Blackjack is one of the few casino games where your decisions genuinely change the result. Using basic strategy, the mathematically best play for each hand, cuts the house edge to roughly 0.5% under typical rules, while guessing costs far more. This blackjack basic strategy Philippines cheat sheet gives you a simplified version you can use at live and RNG tables.
Blackjack is available in the lobby on Winspire. If you are new to the game, start with our Online Blackjackonline guide for the rules.
Hard Hands
| Your Hand | Dealer Shows 2 to 6 | Dealer Shows 7 to Ace |
|---|---|---|
| 8 or less | Hit | Hit |
| 9 | Double against 3 to 6, otherwise hit | Hit |
| 10 | Double | Double against 7 to 9, otherwise hit |
| 11 | Double | Double against 7 to 10, usually hit against Ace |
| 12 | Stand against 4 to 6, otherwise hit | Hit |
| 13 to 16 | Stand | Hit |
| 17 or more | Stand | Stand |
This chart is simplified. Exact plays vary slightly with the number of decks and the dealer rules at each table.
Soft Hands (Ace Counted as 11)
- Soft 17 or lower: hit, or double against a weak dealer card of 4 to 6.
- Soft 18: stand against 2, 7, and 8. Hit against 9, 10, and Ace.
- Soft 19 or higher: stand.
Pairs
- Always split Aces and 8s.
- Never split 10s or 5s.
- Split 2s, 3s, and 7s against a dealer 2 to 7.
- Split 6s against a dealer 2 to 6.
- Split 9s against a dealer 2 to 9, except 7.
Habits That Cost You Money
- Taking insurance. It is a poor bet over time.
- Side bets such as Perfect Pairs and 21+3. They carry a higher house edge than the main game.
- Playing on hunches or copying other players at the table.
- Raising stakes to chase losses.
Manage Your Bankroll
Even perfect basic strategy loses sometimes, because the house edge never reaches zero. Use flat bets, set a session budget, and cap your spending in advance. Our Deposit Limit guide shows how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does basic strategy guarantee I will win?
No. It gives you the best possible odds, but the house still keeps a small edge.
Is the strategy the same for live and RNG blackjack?
The core plays are the same. Check the rules shown at each table for small differences.
Should I memorize the whole chart?
Start with the simple rules: always split Aces and 8s, stand on 17 or more, and double on 10 and 11 against weak dealer cards.
Conclusion
Basic strategy will not make blackjack a guaranteed win, but it gives you the best odds the game offers. Learn the chart, keep stakes steady, and play within a budget. Players must be 21 or older.