Blackjack Strategy (USA) — S17/H17 Charts, DAS Rules & Pro Tips

Use the correct basic strategy for your table rules. Toggle S17/H17 and DAS, then follow the Hard/Soft/Pair charts. Includes side-bet house edges, bankroll guidance, and FAQs — updated regularly.

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Updated November 2024 • Expert-reviewed

Know Your Rules: S17 vs H17, DAS & Decks

Rule Priorities (Best → Worst)

  • S17 (dealer stands on soft 17) is better than H17.
  • DAS (double after split) is better than no DAS.
  • 3:2 blackjack payout beats 6:5 by a lot. Avoid 6:5 if possible.
  • Fewer decks are generally better, all else equal.

You must be physically located in a legal state (NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT, DE) to play at regulated US casinos.

How to Use the Charts

  1. Pick the tab that matches your table: S17 or H17 (assume DAS).
  2. Determine if your hand is Hard, Soft, or a Pair.
  3. Find the dealer upcard column and follow the action.
H = Hit S = Stand D = Double Ds = Double else Stand P = Split

Blackjack Basic Strategy Charts

Hard Totals (S17)

Player2345678910A
5 HHHHHHHHHH
6 HHHHHHHHHH
7 HHHHHHHHHH
8 HHHHHHHHHH
9 HDDDDHHHHH
10 DDDDDDDDHH
11 DDDDDDDDDD
12 HHSSSHHHHH
13 SSSSSHHHHH
14 SSSSSHHHHH
15 SSSSSHHHHH
16 SSSSSHHHHH
17 SSSSSSSSSS

Soft Totals (S17)

Player2345678910A
A,2 HHHDDHHHHH
A,3 HHHDDHHHHH
A,4 HHDDDHHHHH
A,5 HHDDDHHHHH
A,6 HDDDDHHHHH
A,7 SDDDDSSHHH
A,8 SSSSSSSSSS
A,9 SSSSSSSSSS

Pairs (S17)

Player2345678910A
A,A PPPPPPPPPP
10,10 SSSSSSSSSS
9,9 PPPPPSPPSS
8,8 PPPPPPPPPP
7,7 PPPPPPHHHH
6,6 PPPPPHHHHH
5,5 DDDDDDDDHH
4,4 HHHPPHHHHH
3,3 PPPPPPHHHH
2,2 PPPPPPHHHH

Notes: Charts assume 6 decks, dealer peeks for blackjack, double on any 2 cards, double after split (DAS), resplit to 4 hands (Aces once), late surrender not shown.

Side Bets & Bankroll

Common Side Bets (Approx. House Edge)

Side BetHouse Edge
21+3 (suited/straight combos)3.2%–10%
Perfect Pairs4%–13%
Bust It / Bust Bonus6%–10%
Insurance (vs Ace)~7.5% (without count)

Edges vary by paytable. If maximizing RTP is your goal, avoid side bets.

Quick Bankroll Sizing

Suggested Base Unit: $10.00 (with $1,000 bank at 1%)

Plan for 100–200 hands per session. Raise stakes only with sustained results.

More to Explore

Online Blackjack Guide → Live Dealer Casinos → Fast Payout Casinos →

Blackjack Strategy — FAQ

Which blackjack rules are best for players?

Seek S17 (dealer stands on soft 17), DAS (double after split), and 3:2 blackjack payout. Fewer decks are generally better. Avoid 6:5 where possible.

How do I use the charts?

Find your hand row (Hard, Soft, or Pair) and match the dealer upcard column. Apply the action (Hit/Stand/Double/Split). Use the S17 or H17 tab that matches your table.

Are side bets worth it?

They are optional entertainment with a higher house edge than the main game. If your goal is the best odds, skip them.

Does card counting make blackjack profitable?

Counting requires perfect execution, proper bet spreads, and tolerant conditions. This guide focuses on basic strategy suitable for regulated US online tables.

What about bankroll?

Use units sized so a typical session is 100–200 hands. Example: $1,000 bankroll → $10–$15 base unit (1%–1.5%). Increase only after sustained results.