Blackjack Chart Guide: Learn Basic Strategy & Boost Your Wins

Blackjack is one of the most popular games available at Rivalry's online casino. It's a classic table game where you play against the dealer, trying to get a hand closer to 21 as possible without going over. While luck plays a part in playing blackjack, there is a clear strategy that can improve your chances of winning—commonly referred to as the blackjack chart or blackjack basic strategy chart.

Understanding and using blackjack strategy can greatly enhance your ability to win, especially when you learn the basics.  In this article, we will go over the essential blackjack strategy charts, explain how they work, and provide advice on how to use them to beat the casino’s edge. 

What is Blackjack?

Blackjack is a card game where players compete against the dealer, not other players. The goal is to have a hand total of 21 or as close to it as possible without exceeding it. The game is typically played with one or more decks of cards, and the number of decks used can affect the strategy you apply. 

The value of each card in Blackjack is as follows:

• Cards 2 through 10 are worth their face value.
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are all worth 10 points.
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11 points, depending on which value is more beneficial for the player.

Your hand's value in Blackjack is simply the sum of your cards. The trick is knowing when to stop adding more to get as close to 21 as possible without busting.

Understanding Blackjack Payouts

We all care about making money; that's a given. To know what you're getting, a blackjack payout chart outlines the standard payouts in blackjack. Typically:

• Winning a regular hand pays even money (1:1).
• Getting a Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) usually pays 3:2.
• Special bets, such as insurance, may pay 2:1, although this isn't recommended due to the higher house edge.

It’s important to note that payout structures vary between casinos. Some casinos offer different blackjack payout charts, including variations in dealer rules and house-specific adjustments.

Understanding The House Edge 

The house edge in blackjack represents the casino's built-in advantage over the player. However, by using a basic strategy chart, you can reduce this edge significantly. When following basic strategy correctly, the house edge in Blackjack is typically around 0.5%.

However, the house edge can vary depending on specific game rules, the number of decks used, and whether the casino offers favorable options like surrender or doubling down.

What Is a Blackjack Chart?

A blackjack chart, also called a basic strategy chart, is like a cheat sheet for playing blackjack. It tells you the best move to make based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.

The blackjack basic strategy is a mathematically proven set of rules that determines whether to hit, stand, double, or split, based on the total value of your hand and the dealer’s upcard. It’s built using math and designed to help players reduce the house edge.

For example, if you have a pair of Aces and the dealer shows a 6, the blackjack strategy chart will tell you to split. Why? Because splitting gives you a better chance to win money.

The chart covers every possible hand combination, including hard totals (like 12 or 16) and soft totals (like an ace and a 6). Whether you’re new to blackjack or looking to improve your game, this chart is your key to success.

Why Use a Blackjack Chart?

A blackjack chart is an essential tool for anyone serious about improving their odds in Blackjack.

It provides a quick reference guide to determine the best move based on your hand and the dealer’s upcard. By following basic strategy, you can minimize the house edge and increase your chances of winning.

Additionally, different blackjack charts exist for different variations of the game, depending on the number of decks in play. For example, the blackjack basic strategy chart for six decks is designed specifically for six-deck games, while the blackjack basic strategy chart for eight decks applies to eight-deck games. Each chart adjusts for probability changes based on the number of decks being used.

Key Elements of the Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

Here are some of the key actions to take when playing blackjack:

• Hit: Take another card.
• Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn.
• Double Down: Double your bet and take one more card.
• Split: If you have a pair, split them into two separate hands.
• Surrender: Some casinos offer surrender, where you give up half your bet to quit the hand. Early surrender (before the dealer checks their hole card) or late surrender (after) can save money.

How to Use the Blackjack Strategy Chart

To use a blackjack basic strategy chart, follow these simple steps:

1. Identify your hand:  Look at the cards you’ve been dealt. Is it a hard total (no Ace) or a soft total (an Ace and another card)?

2. Check the dealer’s upcard: The dealer’s face-up card will guide your decision-making.

3. Find the appropriate action: Based on your hand and the dealer’s card, find the corresponding row and column on the chart to determine the best move, and ask yourself these questions:

• Your first two cards: Are they a pair, a hard total, or a soft hand?
• The dealer’s hole card: What card is the dealer showing?
• The rules: How many decks are used? Does the dealer hit or stand on soft 17?

Based on this, the chart gives you the best move. For instance:

• If you have a 16 and the dealer shows a 10, the blackjack basic strategy chart might say “surrender” if the table allows it. If not, it says “hit.”
• If you have a pair of 8s and the dealer shows a 9, the chart says “split.”

This strategy applies to all blackjack variations, including six-deck and eight-deck games. While the number of decks slightly alters probabilities, the chart automatically adjusts for these differences. By following this method, you minimize mistakes and maximize your chances of winning.

Common Moves on the Blackjack Chart

1. Hard Hands:

A hard hand is a hand that doesn’t contain an Ace or where the Ace is counted as 1. For example, if you have 10 and 7, your hard total is 17. According to the blackjack basic strategy chart, you should stand on 17 or higher but hit on 11 or lower

2. Soft Hands:

A soft hand contains an Ace, which can be counted as 1 or 11. For instance, an Ace and a 6 is a soft 17. In this case, the strategy might recommend doubling down or hitting, depending on the dealer’s upcard.

