.bj-calc-header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 25px; }
.bj-calc-header h2 { color: #1a5e20; margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 28px; }
.bj-calc-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 25px; }
.bj-calc-field { background: #fff; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; border: 1px solid #ccc; }
.bj-calc-field label { display: block; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 8px; color: #444; }
.bj-calc-field select { width: 100%; padding: 10px; border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid #bbb; font-size: 16px; background: #fff; }
.bj-calc-btn { width: 100%; padding: 15px; background: #1a5e20; color: white; border: none; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; transition: background 0.3s; }
.bj-calc-btn:hover { background: #2e7d32; }
#bj-result-box { margin-top: 25px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; display: none; }
.bj-action-hit { background: #ffcdd2; border: 2px solid #d32f2f; color: #b71c1c; }
.bj-action-stand { background: #c8e6c9; border: 2px solid #388e3c; color: #1b5e20; }
.bj-action-double { background: #bbdefb; border: 2px solid #1976d2; color: #0d47a1; }
.bj-action-split { background: #e1bee7; border: 2px solid #7b1fa2; color: #4a148c; }
.bj-result-title { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 5px; }
.bj-result-desc { font-size: 16px; }
.bj-article { margin-top: 40px; border-top: 1px solid #eee; pt: 20px; }
.bj-article h3 { color: #1a5e20; margin-top: 25px; }
.bj-article p { margin-bottom: 15px; }
.bj-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 15px 0; }
.bj-table th, .bj-table td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 10px; text-align: left; }
.bj-table th { background: #f2f2f2; }
@media (max-width: 600px) { .bj-calc-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }
How to Use the Blackjack Strategy Calculator
This calculator uses the "Basic Strategy" for Blackjack, which is a set of rules developed through statistical analysis to minimize the house edge. To use it, simply select your two cards and the dealer's visible card. The tool will instantly tell you the mathematically superior move: Hit, Stand, Double Down, or Split.
Basic Strategy Explained
In Blackjack, every hand has an "expected value." Basic strategy suggests the move that either maximizes your winnings or minimizes your losses over the long term. Here are the core concepts:
- Hard Hands: Hands without an Ace, or where an Ace must count as 1 to avoid busting.
- Soft Hands: Hands containing an Ace that can be counted as 11 without going over 21.
- Pairs: Two cards of the same numerical value, which can be "Split" into two separate hands.
| Scenario |
Recommended Action |
| Player has 8 or less |
Always Hit |
| Player has 11 |
Double Down (unless dealer has Ace) |
| Player has 17 or higher |
Always Stand |
| Pair of Aces or 8s |
Always Split |
| Dealer shows 4, 5, or 6 |
Stand on 12 or higher (Dealer is likely to bust) |
Real-World Example
Imagine you are dealt a 10 and a 6 (Hard 16). The dealer shows a 7. Many players are afraid to hit because they might bust. However, statistically, a 16 loses more often than not against a 7 if you stand. Our calculator will tell you to Hit. While you might bust, you have a better chance of winning the hand by hitting than by standing and hoping the dealer busts.
Why Following Strategy Matters
Playing by "gut feeling" typically gives the casino a 2% to 5% advantage. By strictly following basic strategy using a calculator like this, you can reduce the house edge to roughly 0.5% (depending on the specific table rules). This makes Blackjack one of the most fair games in the casino for the player.
function calculateBlackjackStrategy() {
var c1 = parseInt(document.getElementById('playerCard1').value);
var c2 = parseInt(document.getElementById('playerCard2').value);
var dc = parseInt(document.getElementById('dealerUpcard').value);
var resultBox = document.getElementById('bj-result-box');
var resultTitle = document.getElementById('bj-result-title');
var resultDesc = document.getElementById('bj-result-desc');
var action = "";
var desc = "";
var actionClass = "";
var total = c1 + c2;
var isPair = (c1 === c2);
var isSoft = (c1 === 11 || c2 === 11) && total = 2 && dc = 2 && dc = 2 && dc = 2 && dc = 2 && dc = 8) {
action = "STAND";
} else if (otherCard === 7) {
if (dc >= 3 && dc = 3 && dc = 4 && dc = 17) {
action = "STAND";
} else if (total >= 13 && total = 2 && dc = 4 && dc = 2 && dc = 3 && dc <= 6) action = "DOUBLE"; else action = "HIT";
} else {
action = "HIT";
}
}
// UI Styling
if (action === "HIT") {
actionClass = "bj-action-hit";
if (desc === "") desc = "Your total is low or the dealer has a strong card. Take another card.";
} else if (action === "STAND") {
actionClass = "bj-action-stand";
if (desc === "") desc = "Your hand is strong enough or the dealer is likely to bust.";
} else if (action === "DOUBLE") {
actionClass = "bj-action-double";
if (desc === "") desc = "You have a strong advantage. Double your bet and take exactly one more card.";
} else if (action === "SPLIT") {
actionClass = "bj-action-split";
if (desc === "") desc = "Split these into two separate hands to maximize your odds.";
}
resultBox.className = actionClass;
resultBox.style.display = "block";
resultTitle.innerHTML = action;
resultDesc.innerHTML = desc;
}