Blackjack Expected Values

Introduction

The following menu is specifically for tables detailing the expected value of every initial hand in blackjack. These values are determined based on 'composition dependency', meaning the optimal decisions were made considering the exact cards in the player's hand, rather than the total score alone.

Dealer Peeks at Hole Card

All figures in the tables below presume the dealer has already checked for blackjack while showing a ten or an ace, and that they are not holding one.

• 1 deck, dealer stands on soft 17
• 1 deck, dealer hits on soft 17
• 2 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 2 decks, dealer hits on soft 17
• 4 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 4 decks, dealer hits on soft 17
• 5 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 5 decks, dealer hits on soft 17
• 6 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 6 decks, dealer hits on soft 17
• 8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 8 decks, dealer hits on soft 17

No Hole Card — Players Forfeit All if the Dealer Achieves a Blackjack

All figures in the upcoming tables operate under the assumption that there is no hole card for the dealer. If the dealer draws a blackjack, players lose all their bets, including any placed on doubles and splits.

• 5 decks in play, dealer stands on soft 17 with no hole card involved.
• 5 decks in play, dealer chooses to hit on soft 17 without a hole card.
• 6 decks in play, dealer stands on soft 17 without a hole card present.
• 6 decks in play, dealer hits on soft 17, lacking a hole card.
• 8 decks, dealer stands on soft 17
• 8 decks in play, dealer hits on soft 17, without a hole card.

Alternative resources for comparable expected values:

• Blackjack Attack by Don Schlesinger
• Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong.

Written by: Michael Shackleford