BLACKJACK CHEAT SHEET: ULTIMATE BLACKJACK STRATEGY CHART

1. What is Blackjack?

New to blackjack? Here's an introduction along with some key terms. If you're already familiar with the game, feel free to skip ahead to section 3! 

Blackjack, also known as ‘21’, is a game in which players have to try to get a hand of cards with a higher total value than the dealer’s without going over 21. 

2. What are the Rules of Blackjack?

Blackjack rules themselves are fairly simple. See below for a quick overview of blackjack rules below, or check out a more detailed rundown of how to play blackjack here. 

Goal: 

• The goal in Blackjack is to get a hand of cards closest in value to 21 without going over 21. 
  
  

Set up:

• Each card is worth its face value except for face cards, like the Jack, Queen, and King, which are worth 10 and Aces which are worth either 1 or 11. 
• The dealer gives each player two cards, face up, and then gives each player a second card, moving clockwise. The dealer's first card is face up and the second is face down. 
  
  

Playing: 

• Players take turns deciding whether to "hit" or "stand". With online blackjack, this is indicated simply by clicking the “hit” or “stand” button. However, when playing blackjack in person, to "hit", players tap or scratch the table behind their wager with their finger and to "stand", players wave off with their hand. Players can continue to "hit" until they are close to 21 or until they "bust".
  
  
• After all players have made their decisions, the dealer takes their turn. The dealer must "hit" until they reach at least 16.
  
  
• If the dealer busts, all players win. If the dealer doesn't bust, the player with the higher hand value wins. If the player and the dealer have the same total, it's a tie and no one wins or loses.
  
  

Other things to know:

• A hand that combines an ace with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King is a "Blackjack".
  
  
• Face cards are worth 10, and any other card is worth its pip value.
  
  
• Players can "double" their original stake on any two-card combination, but they will only receive one more card.
  
  
• Players can "split" any pair by placing an additional bet equal to their original.
  
  
• If the dealer has an Ace as their first card, players can stake up to half of their original bet as “Insurance”.
  
  
• In online blackjack, players can choose their stakes, which affects their potential winnings and losses; managing these stakes wisely is crucial for a successful gaming experience.

The Key Takeaway:

Blackjack is an easy game to pick up and learn the rules of, but without the right tools it can take forever to become a pro. To become a winning player, you need a good strategy. You need to learn how to play every possible combination of cards and have a super-sharp memory. 

That's where a blackjack cheat sheet or blackjack calculator comes in.

3. What is a Blackjack Cheat Sheet?

A blackjack cheat sheet is a chart, list, or grid that helps players determine their next move playing blackjack, based on their hand value and the dealer's upcard. The intersections of the chart provide recommendations on whether to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender.

Lucky for you, ProfitDuel experts have created the best Blackjack cheat sheet (which you can get sent direct to your inbox), ready for you to get started and begin building up your winnings. 

4. What Does a Blackjack Cheat Sheet do?

When people say ‘the house always wins’, they mean that casinos have a built-in advantage, so over time, they’re likely to come out on top. The "house edge" is just that slight edge that helps the casino make money.

At ProfitDuel we can help you reduce or remove that casino advantage, giving you a better shot at winning. One way a cheat sheet can help you do this is by sharpening your card recall. This involves keeping track of the cards that have been played so you can make smarter bets. 

Although we call it a ‘cheat sheet’, it isn’t really cheating- it just helps you play better. It doesn’t guarantee a win, but it can definitely help you improve your chances!

Tip: If you want to save even more time choosing the best hand to play, sign up to ProfitDuel to use our Blackjack Simulator, the market-leading blackjack calculator that instantly does the hard work for you.

5. How do I use a Blackjack Cheat Sheet?

To use our blackjack cheat sheet, have the chart open when playing - specifically when you are making a decision about how to play your hand. The chart will tell you whether to hit, stand, double down, or split, depending on your hand and the dealer's up card (which we’ll go into a little more in the next section).

