What a Blackjack Strategy Chart Actually Is
A blackjack strategy chart is a decision guide. It tells you the best move (over the long run) based on:
- your hand (hard total, soft total, or pair)
- the dealer’s upcard (2 through Ace)
- the table rules the chart is built for
The chart is basically a shortcut to basic strategy. It helps you make consistent decisions without trying to do math at the table.
If you want the full overview first (rules, payouts, dealer rules, table checklist, and the basics of decision-making), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. Then use this article to make strategy charts practical and mistake-proof.
Step 1: Confirm the Chart Matches the Table Rules
This is the #1 mistake: using a chart for the wrong rules.
A strategy chart is not universal. It depends on table conditions like:
- Blackjack payout (3:2 vs 6:5)
- Dealer rule (stands on soft 17 vs hits soft 17)
- Number of decks (single, double, 6-deck, 8-deck)
- Whether surrender is allowed
- Double-down rules and split rules
If the chart assumes a different rule set than your table, some decisions can change.
Simple habit: before you use any chart, check the table rules first.
Step 2: Identify Which Section Your Hand Belongs To
Most charts are divided into three sections:
- Hard totals
- Soft totals
- Pairs (splits)
Your first job is to put your hand in the correct section. Many “chart mistakes” are just people reading the wrong section.
If you need a refresher on hard vs soft totals, go back to How Card Values & Hand Scoring Work in Blackjack.
Step 3: Use the Dealer’s Upcard (Not the Dealer’s Full Hand)
Charts use the dealer’s upcard only, because that is all you can see.
Dealer upcard categories:
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- 7, 8, 9
- 10 (includes J/Q/K)
- Ace
When you look at the chart, you always match:
- your hand row
- with the dealer upcard column
That intersection tells you the recommended move.
How to Read the Hard Totals Section
Hard totals are hands without an Ace counted as 11.
Examples:
- 10 + 6 = hard 16
- 9 + 7 = hard 16
- 10 + 2 = hard 12
The Main Hard Total Mistake
Most beginners do one of these:
- they stand too early out of fear
- they hit too late out of hope
A chart removes emotion. It tells you the move that performs best long-term.
Example (How the Chart Works)
You have hard 16. Dealer shows 10.
- Find the hard 16 row
- Find the dealer 10 column
- Follow the move shown in that square
Note: different charts can show slightly different moves in certain spots depending on table rules (especially surrender rules). That is why rule matching matters.
How to Read the Soft Totals Section
Soft totals include an Ace counted as 11.
Examples:
- A + 6 = soft 17
- A + 7 = soft 18
Soft hands are flexible, so charts often recommend more hitting or doubling opportunities than people expect.
The Main Soft Total Mistake
Players treat soft totals like hard totals.
For example, some players stand on A-6 because “17 is decent.”
But soft 17 is not the same as hard 17. A chart helps you play it correctly based on the dealer upcard.
How to Read the Pairs (Splitting) Section
Pairs are hands where your first two cards are the same value (or counted the same way).
Examples:
- 8-8
- A-A
- 9-9
When you split, you create two hands, which changes both risk and opportunity.
The Main Pair Mistake
Players split based on emotion:
- “I hate 16, so I’ll split anything”
- “I never split because it feels risky”
A chart removes the guesswork and tells you when splitting is mathematically worth it.
What the Chart Symbols Mean
Charts usually use short letters for actions. Common ones include:
- H = Hit
- S = Stand
- D = Double (if allowed; otherwise hit)
- P = Split
- R / SR = Surrender (if allowed; otherwise follow the next-best move)
Some charts include variations like:
- Ds = Double if allowed, otherwise stand
- Dh = Double if allowed, otherwise hit
Before you use a chart, make sure you understand how it defines these actions.
Common Chart Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Here are the mistakes that cause most “I followed the chart but still lost” confusion:
- Using a chart for the wrong rules: Match your chart to the table’s payout, soft 17 rule, decks, and surrender options.
- Reading the wrong section: Confirm if your hand is hard, soft, or a pair before checking the chart.
- Forgetting the dealer upcard: Charts use the dealer’s upcard only, not the dealer’s final total.
- Misreading double/surrender notes: Learn what “double if allowed, otherwise hit/stand” means before you rely on the chart.
- Trying to memorize everything at once: Learn one section at a time and drill common hands first.
The Right Way to Practice With a Strategy Chart
If you want the chart to work for you, practice it in a structured way.
Practice Method 1: Use It Slowly First
At first, do not worry about speed. Focus on accuracy:
- identify your hand type (hard/soft/pair)
- read the dealer upcard
- follow the chart
Practice Method 2: Drill the Common Hands
If you only memorize the most frequent decisions, you’ll improve fast.
Focus on:
- hard 12–16
- soft 13–18
- common pairs (A-A, 8-8, 9-9, 2-2, 3-3)
Practice Method 3: Learn One Section at a Time
Do not try to memorize the entire chart in one sitting.
A good order:
- hard totals
- soft totals
- pairs
A Quick Note on Using Charts at Live Tables
Some casinos are fine with players using a small reference chart. Others discourage it, especially if it slows the table down.
If you do use a chart:
- keep it simple and quick
- do not hold up other players
- practice at home first so you rely on it less over time
Even better: use charts for learning, then bring your habits to the table once decisions feel automatic.
How Rule Variations Can Change Chart Decisions
Even small rule changes can affect “best plays” in some spots.
Examples of rule changes that matter:
- dealer H17 vs S17
- surrender allowed vs not allowed
- double-after-split allowed vs not allowed
- number of decks
This is why you should not copy a random chart online and assume it fits your table.
A safer habit is to choose one rule set and practice that chart until it becomes automatic.
Mini FAQ: Beginner Questions About Strategy Charts
1) Do I Have to Memorize a Blackjack Chart?
No. Many players start by using it as a reference, then memorize it naturally with repetition.
2) Can I Use a Strategy Chart at a Casino Table?
It depends on the casino. Some allow it, some discourage it. If you do use one, keep it quick and respectful.
3) Why Does My Chart Say to Hit When It Feels Risky?
Because the chart is based on long-term results, not short-term comfort. Some hands are losing positions either way, and the chart picks the better option.
4) What If the Table Rules Don’t Match My Chart?
Your decisions may be slightly off in certain situations. It is best to use a chart that matches the table rules you are playing.
5) What’s the Best Way to Learn Charts Fast?
Practice one section at a time, drill common hands, and focus on reading your hand type correctly.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how to use a blackjack strategy chart correctly, the next step is understanding why blackjack can have one of the lowest house edges and what conditions make that true.
Continue with Why Blackjack Has One of the Lowest House Edges.
