The strategy of Free Bet Blackjack is much more straightforward to memorize than the basic strategy of standard Blackjack, where the key takeaway is to accept all free doubles and free splits.
In this article, you will find a quick, straightforward introduction to basic strategy when playing Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack, together with three charts that tell you the optimal play.
Basic Free Bet Blackjack strategy
When you play Evolution Gaming's Free Bet Blackjack variant with eight decks, the house has a 1.55% edge over you. The optimal theoretical payout percentage based on the first-hand dealt from the dealer shoe is 98.45%. While these strategies can help improve decision-making, outcomes depend on chance and are not guaranteed to result in winnings. The stated house edge is based on ideal play and does not account for variations in outcomes due to luck or deviations from optimal strategy.
Tip: The optimal strategy of this variant is only achievable when you stay away from the Free Bet Blackjack side bets, as these lower the respective RTP range from 98.45% to between 94.12% and 95.90%.
The optimal strategy for playing Free Bet Blackjack is to apply regular basic blackjack strategy, except for free bets, as you should always accept every free double and free split opportunity.
Free Bet Blackjack strategy charts
We've made three charts you can use during play to make better decisions.
- a chart showing you what to do in real money hands
- a chart showing you what to do when playing free hands
- a chart listing all free splits, and free doubles
Note: The charts presented in this free bet blackjack strategy article assume that you are familiar with regular blackjack rules. These charts are tools that guide decisions based on probabilities but should not replace personal judgment during gameplay.
Chart showing how to play real money hands in Free Bet Blackjack
When to double:
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a Soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 and 18 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
When to hit:
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13 (except when the dealer shows a 3, 4, 5, or a 6).
- When on a hard 14/15/16 (except when the dealer shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or a 6).
- Always hit when on a soft 12-17 (except for when you double)
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 9, 10, or A.
When to stand:
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13 vs. dealer's 3-6.
- When on a hard 14/15/16 vs. dealers 2-6
- When on any hard 17 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 2-8 (except when doubling vs. 5 or 6).
- When on any soft 19 and above.
Chart showing how to play free hands in Free Bet Blackjack
When to double:
- Always accept a free double.
- Always double a soft 16 vs. dealer's 6.
- Always double a soft 17 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 18 vs. dealer's 4, 5, or 6.
- Always double a soft 19 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- Always double a soft 20 vs. dealer's 6.
When to hit:
- Always hit on a player 5-8
- When on a hard 12 (except when the dealer shows a 5 or a 6).
- When on a hard 13 and 14 (except when the dealer shows 3-6).
- When on a hard 15 and 16 (except when the dealer shows 2-6)
- When on a hard 17 (except when the dealer shows 2-6 or 10)
- When on a soft 12-17, except for when you're doubling.
- When on a soft 18, except when you're doubling versus dealer's 7.
When to stand:
- When on a hard 12 vs. dealer's 5 or 6.
- When on a hard 13-14 vs. dealer's 3-6.
- When on a hard 15-17 vs. dealer's 2-6.
- Stand on 17 vs. dealer's 10.
- Always stand on hard 18 and above.
- When on a soft 18 vs. dealer's 7.
- When on a soft 19 and above (except for when doubling).
Chart showing how to play split hands in Free Bet Blackjack
- Always opt for a free double when available.
- Always opt for a free split when available.
- Always stand on a pair of tens (10,10).
You can try demo play blackjack or head over to our online casinos section to play for real money. Gambling involves risk, and players should never wager more than they can afford to lose. For support, visit Responsible Gambling.