How the trainer decides what is correct
The page does not read a chart. It calculates the average result of each action from first principles for a simple model: an endless shoe; the dealer stands on soft 17 and checks for a natural; doubling is allowed on any two cards and after a split; one split per hand; split aces get one card each; and no surrender. For every hand and dealer card it computes the average result per unit staked for hitting, standing, doubling and splitting, and marks the highest one as the best play.
Reading the feedback
- The table lists the average result of each action. A negative number is normal: blackjack always has a house edge.
- When the two best actions differ by less than 0.02 of a stake, the hand is marked as a close call: either choice costs almost nothing.
- Published charts for six or eight decks differ from this model in a few borderline hands, because a real shoe changes with the cards dealt.
Keyboard
Press H, S, D or P to answer, and Enter for the next hand.
What this does not do
Basic strategy is the action with the best average result in this model. It does not remove the house edge, does not change what a single hand will do, and does not make winning more likely over time. The numbers in the table are averages for hands where the dealer does not have a natural, and hands are dealt with realistic card frequencies. The trainer checks arithmetic and makes no promise about results. See basic strategy, explained for the reasoning.
If gambling stops feeling under control, see signs it is time to stop gambling.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the trainer disagree with my chart on some hands?
Charts are built for a stated number of decks and rules. This trainer uses an endless shoe, so a few borderline hands differ. The feedback shows how small the difference in average result is.
Does a correct answer mean the hand wins?
No. A correct answer is the action with the best average result. Single hands are random and can lose even when the play was right, and over many hands the house edge still leads to an average loss.
