Blackjack Calculator

Make optimal decisions on every hand with our advanced blackjack strategy calculator. Get the best odds by knowing exactly when to hit, stand, double, or split.

Blackjack Strategy Calculator

Dealer’s Card

Your First Card

Ace value:

Your Second Card

Ace value:

Surrender Allowed

Dealer Action on Soft 17

Basic Strategy Chart

This comprehensive strategy chart shows the mathematically optimal decision for every possible hand combination in blackjack. The strategy is based on computer simulations of millions of hands and represents the best long-term approach to minimise the house edge.

Hard Totals Strategy

Player Hand	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	A
17-21	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	SU	SU	SU
15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	SU	H
13-14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
11	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	H
10	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	H	H
9	H	Dh	Dh	Dh	Dh	H	H	H	H	H
5-8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H

Key: S = Stand, H = Hit, Dh = Double (if not allowed, then hit), SU = Surrender (if not allowed, then hit)

How to Use the Calculator

Select Cards

Choose the dealer’s visible card and your two cards. If you have an Ace, you’ll need to specify whether it counts as 1 or 11 in your hand.

Set Game Rules

Configure whether surrender is allowed and how the dealer plays soft 17. These rules affect the optimal strategy recommendations.

Get Recommendation

Click calculate to receive the mathematically optimal decision based on basic strategy. Follow this advice to minimise the house edge.

Apply Strategy

The calculator shows the best statistical choice, but remember that blackjack involves chance. No strategy guarantees wins on individual hands.

Blackjack Strategy Fundamentals

Card Values and Hand Calculation

In blackjack, cards have specific values that determine your hand total. Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value, whilst face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are all worth 10 points. Aces are unique as they can count as either 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand more. A “soft” hand contains an Ace counted as 11, whilst a “hard” hand either has no Aces or counts all Aces as 1.

Basic Strategy Principles

Basic strategy represents the mathematically correct decision for every possible hand combination. It’s derived from computer analysis of millions of hands and provides the best long-term results. The strategy considers your hand total, the dealer’s upcard, and specific game rules to recommend whether you should hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender.

House Edge and Odds

When played with perfect basic strategy, blackjack offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino, typically between 0.4% and 0.6%. However, deviating from basic strategy can increase the house edge significantly. Each decision you make affects your long-term expected value, which is why following the calculator’s recommendations is crucial for optimal play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using a blackjack calculator legal?

Yes, using strategy charts and calculators is perfectly legal in casinos. However, electronic devices are typically prohibited at gaming tables, so you should memorise basic strategy before playing live.

Will this calculator guarantee wins?

No calculator can guarantee wins in blackjack, as the game involves randomness and luck. However, following basic strategy minimises the house edge and gives you the best possible odds over time.

How does card counting relate to basic strategy?

Basic strategy assumes a neutral deck composition, whilst card counting adjusts decisions based on the remaining cards. Basic strategy is the foundation – card counting builds upon it by modifying decisions when the deck composition favours the player.

Should I always follow the calculator’s advice?

Yes, you should follow basic strategy recommendations consistently. The strategy is mathematically proven to provide the best long-term results. Deviating based on “hunches” or patterns increases the house edge against you.

What’s the difference between hard and soft hands?

A hard hand contains no Aces or counts Aces as 1, whilst a soft hand contains an Ace counted as 11. Soft hands are generally played more aggressively because you cannot bust by taking another card – the Ace can always revert to counting as 1.