Blackjack is the cleanest table game to learn on mobile: clear rules, quick decisions, and a realistic house edge with basic strategy. This page gives you the rules, a compact chart, and a mini lookup tool.
Legal reminder: online gambling is restricted in parts of the GCC. Always follow local laws.
Rules in 60 seconds
- Goal: reach a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
- Card values: 2–10 face value; J/Q/K = 10; A = 1 or 11 (whichever helps).
- Actions: Hit, Stand, Double (double bet, one card), Split pairs, Surrender (if offered).
- Dealer: draws to 16, stands on 17 (check table rules; some stand on soft 17).
Basic strategy — quick chart
Generic multi-deck chart. Always check table rules (S17/H17, DAS, RSA).
| Your hand | Dealer 2–6 | Dealer 7–A |
|---|---|---|
| Hard 5–8 | Hit | Hit |
| Hard 9 | Double vs 3–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Hard 10 | Double vs 2–9 | Hit vs 10/A |
| Hard 11 | Double | Double (Hit if A not allowed) |
| Hard 12 | Stand vs 4–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Hard 13–16 | Stand | Hit |
| Hard 17+ | Stand | Stand |
| Soft 13–14 (A+2/A+3) | Hit (Double vs 5–6) | Hit |
| Soft 15–16 (A+4/A+5) | Double vs 4–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Soft 17 (A+6) | Double vs 3–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Soft 18 (A+7) | Stand vs 2,7,8; Double vs 3–6; Hit vs 9–A | — |
| Soft 19+ (A+8/A+9) | Stand | Stand |
| Pairs 2,2 / 3,3 | Split vs 2–7 else Hit | Hit |
| Pair 4,4 | Split vs 5–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Pair 5,5 | Never split — treat as 10 (Double 2–9) | Hit vs 10/A |
| Pair 6,6 | Split vs 2–6 else Hit | Hit |
| Pair 7,7 | Split vs 2–7 else Hit | Hit |
| Pair 8,8 | Always split | Always split |
| Pair 9,9 | Split vs 2–6 & 8–9; Stand vs 7 | Stand vs 7/A/10 |
| Pair 10,10 | Stand | Stand |
| Pair A,A | Always split | Always split |
Mini strategy lookup (mobile-friendly)
Pick your hand and the dealer’s upcard to see the recommended move.
Want an advanced tool? Try our full strategy assistant: Blackjack RTP & Strategy Tool.
House edge & mobile tips
- House edge: with basic strategy it’s typically ~0.5–1.0% depending on rules (S17/H17, DAS, RSA, decks).
- First 10 minutes: play only even-keel decisions, avoid side bets, cap session time.
- With bonuses: confirm table contribution and max-bet rules before playing.
FAQ
Does this chart work for live dealer tables?
Yes, fundamentals are the same. Always check table limits and whether the dealer stands on soft 17.
When should I split Aces or 8s?
Always split A,A and 8,8. Aces unlock more 10s; splitting 8s escapes a weak 16.
Is doubling 10 vs 10/A a mistake?
Usually yes; most charts recommend Hit vs 10/A unless specific rule sets change EV.