3. Splitting Pairs:

When you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you have the option to split them into two separate hands. The blackjack chart provides guidelines on when to split pairs. For example:

• Always split Aces and 8s.
• Never split 10s or 5s.

4. Doubling Down:

If your hand is strong and the dealer’s upcard is favorable, you can double your bet and receive one additional card. The blackjack betting strategy chart will indicate when doubling down is the best move.

5. Surrendering:

Some Blackjack games offer the option to surrender, allowing you to give up half of your bet and end the round. When the dealer’s upcard is particularly strong, surrendering can sometimes be the best choice.

Advanced Strategies: Card Counting and Betting Charts

Blackjack Card Counting

In addition to using the basic strategy chart, many players also use card counting to gain an advantage over the casino. Card counting is a technique used to keep track of the cards that have been dealt, allowing the player to determine the likelihood of high or low cards remaining in the deck. 

The most common system is the Hi-Lo counting system, which assigns values to the cards:

• High cards (10, J, Q, K, A) = -1
• Low cards (2-6) = +1

By keeping track of the running count, players can adjust their bets accordingly. However, counting cards is not foolproof and is strongly discouraged by casinos. If you're caught, the casino may ask you to leave or ban you from playing.

Blackjack Betting Strategy Chart

A blackjack betting strategy chart helps players decide how much to bet based on the game situation, which can help with managing bankroll. Some common betting strategies include:

• Flat Betting: Betting the same amount on every hand.
• Progressive Betting: Increasing your bet after a win or loss.
• Martingale System: Doubling your bet after every loss.
• Paroli System: Doubling your bet after every win.

Practice Makes Perfect

To use a blackjack chart effectively, start by memorizing it. Study a blackjack basic strategy chart for six-deck or eight-deck games, depending on what your casino uses.

Practice at home with a deck of cards: deal yourself hands and check the chart. Over time, you’ll internalize the strategy and make decisions instinctively, whether you're playing Blackjack online or at your local casino.

For example:

• Dealer shows a 4, you have 11 → Double.
• Dealer shows a 7, you have 16 → Hit or surrender.

The more you practice, the fewer mistakes you’ll make at the table—especially with other players watching.

Common Blackjack Rules and Charts

Blackjack rules change from casino to casino, whether they're online or land-based. Some use 1 deck, others use 8. Some let the dealer hit on soft 17, others make them stand. The blackjack strategy chart adjusts for these specific rules. Here’s how:

• Decks: A blackjack basic strategy chart of 6 decks differs slightly from one for 2 decks.
• Dealer Hits: If the dealer hits on soft 17, you might hit more often.
• Surrender: If it’s allowed, use it when the chart says so.

Check the table rules before you play, and pick the right strategy chart.

Where to Find a Blackjack Chart

You can purchase a blackjack strategy chart online or find free versions on various websites. Look for terms like “blackjack chart” or “basic strategy chart” if you need a specific version. Many websites offer printable strategy charts, so you can easily download one and start practicing.

But what's the point of learning the strategy if you don't put it to the rest? At Rivalry's online casino, you can play blackjack in a premium gaming environment, with tons of live dealer tables available, including VIP Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, and so much more. With fast payouts, exciting promotions, and fair odds, Rivalry offers the perfect place to sharpen your skills while enjoying and seamless experience.

New to blackjack? No problem. Rivalry’s user-friendly interface and secure platform make it easy to jump in and play at your own pace. Plus, you can use what you’ve learned from the blackjack strategy chart in real-time games, helping you make smarter decisions and maximize your winning potential.

Common Blackjack Mistakes to Avoid

Many players make costly mistakes when playing Blackjack. Here are some of the most common errors:

• Not following the basic strategy chart
• Ignoring the dealer’s upcard
• Splitting 10s (never split 10s!)
• Not doubling down when appropriate
• Taking insurance bets

By following a blackjack chart and practicing basic strategy, you can avoid these errors and play smarter.

Conclusion

A blackjack chart is an essential tool for any serious player. By following a basic strategy chart, you can reduce the casino's edge, make smarter decisions, and improve your chances of winning.

Blackjack is a game of both skill and strategy. With the right approach, you can minimize losses, play smarter, and increase your chances of winning. The key is to study the charts, practice consistently, and most importantly—enjoy the game. GLHF!

And guess what? The best part of online casinos like Rivalry is that you can play at home, where no one can see you consulting your trusty strategy chart. It’s a win-win! Whether you're playing for fun or looking to refine your skills, Rivalry’s online casino offers the perfect blackjack experience with exciting game variations, fair odds, and epic casino bonuses. So why not put your strategy to the test and see how well you can play?

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackjack Charts

Q: What is the best blackjack strategy?

A: The best strategy is to follow a basic strategy chart and avoid emotional decisions.

Q: Do blackjack charts work for all games?

A: Yes, but different games have different rules. Always use the correct blackjack basic strategy chart for the number of decks being used.

Q: Can you win blackjack with card counting?

A: Yes, but casinos have countermeasures to detect and stop card counters. Card counting requires practice, skill, and discipline.

Q: Should I always hit on 16?

A: It depends on the dealer's upcard. If the dealer shows a 7 or higher, you should hit. If they show a 2-6, you should stand.

Q: Is surrendering a good move?

A: Yes! Early surrender and late surrender can save you money in tough situations, such as having 16 against a dealer’s 10.