Live Blackjack Strategy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a strategy for blackjack?
A basic strategy does exist for blackjack, which allows you to play a mathematically perfect game. It’s well documented and used in an online and land-based casinos. You can get basic strategy charts which show you the playing decisions for each type of hand. Download a copy here.
Should you ever surrender in blackjack?
Yes. Surrender is one of the most favourable rules in blackjack and is a superb way to gain an edge over the dealer. When you’re allowed to Surrender, you should do so based on what your cards are, what the dealer’s card is, and what the correct strategy advises the best course of action is.
Do you Hit or Stand on 16?
Generally, with hard 16, you should Stand, and with soft 16, you should Hit. To learn more, refer to the basic blackjack strategy on this page.
Do you hit 12 against a 3?
Yes. You hit a hard 12 against all dealer cards except for 4, 5 and 6 when you should Stand.
Should you ever split 10s?
The best course of action is Stand when your hand is 10-10.
Should you always Double Down on 11?
Yes. Except when the dealer has an Ace.
When should I raise my bet in blackjack?
You Double Down to take advantage of a favourable situation in many situations. Refer to the basic strategy on this page. Some of the most recognizable situations for Doubling Down are when you have 5-5, when the dealer has 5 or 6, or when you have hard totals of 10 or 11.
Should I hit or stand on 13?
It depends. If you have hard 13, you should stand if the dealer’s card is 2 to 6 or Hit if it’s seven and above. If you have soft 13 (with an Ace that’s counted as 11), you should always Hit and even Double if the dealer’s card is 5 or 6.
Do you double soft 19?
Soft 19 is a good hand, but the best course of action according to the basic strategy is to Stand.
Do you always hit a soft 17?
Yes, except in those cases when you should Double because the dealer has a weak card, 2 to 6.
Which hand is the worst in blackjack?
Hard 16 is considered a very troublesome hand in blackjack. It gets much better if it’s soft 16, as soft hands are inherently good, and if you got 16 from a pair of eights, then there’s an easy way out – just Split the hand.