The following strategy applies under standard Blackjack rules. Adjustments for when the dealer hits on soft 17 are included at the end.
Surrender
Surrender hard 16 (but not a pair of 8s) against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace.
Surrender hard 15 against a dealer 10.
Split
Hand | When to split |
Aces and 8s | Always split |
5s and 10s | Never split |
2s and 3s | Against a dealer 4 to 7, or against a 2 or 3 if DAS is allowed |
4s | Only if DAS is allowed and the dealer shows a 5 or 6 |
6s | Against a dealer 3 to 6, or against a 2 if DAS is allowed |
7s | Against a dealer 2 to 7 |
9s | Against a dealer 2 to 6 or 8 to 9 |
Double
Hand | When to double |
Hard 9 | Against a dealer 3 to 6 |
Hard 10 | Against any dealer card except a 10 or Ace |
Hard 11 | Against any dealer card except an Ace |
Soft 13 or 14 | Against a dealer 5 or 6 |
Soft 15 or 16 | Against a dealer 4 to 6 |
Soft 17 or 18 | Against a dealer 3 to 6 |
Hit or stand
Hand | Action |
Hard 11 or less | Always hit |
Hard 12 | Stand against a dealer 4 to 6, otherwise hit |
Hard 13 to 16 | Stand against a dealer 2 to 6, otherwise hit |
Hard 17 or more | Always stand |
Soft 17 or less | Always hit |
Soft 18 | Stand, except hit against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace |
Soft 19 or more | Always stand |
Adjustments when the dealer hits on soft 17
If the dealer hits on soft 17, apply the following changes:
Hand | Adjustment |
15, a pair of 8s, and 17 | Surrender against a dealer Ace |
Hard 11 | Double against a dealer Ace |
Soft 18 | Double against a dealer 2 |
Soft 19 | Double against a dealer 6 |