Understanding the Blackjack Cheat Sheet

A Blackjack Cheat Sheet is essentially a strategy chart that outlines the best mathematical move for every possible combination of your hand and the dealer’s up-card. These moves usually include: 

• H (Hit): Draw another card.

• S (Stand): Stick with your current total.

• D (Double): Double your bet and take exactly one more card.

• SP (Split): Separate identical cards into two hands, each getting a new card from the deck.

• Su (Surrender): (If available in your casino) Forfeit half your bet and fold the hand.

• Some variations also include R (Surrender) if the game offers a surrender option. 

The Purpose of the Cheat Sheet 

Maximize Long-Term Profit 

By following the cheat sheet, you’re aligning every play with the highest probability of winning or minimizing losses over many hands. 

While a single hand’s outcome might differ from the chart’s recommendation, in the long run, the chart’s strategy yields the best expected returns. 

Eliminate Guesswork 

Blackjack can be a fast-paced game. A cheat sheet removes the need to second-guess your instincts under pressure. 

New players often feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions. The chart organizes these decisions into simple, consistent rules. 

Minimize the House Edge 

Basic strategy can reduce the house edge to around 0.5% (sometimes even lower depending on specific table rules). 

This small edge is one of the reasons blackjack is so popular among casino table games. 

Structure and Layout 

• Rows and Columns: A typical Blackjack cheat sheet is arranged in a grid. The player’s hand totals or card combinations run along one axis (often the left side), and the dealer’s possible face-up card runs across the other axis (often the top).

• Color Coding (if present): Some charts use color highlights to indicate optimal moves. For instance, red might be “Stand,” yellow might be “Double,” etc. Others simply use abbreviations like “H” (Hit), “S” (Stand), “D” (Double), “SP” (Split).

• Soft vs. Hard Hands: Soft hands (which include an Ace counted as 11) and hard hands (which include no Ace counted as 11, or where the Ace must be counted as 1) often appear in separate sections. This allows you to quickly distinguish how to handle hands like Ace-6 (soft 17) differently from 10-7 (hard 17).

• Cells: Where a row and a column intersect, you’ll see a recommended move (H, S, D, SP). 

Some charts differentiate between Hard Hands (no Ace counted as 11), Soft Hands (Ace counted as 11), and Split Situations (pairs) by color-coding or separate grids. 

How to Use It 

Identify Your Hand Type: 

• Is it a hard total (like 10-6) or a soft total (like A-6)? 
• Do you have a pair (like 8-8)? 

Note Your Total: 

• If it’s a hard hand, sum the card values as usual. 
• If it’s a soft hand, remember the Ace is typically counted as 11 unless you exceed 21. 

Look at the Dealer’s Up-Card: 

• Find that card at the top of the cheat sheet. 

Match Them Up: 

• Cross-reference your hand row with the dealer’s card column to find the chart’s recommended move. 

Why the Chart Looks Complicated 

• Situational Adjustments:  

The best move often shifts based on small changes, such as whether the dealer has a 6 (a “weak” card) or a 7 (a “strong” card). 

• Probability and Expected Value:  

Each cell is derived from simulations or combinatorial analysis showing which action (hit, stand, double, split) yields the highest expected value over thousands or millions of hands. 

Breaking Down the Cheat Sheet 

This section dissects the major categories: Hard Totals, Soft Totals, and Splitting Pairs. While each chart may vary slightly depending on the casino rules and number of decks, the following breakdown covers the most common guidelines found on standard blackjack strategy charts. 

Hard Totals 

A hard total is any hand that does not contain an Ace counted as 11. (Either the hand has no Ace, or the Ace must be counted as 1 to avoid busting.) 

Hard 8 or Less 

• General Rule: Hit.
• With a total this low, you have little risk of busting, and your chance of improving significantly is high. 

Hard 9 

• General Rule: Double down if the dealer shows 3–6, otherwise hit.
• The rationale is that when the dealer has a card from 3 to 6, they have a higher chance of busting, and your 9 is a strong base to boost with one more card. 

Hard 10 

• General Rule: Double down if the dealer shows 2–9, otherwise hit.
• A 10 is likely to become 20 or close to 21 with one more card. However, if the dealer shows a 10 or Ace, it’s riskier to double because the dealer might end with a strong total. 

Hard 11 

• General Rule: Double down if the dealer shows 2–10, otherwise hit against an Ace.
• 11 is one of the best hands to double. Even if you draw a 10, you end up with 21. 

Hard 12 through 16 

• 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are often called “stiff hands,” because they carry a high bust risk if you hit. 
• General Rule:
• Stand if the dealer’s up-card is 4, 5, or 6 (dealer’s most vulnerable cards). 
• Hit if the dealer shows 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, or Ace. 
• The logic is that if the dealer’s card is 4–6, they’re at higher risk of busting. By standing, you force them to play out their likely bust scenario. 

