Get instant optimal play recommendations for any blackjack hand combination
When you have Pair of 5s and the dealer shows 3, the mathematically optimal play according to basic strategy is to double down. This means you should double your bet and take exactly one more card.
This pair totals 10, which is a strong doubling hand. Doubling rather than splitting maximizes your expected value here.
Select whether you have a hard hand (no Ace or Ace counted as 1), soft hand (Ace counted as 11), or a pair.
Click on the button that represents your hand total or card combination.
Select the dealer's visible card to complete the scenario.
Click "Get Recommendation" to see the optimal play, explanation, and expected value.
Get immediate optimal play recommendations for any hand combination.
Understand why each decision is optimal with mathematical reasoning.
See the mathematical expectation for each possible action.
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Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack. It's based on computer simulations of millions of hands and reduces the house edge to its minimum. This calculator implements perfect basic strategy for standard rules.