Get instant optimal play recommendations for any blackjack hand combination
When you have Pair of 3s and the dealer shows 5, the mathematically optimal play according to basic strategy is to split. This means you should split your pair into two separate hands.
Splitting creates two hands that each have better expected values than playing the pair together. Against dealer 5, splitting gives you the best mathematical expectation.
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.