What does the number next to each move mean?

Its expected value: what that move wins or loses on average per $100 bet, if you played this exact spot many times. The best move has the highest number, even when every number is negative.

Why does 16 against a 10 lose whatever I do?

The dealer will usually finish on 17 or more. Standing wins only when they bust (about 23%), and hitting busts you often. Hitting loses a little less; surrendering, where allowed, loses less again.

How are these numbers worked out?

Exactly, by working through every card that could come next, for you and the dealer, with an endless shoe. That matches published charts for 6 and 8 decks.

Free tool

Blackjack hand calculator.

Pick your two cards and the dealer's up-card. You'll see what each move wins or loses on average per $100 bet, and why the best one is best.

Your first card

Your second card

Dealer shows

You · hard 16

10♠

6♥

Dealer

10♦

Surrender−$50

Hit−$53.98

Stand−$54.04

Double−$107.97

Average result of each move per $100 bet

Surrender. You get half your bet back. Played out, 16 against a 10 loses about 54 chips for every 100 bet, more than the 50 you give up.

Table rules

Soft 17Double after splitSurrenderBlackjack pays

Numbers make more sense at a table.Play it at a coached table

Questions people ask

What does the number next to each move mean?: Its expected value: what that move wins or loses on average per $100 bet, if you played this exact spot many times. The best move has the highest number, even when every number is negative.
Why does 16 against a 10 lose whatever I do?: The dealer will usually finish on 17 or more. Standing wins only when they bust (about 23%), and hitting busts you often. Hitting loses a little less; surrendering, where allowed, loses less again.
How are these numbers worked out?: Exactly, by working through every card that could come next, for you and the dealer, with an endless shoe. That matches published charts for 6 and 8 decks.

More free tools

Basic strategy chartThe best move for every hand against every dealer card, for the rules at your table.Basic strategy quizHit, stand, double, split or surrender? Missed hands come back until you get them.Dealer bust oddsHow often the dealer busts, and where they end up, for every up-card.House edge calculatorHow the table rules change the odds, and what that costs per hour.Card counting trainerCount down a deck with Hi-Lo, against the clock, then check yourself.True count calculatorRunning count and decks left in, true count and bet size out.Daily handOne blackjack decision a day. See the maths, compare with everyone.

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