"Basic strategy" in Blackjack refers to a set of optimal playing decisions based on the player's hand and the dealer's upcard. It’s a mathematically derived strategy that minimizes the house edge and maximizes the player's chances of winning. Basic strategy tells players when to hit, stand, double down, split, or sometimes surrender, based on the probability of the outcome. By following this strategy, players make the best decision for every possible hand combination, reducing the house edge to around 0.5%. Basic strategy does not take into account card counting or other advanced techniques, making it accessible for all players.