Here’s how to get the most out of the blackjack cheat sheet:

1. Locate Your Hand in the Left Column: Find your hand in the leftmost column of the chart. This will either be your total hand value or a specific starting combination of two cards.

2. Identify the Dealer’s Upcard: Check the top row of the chart to find the dealer’s upcard.

3. Match Your Hand to the Dealer’s Upcard: Move across to the box where your hand and the dealer’s upcard intersect. This box tells you the best move for that situation.

4. Follow the Suggested Move: Depending on the chart’s recommendation, you’ll either hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender.

5. Adjust if Certain Moves Aren’t Allowed: If your game doesn’t allow doubling down or surrendering, simply hit or stand according to the chart.

6. Choose Tables with More Move Options: For the best experience, play at tables that allow doubling down and surrendering, giving you more ways to follow the chart’s strategy.

6. How Does a Blackjack Cheat Sheet Work?

A blackjack cheat sheet is a mathematical guide to optimal play, based on probabilities and expected outcomes for each possible player hand versus each dealer upcard. Using statistical analysis, the chart is designed to minimize the house edge by suggesting the best moves—hit, stand, double down, or split—for any combination of player and dealer cards.

The chart’s recommendations are derived from simulations or probability calculations that consider the likelihood of each action leading to a winning outcome. For example, if the player has a total of 16 and the dealer shows a 10, the chart might advise the player to hit, based on the fact that standing with a low probability hand is less favorable than the chance of improving it. This move recommendation is based on extensive trials, maximizing the expected value (EV) for that specific scenario.

Each cell in the chart encapsulates this optimal EV-based choice, making it a quick-reference tool that simplifies complex probabilities. By consistently following these recommendations, a player can approach the mathematically best possible strategy, reducing losses over time in relation to less optimal play.

7. What is Blackjack Basic Strategy?

‘Blackjack basic strategy’ is just the name of the most effective strategy and order of operations used in blackjack to give the bettor the best chance of winning. It is what is displayed with the help of the blackjack chart.

You don’t need to learn this to use the blackjack cheat sheet, but this basic strategy is based from a few key takeaways: 

1. Always double down on 11 unless the dealer shows an ace.
   
   
2. When the dealer’s upcard is 2-9, always double down on an initial score of ten.
   
   
3. When the dealer’s upcard is a 5- or a 6, always double down on a soft 13-18.
   
   
4. Always split aces and always split eights.
   
   
5. Never split a pair of fives or tens.
   
   
6. Never make the insurance bet.
   
   
7. If the dealer has a 2 or 3 upcard, always hit on a hard 12.
   
   
8. If the dealer shows 9,10, or ace, always hit A-7.
   
   
9. When you are dealt a pair of 2s or 3s, hit against a dealer’s 2 or 3 upcard. 
   
   
10. Always stand with a pair of 9s when the dealer shows 7.

8. Can I Use a Blackjack Cheat Sheet at the Blackjack Table?

You can keep the handy Blackjack Cheat Sheet chart open in your browser while playing online blackjack.

Refer to it to help you understand the best decisions to make and to formulate a strategy for each hand.

Eventually, as you gain experience and confidence, you might not need it anymore. But until then, having it by your side can guide you in making the right calls and moves as you play.

Note: while you can use this tool to help you while playing online blackjack, most physical casinos won’t let you bring a mobile phone to the table in person.

9. What are the Benefits of Using a Blackjack Chart?

Using a blackjack chart can give you a big advantage at the table. Here’s why:

• Reduces the House Edge: A blackjack chart helps lower the casino’s edge to less than 1% in certain versions of the game, giving you a better chance of winning.
  
  
• Makes Optimal Decisions: The chart tells you exactly when to hit, stand, double down, split pairs, or surrender, based on the cards you and the dealer have. No more guessing!
  
  
• Minimizes Mistakes: With a chart, you're less likely to make costly errors, helping you stretch your bankroll and improve your odds over the long run.
  