Hard 17 or More 

• General Rule: Stand.
• At 17 or more, the chance of busting on a hit is significant, and you already have a relatively strong hand. 

Soft Totals 

A soft total contains an Ace counted as 11 (e.g., A-2 is a soft 13, A-6 is a soft 17, etc.). The advantage of a soft hand is that if you exceed 21, you can “downgrade” the Ace to 1. 

Soft 13 (A-2) to Soft 15 (A-4) 

• General Rule: Hit unless the dealer’s up-card is 4–6, in which case you consider doubling down.
• Since these are relatively low totals even with the Ace counted as 11, you usually want more cards. But if the dealer is weak (4–6), doubling down can be profitable. 

Soft 16 (A-5) and Soft 17 (A-6) 

• General Rule: Hit against strong dealer cards (7–Ace).
• Consider doubling down when the dealer’s up-card is 3–6.
• These hands are borderline; a single hit can push you into a stronger range, but doubling down is often wise if the dealer seems vulnerable. 

Soft 18 (A-7) 

• General Rule:
• Stand if the dealer shows 2, 7, or 8.
• Hit if the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace.
• Double down if the dealer shows 3–6 (some charts recommend standing against 2, but it can vary).
• The key is that 18 is decent, but you can still improve, especially if the dealer has a high card. 

Soft 19 (A-8) and Soft 20 (A-9) 

• General Rule: Stand in most scenarios.
• You already have a strong total. There’s little benefit to hitting (or doubling) because the risk of weakening your hand or only gaining a slight improvement doesn’t justify the gamble. 

Soft 21 (A-10) 

• General Rule: Stand. You have 21—there’s no need to risk a change.

Splitting Pairs 

Splitting allows you to turn a single starting hand of two same-rank cards into two separate hands. 

Always Split 

• Aces: Splitting Aces can lead to potentially two hands of 21 if you draw a 10-value card. 
• 8s: 16 (8+8) is one of the worst totals in blackjack, so splitting maximizes your chances of getting a better total on each new hand. 

Never Split 

• 10s / Face Cards (10, J, Q, K): 20 is very strong; splitting them into two separate 10s is usually a downgrade. 
• 5s: 10 is an excellent total to start with, especially for doubling down. 

Situational Splits 

• 2s and 3s: Generally split if the dealer’s up-card is 4–7. Consider hitting if the dealer’s card is stronger. 
• 4s: Most charts advise never to split, though some advanced scenarios might differ. 
• 6s: Typically split if the dealer shows 2–6. Hit otherwise. 
• 7s: Often split if the dealer shows 2–7, and hit if the dealer has 8–Ace. 
• 9s: Split if the dealer’s up-card is 2–6 or 8–9 (stand if the dealer shows 7, 10, or Ace). 

Fine-Tuning for Surrender (If Available) 

Some charts include a “R” for surrender, which means you give up half your bet to avoid playing a highly unfavorable hand. 

Typical Surrender Spots:  

• Hard 15 vs. dealer 10. 
• Hard 16 vs. dealer 9, 10, or Ace (depending on the casino rules). 

Adapting to Table Rules 

Dealer Hits Soft 17:  

• This slightly improves the dealer’s odds because they can draw an extra card. 
• You might be more inclined to take a risk and hit or double in borderline scenarios. 

Deck Count (Single Deck vs. Multiple Decks):  

• Minor variations exist. Single-deck games can have a slightly different chart, usually favoring more aggressive double-down and split decisions because card composition changes more rapidly. 

5 FAQs Blackjack Cheat Sheet

Can I use a Blackjack Cheat Sheet in a live casino?

Yes, many casinos allow players to use basic strategy charts during play, but always verify local rules as some venues may restrict their use or the use of electronic devices.

How can I effectively memorize and apply a Blackjack Cheat Sheet?

Practice by breaking the chart into sections—such as hard totals, soft totals, and splits—and use flashcards or online simulation tools to reinforce the optimal plays until they become second nature.

Does the cheat sheet change based on the number of decks used?

Absolutely; different deck counts can alter the optimal strategy, so it’s important to use a cheat sheet that’s tailored specifically to the game format and house rules at your table.

Are there digital versions of Blackjack Cheat Sheets available for practice?

Yes, many online casinos and mobile apps offer interactive strategy trainers and digital cheat sheets that let you practice and internalize the optimal moves for various scenarios.

Do Blackjack Cheat Sheets guarantee a win every time?

No, while they significantly improve your odds and reduce the house edge over the long run, the inherent randomness of the game means that no strategy can guarantee a win on every hand.