Blackjack basics
Common blackjack mistakes beginners make
The most common mistakes are taking insurance, standing on soft 17, splitting 10s, not splitting 8s, not doubling 11, and standing on 12 to 16 against a 7 or higher.
These answers are for a 6 deck game where the dealer stands on soft 17, blackjack pays 3 to 2, and you can double on any two cards, including after a split.
Why
Most of these come from playing the feeling instead of the hand. Splitting 10s feels bold, and standing on 16 against a 10 feels safe, but both cost money over time.
Each mistake below has a page of its own with the reason.
The play against every dealer card
| Mistake | Right play |
|---|---|
| Taking insurance | Decline it every time |
| Standing on soft 17 | Hit, or double against 3 to 6 |
| Splitting 10s | Stand on 20 |
| Not splitting 8s | Split them against every card |
| Hitting 11 instead of doubling | Double against 2 to 10 |
| Standing on 16 against a 10 | Hit |
Questions players ask
- What is the biggest blackjack mistake?
- Taking insurance is the most common one. Decline it every time.
Related answers
- Does blackjack basic strategy work?
- Should I take insurance in blackjack?
- Soft 17 strategy: should I hit soft 17?
- Is it ever right to split 10s?
- Should I split 8s?
- Should I double down on 11?
- Should I hit 16 against a 10?
- Blackjack basic strategy chart
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