Blackjack
Simulation Lab
Monte Carlo engine • Hi-Lo strategy • Bankroll analysis
Standard Hi-Lo deviation indices. Values below set the minimum true count to trigger each play deviation.
Configure & Run
Set up your parameters and hit Run to see detailed results with equity curves, risk analysis, and TC distribution.
Methodology & Accuracy
Monte Carlo simulation using Fisher-Yates shuffled shoes. Implements complete basic strategy with expanded Hi-Lo TC deviations (Illustrious 18+). Supports splits (with DAS/RSA), H17/S17, early/late surrender, double restrictions, and variable BJ payouts. Risk of Ruin uses per-round variance (correctly handling splits) via the formula RoR = e-2μB/σ². TC calculated using exact or half-deck truncation models.
Training Center
Basic Strategy Drill
Speed Counting Drill
Cards will flash on screen. Count them using Hi-Lo, then enter the running count.
What's the Running Count?
You saw 26 cards in 0.0 seconds
Index Deviations (Illustrious 18)
When the true count reaches certain thresholds, basic strategy changes. These are the most valuable deviations.
Quick Reference
| Hand | Index | Play |
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Recent Mistakes
Beginner's Guide to Blackjack
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack (also called "21") is a card game where you play against the dealer, not other players. The goal: get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Go over 21 and you "bust"—instant loss, even if the dealer busts later. Tie with the dealer and it's a "push"—you get your bet back.
Card Values
- Number cards (2-10): Face value
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King): All worth 10
- Ace: Worth 1 or 11—whichever helps you more
Example: Ace + 7 = soft 18 (counting the Ace as 11). Draw a 10 and it becomes 18 (the Ace drops to 1 automatically to keep you from busting).
Hard vs Soft Hands
- Soft hand: Has an Ace counting as 11 (Ace-6 = soft 17)
- Hard hand: No Ace, or Ace must count as 1 (10-7 = hard 17)
Soft hands are safer because you can't bust on the next card. That's why strategy treats them differently.
How a Hand Works
- Place your bet in the betting circle
- Get dealt 2 cards face-up. Dealer gets 1 up, 1 down
- Blackjack? Ace + 10-value card = instant win at 3:2 (unless dealer ties)
- Make your play (hit, stand, double, split—see below)
- Dealer reveals their hidden card and plays by fixed rules (hit on 16 or less, stand on 17+)
- Compare hands. Higher total wins. Win = 1:1 payout
Your Options
HIT
Take another card. Keep hitting until you stand or bust.
When: Low totals like 12 or less.
STAND
Keep your hand and end your turn.
When: You're satisfied with your total (usually 17+).
DOUBLE DOWN
Double your bet, get exactly one more card, then stand automatically. High-risk, high-reward.
When: Strong position like 11 vs dealer's 6. Only available on your first two cards at most tables.
SPLIT
Got two cards of the same value? Split them into two hands, put down a second bet, and play each separately.
Always split: Aces and 8s.
Never split: 10s and 5s.
Everything else: Check the strategy chart.
Aces rule: When you split Aces, most casinos give you only one card per Ace. Getting a 10 on a split Ace = 21, not blackjack.
SURRENDER
Fold and lose half your bet. Rare option, usually only in bad spots like 16 vs 10. Skip this until you're more advanced.
INSURANCE
When dealer shows an Ace, you can bet that they have blackjack. Don't do it. It's a sucker bet with bad odds.
Common Terms
- Blackjack/Natural: Ace + 10-value on first two cards
- Bust: Over 21, you lose
- Push: Tie—no winner, bet returned
- Upcard: Dealer's visible card
- Hole card: Dealer's hidden card
- Shoe: Box holding multiple decks (usually 6 or 8)
- Penetration: How far through the shoe before reshuffling
- Third base: Last seat at the table
- First base: First seat
Casino Etiquette
Before Sitting
- Check the table limit sign ($10-$500, etc.)
- Place cash on the table for chips—don't hand it to the dealer
- Wait for a shuffle or ask if you can join mid-shoe
During Play
- Don't touch your bet once cards are out
- Use hand signals for decisions (cameras are watching):
- Hit: Tap or scratch the table
- Stand: Wave hand horizontally
- Double: Add chips next to your bet
- Split: Add chips and make a peace sign
- Don't touch the cards in shoe games (when dealt face-up)
- Keep drinks and phones off the table
- Play at a reasonable pace—other people are waiting
- Don't tell other players what to do
Tipping
Dealers work for tips. Either toss them a chip directly or make a bet "for the dealer" on the edge of your circle. Tip when leaving, after a hot streak, or if the dealer's been helpful.
