Hand-by-hand guides
Blackjack hands, explained
The plays players argue about most, each with the answer, the reason, the exact numbers, how the table rules change it, and a quick drill.
Hard totals
Hard 16 vs a dealer 10Surrender if the table offers it. If it doesn't, hit.Hard 16 vs a dealer 7Hit. Standing here is one of the most expensive habits at the table.Hard 15 vs a dealer 10Surrender if allowed. Otherwise hit.Hard 13 vs a dealer 2Stand.Hard 12 vs a dealer 2Hit.Hard 12 vs a dealer 3Hit. It's close, but hitting wins.Hard 11 vs a dealer aceDouble when the dealer hits soft 17. Just hit when the dealer stands on soft 17 (6–8 decks).Hard 10 vs a dealer 10Hit. Don't double.Hard 9 vs a dealer 2Hit. Double 9 only against 3 through 6.Hard 17 vs a dealer aceStand. Surrender only if the dealer hits soft 17 and surrender is offered.
Soft hands
Soft 18 (ace-7) vs a dealer 9Hit.Soft 18 (ace-7) vs a dealer 2Double if the dealer hits soft 17 (stand if you can't double). Stand if the dealer stands on soft 17.Soft 17 (ace-6) vs a dealer 3Double. If you can't double, hit. Never stand.Soft 19 (ace-8) vs a dealer 6Double if the dealer hits soft 17 (stand if you can't double). Stand if the dealer stands on soft 17.
Pairs
Pair of 8s vs a dealer aceSplit. Surrender instead only if the dealer hits soft 17 and surrender is offered.Pair of 8s vs a dealer 10Split.Pair of 9s vs a dealer 7Stand on 18.Pair of 10s vs a dealer 6Stand. Never split 10s at a normal table.Pair of 4s vs a dealer 5Split if the table allows doubling after a split. Otherwise hit.Pair of aces vs a dealer 10Split. Always split aces.