Twenty-One Basic Strategy Guide
Welcome to PlayFortuneTime's comprehensive guide to mastering the fundamentals of twenty-one. Our easy-to-follow basic strategy will help you enhance your gameplay and maximize your enjoyment in our social arcade environment.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the strategy, it's crucial to understand the primary goal of twenty-one: to beat the dealer's hand without going over 21. Remember, in our social game room, you're playing for fun and the thrill of the game, not real currency.

The Basic Strategy Chart
The cornerstone of Twenty-One strategy is the basic strategy chart. This chart tells you the mathematically optimal play for every possible combination of your hand and the dealer's up card. Here's a simplified version to get you started:
Your Hand | Dealer's Up Card | Recommended Action |
---|---|---|
Hard 8 or less | Any | Hit |
Hard 9 | 3-6 | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
Hard 10-11 | Lower than your total | Double if allowed, otherwise Hit |
Hard 12-16 | 2-6 | Stand |
Hard 17 or more | Any | Stand |
Key Strategies to Remember
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 5s or 10s
- Double down on 11, unless the dealer has an Ace
- Always hit on soft 17 or lower
- Surrender 16 against dealer's 9, 10, or Ace if the option is available

Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to internalize these strategies is through practice. PlayFortuneTime offers daily free play opportunities, allowing you to hone your skills without any risk. Remember, our social playground is designed for entertainment, so focus on enjoying the game and improving your strategy.
Conclusion
Mastering Twenty-one basic strategy takes time and patience. As you play more at PlayFortuneTime, you'll find these decisions becoming second nature. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means, even in a social establishment setting. Enjoy the thrill of the game, the challenge of decision-making, and the fun of our daily entertainment offerings!
Pro Tip: Keep this guide handy while you play in our social game room. Over time, you'll memorize the basic strategy and enhance your gameplay experience!