First-Timer Tips
- Start small. $5-$10 tables while you're learning
- Learn basic strategy. It's not optional—use the charts on this site
- Bring a strategy card. Casinos allow them. Use it
- Set a loss limit before you sit down. Stick to it
- Skip side bets. They're designed to drain your bankroll
- Never take insurance. Bad math
- Practice here first. Get comfortable before risking real money
- Watch before playing. Stand behind a table and observe the flow
- Be friendly. Nobody likes an angry player
- Ignore table superstitions. Third base seat doesn't matter. Other players' choices don't affect your odds
House Edge
Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, but it still favors the house:
- With perfect strategy: ~0.5% house edge
- Playing poorly: 2-4% or worse
- Why house wins: You bust first. If you both bust, dealer wins
Bottom line: know basic strategy or you're throwing money away.
What to Do Next
- Hit the Play tab and practice a few hands
- Study the strategy charts on the right side of the Play screen
- Take the drills in the Learn tab until decisions become automatic
- Run simulations to see how strategy affects results
- Learn card counting once basic strategy is second nature
Take your time. Master the basics before moving on. Good luck.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is basic strategy and why does it matter?
Basic strategy is the mathematically optimal way to play every hand in blackjack based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. It was derived by running millions of computer simulations and reduces the house edge to roughly 0.5%. Without it, you're giving the casino 2–4% or more on every hand.
How does Hi-Lo card counting work?
Hi-Lo assigns values to cards: 2–6 = +1, 7–9 = 0, 10–Ace = −1. You keep a running count as cards are dealt. Divide the running count by the number of decks remaining to get the true count. A higher true count means more high cards remain, which favors the player.
What is the true count and why is it different from the running count?
The running count is the raw total of your Hi-Lo values. The true count adjusts for how many decks are left in the shoe. For example, a running count of +6 with 2 decks remaining gives a true count of +3. The true count is what actually tells you your edge and determines bet sizing.
What are the Illustrious 18 deviations?
The Illustrious 18 are the 18 most valuable plays where card counters deviate from basic strategy based on the true count. For example, basic strategy says hit 16 vs 10, but with a true count of 0 or higher, you should stand. These deviations account for roughly 80% of the gain from play deviations.
Should I take insurance?
For basic strategy players: never. Insurance is a side bet that the dealer has blackjack, and it has a house edge of about 7%. For card counters, insurance becomes profitable when the true count is +3 or higher, because enough 10-value cards remain to make the bet worthwhile.
What does the Monte Carlo simulator do?
The simulator runs thousands of blackjack hands using your chosen rules, bet spread, and counting strategy. It calculates your expected value (EV), risk of ruin (RoR), hourly win rate, and shows equity curves. Use it to test different bet ramps and bankroll sizes before risking real money.
What bet spread should I use?
A common starting spread is 1-8 (1 unit at low counts, up to 8 units at high counts). Conservative players use 1-4, aggressive players go 1-12 or higher. Your spread depends on your bankroll, risk tolerance, and how much heat you're willing to take from the casino. Use the simulator to find the right balance.
What is risk of ruin (RoR)?
Risk of ruin is the probability of losing your entire bankroll. Professional counters typically target a 5% or lower RoR. A bigger bankroll relative to your bet size means lower risk. The simulator calculates this using the formula RoR = e−2μB/σ², where μ is your edge per hand, B is your bankroll, and σ² is variance.
What is shoe penetration and why does it matter?
Penetration is how far into the shoe the dealer deals before reshuffling. Higher penetration (75%+) gives counters more opportunities to find favorable counts. At 50% penetration, the true count rarely gets high enough to be useful. Look for tables with 75% or better penetration.
What's the difference between H17 and S17?
S17 (Stand on soft 17): The dealer stands on all 17s, including soft 17 (Ace-6). This is better for the player. H17 (Hit soft 17): The dealer hits soft 17, which adds about 0.2% to the house edge. Always prefer S17 tables when available.
Is card counting illegal?
No. Card counting is not illegal anywhere in the United States or most other countries. It's simply using your brain. However, casinos are private property and can ask you to leave or refuse your play if they suspect you're counting. That's why bet spread camouflage and cover play matter.
How do I practice effectively with Blackjack 3000?
Start with basic strategy drills until you hit 95%+ accuracy. Then move to speed counting — aim to count down a 52-card deck in under 30 seconds. Next, practice Illustrious 18 deviations. Finally, play the trainer with counting enabled and run simulations to test your strategy. Consistency beats intensity — daily 10-minute sessions work better than occasional marathon sessions.
3:2 vs 6:5 blackjack — what's the difference?
A 3:2 blackjack pays $15 on a $10 bet. A 6:5 blackjack pays only $12. That difference adds roughly 1.4% to the house edge — more than tripling it. Never play 6:5 blackjack if a 3:2 table is available. The 6:5 rule alone makes most counting strategies unprofitable.
What is wonging (back-counting)?
Named after Stanford Wong, this technique involves standing behind a table and counting the shoe without playing. You only sit down and bet when the count is favorable (typically TC +1 or higher) and leave when it drops. This maximizes your edge but is harder to do in modern casinos where mid-shoe entry may be restricted.