Main Takeaways from Basic Blackjack Strategy It’s best to play games that permit doubling down and surrendering. If doubling down or surrendering isn’t supported in the version of blackjack you are playing, you can simply hit or stand instead. You can stand, split, double down, or surrender. Move to the corresponding position on the right and the box will show you the best possible move for that situation. After you identify this based on the hand you have been dealt, you need to check the dealer’s upcard. In the leftmost column, you will find your hand, which can be a total value or a particular starting combo of two cards. The blackjack cheat sheet can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but you can quickly understand how it works by consulting solutions for each situation as you play blackjack. If you happen to be in a casino and have not memorized all the plays, you can consult a basic blackjack strategy chart as you play. We recommend printing the basic strategy chart, below, and keeping it in front of you or else simply opening this chart on your computer screen when you play.

This is based on the cards you have and on the dealer’s upturned card. It provides an optimal way to play the game, with the correct move for every situation that arises at the table. The first step to learning how to beat blackjack involves becoming familiar with a basic strategy chart.