Basic Strategy / 9 min
Basic Strategy
Learn how a basic strategy chart turns player totals and dealer upcards into a repeatable decision system.
Read rows and columns
A strategy chart starts with your hand type, then compares it against the dealer upcard. Hard totals, soft totals, and pairs each have their own logic.
Weak vs strong dealer cards
Dealer 2 through 6 are pressure points for the dealer. Dealer 7 through ace usually pressure the player to improve weak totals.
Use the chart as training wheels
The goal is not to stare at a chart forever. Use it to understand patterns, then drill the most common decisions until they become automatic.
Before you continue
Find hard 16 vs 10
Find soft 18 vs 3
Explain why 8s split
Checkpoint
Answer both to finish the lesson.
What does a basic strategy chart compare?
How should beginners use the chart?
Lesson state
In progress
Complete the checkpoint to unlock lesson completion.