Basic Strategy Calculator
Get instant optimal play recommendations for any blackjack hand combination
What should I do with Soft 19 (A,8) vs Dealer 6?
Optimal Play: Double Down
When you have Soft 19 (A,8) and the dealer shows 6, 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. If doubling is not allowed on this hand, stand instead.
Why Double Down?
The combination of a flexible Ace and a weak dealer card creates a profitable doubling opportunity. You can't bust, and the dealer is likely to end up with a poor total.
Expected Value
Doubling down provides the best expected return by capitalizing on a favorable situation. You get twice the money in play when you have an advantage.
Alternative Actions
Alternative actions for this hand against other dealer cards include: Stand. However, against a 6, double down is optimal.
How to Use the Basic Strategy Calculator
Choose Hand Type
Select whether you have a hard hand (no Ace or Ace counted as 1), soft hand (Ace counted as 11), or a pair.
Select Your Hand
Click on the button that represents your hand total or card combination.
Choose Dealer's Upcard
Select the dealer's visible card to complete the scenario.
Get Recommendation
Click "Get Recommendation" to see the optimal play, explanation, and expected value.
Calculator Features
Instant Results
Get immediate optimal play recommendations for any hand combination.
Detailed Explanations
Understand why each decision is optimal with mathematical reasoning.
Expected Value
See the mathematical expectation for each possible action.
Mobile Optimized
Works perfectly on all devices with touch-friendly interface.
Basic Strategy Fundamentals
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: 6 decks, dealer hits soft 17, double on any two cards, double after split allowed, late surrender. See the full basic strategy chart or learn the reasoning in the basic strategy guide.
Action Abbreviations
- H Hit
- Take another card
- S Stand
- Keep your current hand
- D Double
- Double your bet and take one card
- P Split
- Separate pairs into two hands
- R Surrender
- Forfeit half your bet