose one based on your risk comfort and playing style.
Martingale and Other Betting Strategies
The Martingale betting system is probably the most famous blackjack betting strategy. With Martingale, you double your bet after every loss. So if you lose a $10 hand, your next bet is $20, then $40 if you lose again, and so on. The idea is that a single win will recover all previous losses and give you a profit equal to your original bet.
However, Martingale can quickly lead to very large bets and wipe out your bankroll during long losing streaks. Many casinos also have table limits that can stop the system from working.
Other advanced betting systems include the Paroli (increase your bet after wins instead of losses) and Oscar’s Grind (raise bets after wins in a more controlled way). No system can guarantee a win. Every strategy has its risks and should be used with discipline. Always pay attention to your bankroll size and the table’s betting limits.
Strategic Moves Beyond The Basics
Advanced blackjack strategy involves more than just knowing when to hit or stand. Knowing how to split pairs, double down, or make a surrender call can lower the house edge and increase your chances at the table.
Splitting and Re-splitting Pairs
Splitting pairs is a way to turn a single weak hand into two, sometimes stronger, hands. The most important pairs to split are aces and eights. Splitting aces gives you two chances to make a total of 21, while eights save you from starting with a hard total of 16, one of the worst hands.
Never split tens or face cards. Two 10s total 20—one of the best starting hands. Splitting these would only lower your chances of winning. You may have the option to re-split after drawing another pair. For example, if you split eights and get another eight, re-splitting is usually the best choice.
Here’s a quick reference for splitting pairs:
| Pair | Action |
|---|---|
| Aces | Always split |
| Eights | Always split |
| Tens | Never split |
| Fours | Never split |
| Twos/Threes/Sevens | Split if dealer shows 2–7 |
| Nines | Split except against 7, 10, or Ace |
Stick to these rules, and you’ll avoid costly mistakes.
Doubling Down and Double Down Tactics
Doubling down is a way to raise your bet during a hand when you have a good chance of winning. You double your original bet and get exactly one more card.
The best times to double down are:
- If you have a total of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s upcard is lower than your hand.
- If you have a soft 16–18 (an ace and a low card) and the dealer shows a 4, 5, or 6.
Be careful about doubling with soft totals. For example, double down with Ace-7 (soft 18) only if the dealer has a 3–6 upcard. Never double down if the dealer is showing a 10 or ace, because the risk of losing increases.
Some casinos allow you to double after splitting. Take advantage of this when possible, especially with pairs of fives or on strong soft totals.
Surrendering and Even Money Decisions
Surrendering can save you money in situations where the odds are strongly against you. Early surrender (before the dealer checks for blackjack) is rare, but late surrender (after the dealer checks) is more common.
You should usually surrender when you have a hard 16 and the dealer shows a 9, 10, or ace. Also, consider surrender with a hard 15 against a dealer’s 10. By giving up half your bet, you avoid losing the full amount in tough situations.
Even money is offered when you have a blackjack and the dealer is showing an ace. If you take even money, you guarantee a win but give up potential profits if the dealer does not have blackjack. Mathematically, skipping even money pays off more in the long run, but some players prefer the certainty, especially with large bets at stake.
Expert Tips for Playing Online and Live
Knowing when to change up your play, how to handle several hands at once, and how to deal with side bets can help you become a stronger blackjack player and avoid costly mistakes.
Adapting Strategies for Online Blackjack
When you play online blackjack, you face a different set of challenges compared to live games. Online games move faster because there’s no break between hands, so you need to make decisions quickly. Basic strategy charts can help, but practice is also important for keeping up with the pace.
Online blackjack often uses random number generators (RNGs) rather than real cards and doesn’t always let you count cards. This makes sticking closely to the rule of 45 and probabilities especially important. Most online sites show the number of decks used, house edge percentages, and payout rules, so be sure to check this before playing.
Take advantage of free demo versions to test out new strategies without risk. Many online casinos offer side bets and insurance options—learn what each does, but avoid making quick bets on features you don’t fully understand.
Managing Multiple Hands at the Table
Playing with multiple hands lets you see more cards and place more bets, but it can also get confusing. If you’re a novice player, start with just one hand before trying more. Only move up to two or more if you’re comfortable with basic strategy and can track each hand’s situation.
Tips for handling multiple hands:
- Use clear markers or colors to separate bets.
- Play your strongest hand first so you don’t get overwhelmed if you’re under time pressure, especially online.
- Remember, the cost and risk double (or more) with each added hand, increasing both the potential winnings and losses.
The speed of online blackjack can make it hard to keep track of several hands, so only play more than one if you’re confident and can manage fast decisions. Focus on maximizing your odds for each hand by sticking to strategy, not chasing quick wins.
Understanding Side Bets and Insurance
Side bets and insurance can look tempting, but they usually increase the house edge. For example, insurance bets often pay even money, but unless you think there are many tens or face cards in the deck, it’s usually a losing proposition. The odds rarely justify the risk, especially for novice players.
You’ll see side bets like “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3” in both online and live games. These bets offer big payouts for certain combinations, but the probabilities of hitting them are low. If you want to play side bets, treat them as fun extras, not a regular part of your strategy.
Unlike blackjack itself, most side bets are closer to roulette in risk. Before betting, check the exact payout rules and house edge listed by the casino. The more you understand about each option, the easier it is to avoid costly mistakes and focus on bets with the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning advanced blackjack strategy involves more than just knowing the basics. Different tools, systems, and chart memorization methods can deepen your understanding and improve your results at the table.
How do I use a blackjack strategy card to improve my game?
A blackjack strategy card gives you the best move for every possible hand you could be dealt. You compare your hand and the dealer’s card to the chart and then follow the action shown, like “hit,” “stand,” or “split.”
Using a card helps you make fewer mistakes, especially when playing at a fast pace. Many casinos also allow you to use these cards at the table.
Can you explain the 1-3-2-6 betting system in blackjack?
The 1-3-2-6 betting system is a way to manage your bets in blackjack. You start with one unit, increase to three units after a win, then two, and finally six units if you keep winning.
If you lose, you return to betting one unit. This system is based on short winning streaks and helps control losses during rough patches.
What is the ‘777’ rule and how does it apply to blackjack strategies?
The ‘777’ rule isn’t a standard blackjack rule. Sometimes, casinos run special promotions that pay bonuses if you get three sevens in one hand.
This bonus is based on luck, not strategy, and doesn’t change the basic or advanced approaches to playing your regular hands.
What are some tips for memorizing a blackjack strategy chart for 6 decks?
Break the chart into sections, such as hard totals, soft totals, and pairs. Focus on one section at a time.
Practice with flashcards or online tools. Spend a few minutes each day testing yourself until you feel comfortable with each possible situation.
How can a blackjack strategy calculator help refine my gameplay?
A blackjack strategy calculator lets you type in your hand and the dealer’s card to get the recommended move. This can help you learn which play is best in situations you find tricky or forget during live games.
Using the calculator in practice sessions can boost your confidence and help you make better decisions quicker at the table.
What are the key differences between basic and advanced blackjack strategies?
Basic strategy tells you the mathematically best move for each hand. Advanced strategy goes further by including card counting, shuffle tracking, and changing bets based on the remaining cards.
While basic strategy lowers the house edge, advanced strategy aims to give you a small long-term advantage by using extra information during play.