Blackjack Strategy & Cheat Sheet

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Written by Dmytro Sipko | last updated 17 November 2025

Depending on pure luck may not be the most solid basic blackjack strategy punters can use to defeat online club croupiers and software RNG engines. Lucky for them, several guidelines and practical tools help players of all experience levels better comprehend and calculate their chances in every hand of 21.

Blackjack basic strategy

Table of content

Basic Blackjack Strategy

Before we discuss the various wagering strategies associated with this particular game, it’s crucial to start with the general guidelines. Users can follow the blackjack basic strategy to make better decisions during their sessions for more positive outcomes.

  1. Play or surrender. During live games, players can decide whether to forfeit after being dealt the first two cards. This option is unavailable if they’ve already taken at least one card, so enthusiasts should consider it carefully before taking the next step.
  2. Split. Another part of the basic strategy is choosing whether to split a hand into two or play with just one. With the right cards, this can double a person's winnings or cause them to lose part of the bet, if not its entirety.
  3. Double down. After a 21 enthusiast decides whether to split their action, they can consider doubling down. Once again, it all depends on the individual’s current hand and whether they are certain of winning.
  4. Hit or stand. With all the options having been considered, the player decides whether to stand with the current cards or ask for one more.

This is the gist of what playing 21 games is all about. Each step in this basic strategy of blackjack can increase or decrease a player’s chances of success. Because the house wins in about 50% of instances, they need all the right decisions.

Blackjack Cheat Sheet

Remembering all the combinations and percentages of various hands can be tedious unless some of our readers have an excellent memory. 

A cheat sheet is typically a small chart that shows the best blackjack strategy punters can follow based on a croupier’s current upcard.

It’s not uncommon to see these blackjack cheat sheets even in players' hands in land-based Aussie pokies. Not everybody knows how to play this game, and the clubs don’t mind them.

These little helpers are invaluable to beginners as they provide information most straightforwardly and let bettors decide, even if it's their first time at the digital table. Physical and digital helpers can explain the game’s basic terms and provide additional tips for neophytes.

It’s common to see blackjack cheat sheets even in players' hands in land-based Aussie pokies. Not everybody knows how to play this game, and the clubs don’t mind them.

Blackjack Chart

Unlike the previous entry on our list of 21 aids, these charts are grids and tables that map out the statistically optimal actions players can take, depending on the current upcard at a dealer’s disposal. Such blackjack strategy charts compare player and croupier hands.

Blackjack chart

Here, intersecting cells contain the recommended actions such as surrender, hit, stand, double down, or split. These tables aren’t based on user experience or some famous games. Instead, their basis lies in solid mathematics that punters of different power levels can use.

Such charts let people make quick decisions at the card table and are a standard for checking with the basic strategy. Of course, luck plays a big part in this process, since the odds are slightly skewed in favor of the house.

Counting cards at blackjack

Every aspiring 21 professional can learn the principles of blackjack card counting. We would like to note that while this practice is legal, pokies frown upon it and may ask players to leave the table if they catch them in this activity. This process has several elements:

Assign a value to cards

The classic Hi-Lo system uses the following values for player cards, based on their impact on the player’s hand.

  • +1 for low (2-6) cards.
  • 0 for neutral (7-9) cards.
  • -1 for high cards (10, Ace, King, Queen, Jack).

Track the running count

Once people get a hand, they maintain a running count by adding or subtracting the value of each card. It reflects the deck’s composition in real time. For example:

When a croupier shows 6 (+1), and the player draws 7 (0), the running count is +1.

Calculate the true count

To successfully count cards in blackjack, punters must divide the running count against the estimated remaining number of cards. This determines the user advantage with a number of +1, reducing the house age by about 0,5%. For example, if a player has a running count of +10 and there are 5 decks remaining, the true count is +2.

Blackjack Odds

Both parties have equal chances of winning or busting, with the odds slightly better for the croupier. To help comprehend whether punters will bust on a hit, we’ve made this chart comparing the two sides of the card table.

Punter OddsPunter OddsClub OddsClub Odds
21100%Ace17%
2092%235%
1985%337%
1877%440%
1769%542%
1662%642%
1558%726%
1456%824%
1339%923%
1231%1023%
110%

As 21 enthusiasts can see, they have a much higher chance of getting a bust than the dealers. This is because the game is purposely designed to favor the croupiers.

Blackjack calculator

If punters still don’t know how to act in a game of 21 and can’t keep their eye on a chart or a sheet, they can browse the web for 21 calculators. These tools have bettors provide information about the dealer’s upcard and their current hand.

The software then calculates punter chances using a basic strategy chart and probability data. Ultimately, a blackjack calculator provides bettors with the best statistically sound moves they can make in a game. People can use these tools for free and as often as they like.

Top Blackjack Tips That Work

Strategies and odds aside, some general things aspiring 21 experts can use to make their stay at the table more enjoyable. These blackjack tips concern not the game but the user’s attitude towards it.

Comprehend the basics Comprehend the basics

Following the general rules of blackjack and keeping an eye on both hands on the table will significantly improve their chances.

Manage the bankroll Manage the bankroll

Our experts recommend never wagering more than users can afford and limiting each bet to no more than 1-2% of their funds to avoid risks.

Be careful with insurance Be careful with insurance

Statistically, such bets only gradually reduce player bankroll, so it’s better to stick with available cards.

Practice with small bets Practice with small bets

This allows inexperienced punters to get comfortable with the flow of 21 games, grow their skillset, and identify any mistakes.

Stay positive Stay positive

No matter what happens, individuals should have a positive outlook on this game and not let negative emotions dictate how they play.

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How to Win at Blackjack

In general, to achieve victories in this game, people should be aware of what’s going on on the table and keep a cool head even amid a losing streak. We strongly advise them to practice playing blackjack online in demo versions. It’s a universal rule that applies to all types of pokie games users can find at many popular Aussie houses.

FAQ

What's the best blackjack strategy?

The basic strategy is the most popular among experienced punters and experts. It offers math-based solutions for all hand combinations. This strategy theoretically reduces the house edge to as little as 0.5%.

Do blackjack cheat sheets work?

Yes, these tools work and are highly effective for all player categories. They provide optimal moves for all hands and scenarios, making punter decisions more sound. Neither land-based nor online houses consider them to be cheating.

What are the winning odds at blackjack?

In this game, users have a 42% winning chance, while the croupiers have around 49%. About 9% of hands are pushes or ties, which return the whole bet to players. However, people can improve their odds with a basic strategy.

Dmytro Sipko photo
Dmytro Sipko Head iGaming Expert
I have over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. At Pokiesworld, I handle in-depth analysis of brands and bonus promotions.