Online Blackjack Strategies

When to Hit, Stand, Split, or Double Down

Every blackjack hand requires you to make one of four decisions: hit, stand, split, or double down. Understanding when to use each option is the foundation of successful play.

Your decision depends on two key factors: your hand total and the dealer’s visible card. The dealer’s up card tells you how strong their hand might become, which influences your strategy.

Hit or Stand Decisions

Hit means taking another card to improve your hand total. Stand means keeping your current total and ending your turn.

For hard totals, which are hands without an ace counting as 11, follow these core rules. Never stand when you have 11 or fewer because you can’t bust. Some of these hands should be doubled down, which is covered in a later section. Always stand on a hard 17 or higher because the risk of busting outweighs potential improvement.

The tricky decisions happen with totals between 12 and 16. Here’s when the dealer’s up card becomes crucial:

• Hit against strong dealer cards (7, 8, 9, 10, A): The dealer likely has a strong hand, so you need to improve
• Stand against weak dealer cards with 13, 14, 15, or 16 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6): Let the dealer risk busting first
• Hit 12 against a 2 or 3: This may seem like the wrong play, but the math supports it

Soft hands with an ace counting as 11 offer more flexibility. You can hit them without busting because the ace can switch from 11 to 1 if needed. Some soft hands should be doubled, depending on the player’s starting hand and the dealer’s up card. 

When to Split Pairs

Splitting means turning one hand with a pair into two separate hands, each starting with one card from the original pair. You’ll need to place an additional bet equal to your original wager.

Some splits are automatic decisions regardless of the dealer’s card. Always split aces because starting two hands with an ace gives you excellent winning chances. Always split 8s because 16 is a terrible total, but two hands starting with 8 have much better potential.

Never split these pairs:

• 10s or face cards: A total of 20 is already excellent
• 5s: A total of 10 is perfect for doubling down or hitting

Other pairs depend on the dealer’s up card. This list is a handy guide for those hands for blackjack games using four or more decks:

• 2s and 3s: Always split against 4, 5, or 6, and split versus a 2 or 3 when doubling down after spitting is available
• 4s: Only split against 5 or 6 when doubling down after splitting is permitted
• 6s: Always split when the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6, and split against a 2 when doubling down after splitting is permitted
• 7s: Split against a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7
• 9s: Split, except when the dealer shows a 7, 10, or ace

Double Down Opportunities

Doubling down means doubling your bet in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. This move allows the player to maximize profit when they have a strong chance of winning.

The best doubling situations involve totals of 10 or 11. With 11, you should double against any dealer card because drawing a 10-value card gives you 21. With 10, double against dealer cards 2 through 9, avoiding only when the dealer shows 10 or an ace.

Soft doubling opportunities include hands like A-2 through A-7 against weak dealer cards. Never double down with soft 12, as splitting aces is always the correct play. Double down with the following soft hands against the listed dealer’s door card in games that use four or more decks:

• Soft 13 and 14: Double down against a dealer’s 5 or 6
• Soft 15 and 16: Double down versus a dealer’s 4, 5, or 6
• Soft 17: Double down when the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or 6
• Soft 18: Always double down against a 3, 4, 5, or 6, and versus a 2 when the dealer hits soft 17
• Soft 19: Double down against a 6 when the dealer hits soft 17, stand in all other situations

Which Betting Strategies Actually Work?

Betting strategies help you manage your bankroll and take advantage of winning streaks. While these systems do not change the rules of the game, they can help structure your wagering approach and manage your bankroll.

The key difference between betting systems is whether they increase bets after wins (positive progression) or after losses (negative progression). Each approach has distinct risk and reward profiles.

What Is the 1-3-2-6 System?

The 1-3-2-6 system is a positive progression that increases bets during winning streaks while limiting losses during cold runs. You follow a specific sequence of bet sizes based on consecutive wins.

Here’s how it works: Start with one unit as your base bet. If you win, your next bet becomes three units. Win again, and your third bet drops to two units. Win a third consecutive hand, and your fourth bet jumps to six units.

• First bet: 1 unit (if you lose, restart the sequence)
• Second bet: 3 units (after first win)
• Third bet: 2 units (after second consecutive win)
• Fourth bet: 6 units (after third consecutive win)

After completing the sequence or losing any bet, you return to one unit and start over. This system lets you ride winning streaks while keeping losses manageable during rough patches.

Flat Betting vs Progressive Systems

Flat betting means wagering the same amount on every hand regardless of previous results. This approach offers maximum stability and predictable bankroll management.

Progressive systems adjust bet sizes based on wins or losses. Positive progressions like 1-3-2-6 increase bets after wins, while negative progressions like Martingale increase bets after losses.

• Flat betting advantages: Simple to use, steady bankroll depletion, no risk of catastrophic losses
• Progressive system advantages: Potential for larger profits during streaks, more exciting gameplay
• Progressive system risks: Require larger bankrolls, can lead to significant losses during bad runs

Choose your approach based on your bankroll size and risk tolerance. Beginners often prefer flat betting for its simplicity and predictability.

Online Blackjack Strategy Tips

Online blackjack offers unique advantages for strategic play that you will not find in traditional casinos. Lower minimum bets make it easier to practice strategies without risking large amounts. Play money games are also available, meaning there is nothing at risk while you try different strategies and learn the game and software. 

Digital platforms also provide tools and features that can enhance your strategic approach. Understanding these differences helps you maximize your online blackjack experience.

Live Dealer vs Digital Games

Live dealer blackjack streams real dealers and physical cards to your device, creating an authentic casino atmosphere. Digital blackjack is a version of the game that uses virtual cards and automated dealing.

Both formats use the same basic strategy, but they offer different experiences. Live dealer games move at a more relaxed pace, giving you time to consult strategy charts or think through decisions. Digital games play faster and often include helpful features like strategy hints. However, players at heads-up digital blackjack can go at their own pace if they prefer a slower game. 

• Live dealer benefits: Real cards, social interaction, and an authentic casino feel
• Digital game benefits: Player controls speed, lower minimums, and practice modes available

Hard Rock Bet offers both options, letting you choose the format that matches your preferences and skill level. New players often start with digital games to build confidence before moving to live dealer tables.

Using Auto-Play Features Strategically

Some online blackjack games include auto-play features that make decisions for you based on basic strategy. These tools can help beginners learn correct plays while maintaining optimal strategy.

Set clear limits before using auto-play to protect your bankroll and maintain responsible gaming habits. Establish loss limits, win goals, and session time limits to maintain control over your gambling session. This is the most important blackjack strategy. 

Auto-play works best for practicing basic strategy or playing during times when you can’t give the game full attention. However, many players prefer manual control to stay engaged and make their own decisions. Controlling the game is often more fun than having the computer play it for you. The skill element is part of blackjack. 

Put Your Blackjack Strategy Into Action at Hard Rock Bet

You now have the foundation to play blackjack strategically and confidently. The key to improvement is consistent practice using the strategies outlined above.

Hard Rock Bet provides an ideal platform to develop your skills with over 3,000 casino games, including multiple blackjack variations. The mobile-friendly platform lets you keep strategy charts handy while you play, and the Unity Rewards Program adds extra value to your gaming sessions. Start with lower stakes to practice your strategy, then gradually increase your bets as your confidence grows.

FAQ about Blackjack Strategies

Below we’ve put together a few questions and answers about blackjack strategies.