  
• Boosts Confidence: Knowing you’re following the best possible strategy lets you play with more confidence and stay focused on enjoying the game.
  
  
• Saves Time: Instead of hesitating over tough decisions, you can refer to the chart and keep the game moving smoothly.

Note: Even though the chart won’t make you win every hand, it definitely helps you play smarter!

10. Are there any Risks of Using a Blackjack Chart?

Yes, there are some risks to using a blackjack chart:

• Slows Down the Game: Constantly referring to the chart can slow the pace, which might frustrate other players or dealers.
  
  
• Casino Restrictions: Some casinos may not allow players to use charts at the table, or they may frown upon it.
  
  
• Over-Reliance: You might become too dependent on the chart and struggle to adapt to unique situations not covered by basic strategy.
  
  
• Distraction: Focusing too much on the chart can take your attention away from other important aspects of the game, like keeping track of cards.

Despite these risks, a chart can still be a valuable tool if used wisely.

11. What Tips Should I Follow Using a Blackjack Chart?

While a blackjack chart will do most of the heavy lifting for you, there are a few key blackjack tips you should remember when playing the game:

1. Basic Strategy is not Enough
   While using a blackjack chart can help you win occasionally, basic strategy alone won’t beat the house edge. Think of it like a rocket booster—it’ll get you started, but you need advanced techniques like card counting and betting strategies to really win long-term.
   
   
2. Memorize It Completely
   Just looking at a chart won’t cut it. To play effectively, you need to practice and fully memorize basic strategy. Winning requires more than a quick glance—it takes dedication.
   
   
3. The Chart Evolves
   As you improve, you’ll need to learn additional strategies specific to the game rules you encounter. Mastering the basics makes it easier to adapt to these variations.
   
   
4. Perfection Matters
   In blackjack, even small mistakes matter. To gain a real edge, you need to know the strategy perfectly—there’s no room for errors.
   
   
5. Use Extra Blackjack Tools
   To improve even further, make sure to take advantage of other helpful blackjack tools. These can refine your skills, improve your decision-making, and enhance your overall gameplay.

12. No.1 Tool to Boost Blackjack Winnings

The ProfitDuel Blackjack Simulator  is the ultimate blackjack calculator that combines smart strategy guidance with real-game simulation to boost your skills. It calculates the best moves based on your hand, the dealer’s card, and winning odds, helping you make confident, strategic choices every time.

By simulating real blackjack scenarios, it allows you to practice under game-like conditions, avoid costly mistakes, and master advanced strategies. With the ProfitDuel Blackjack Simulator, you’ll build confidence, sharpen your gameplay, and gain a winning edge at the table.

But using the Blackjack Simulator is just one of three simple steps you can follow to kickstart your blackjack profits (see below). 

BONUS: 3 Steps to Kickstart Your Blackjack Profits

Mastering blackjack strategy can seem a daunting task when you're starting out, but it really doesn't have to be. 

Whether you're brand new to the game or have been playing for years, follow these three proven steps to turn your profits up a level: 

1. Download the Blackjack Cheat Sheet: Get a PDF copy of the Blackjack Cheat Sheet sent straight to your inbox so it's always on hand when you next play. 
   
   
2. Use the Blackjack Simulator (Coming Soon): The ProfitDuel Blackjack Simulator is the U.S.' most comprehensive Blackjack strategy calculator, telling you the optimal move to play to maximize your chances of winning in milliseconds. Sign up to ProfitDuel below to gain instant access to the tool before it is published on the site.
   
   
3. Sign Up to ProfitDuel: Signing up to ProfitDuel doesn't only give you exclusive access to profit-maximizing casino tools like the Blackjack Simulator, Casino Simulator and Slots Database, you'll also unlock a library of casino and sportsbook offers worth $1,000s.
   
   Better yet, we offer all of the guides and one-to-one support you need to convert them into profit (just ask any of our 500,000+ members we've helped do so). Sign up today and for a limited time only you'll receive 50% off the price of your first month.