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Sometimes the best way to view information is graphically, through charts and graphs. When
the expectation tables are saved in the Strategy Analyzer, instant thumbnail sketches can
be generated showing the expected return as a function of either true or running count, for
many strategy options (hit, stand, double, split, insure). The three examples shown on this page are
for a six deck shoe, standard strip rules. The complete details on the game simulated are
contained in the main strategy report (link shown below). The same information as shown in the
examples is generated every time the Strategy Analyzer is run, for every possible player hand
versus every dealer up-card.
Sample: Main Strategy Report .
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The plot shown to the left is for a hard 16 versus a dealer 10-up. Blue is the expected
return (EV) for hitting (drawing another card), while red is the EV for standing. The
count at which the curves cross is the "index number," where the player should change strategy
from hitting to standing. The plot shows that the EV is higher for lower counts, losing 40 cents
on the dollar at a count of -10 (as compared to about 55 cents on the dollar at a count
of +10).
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Why is hard 11 such a good hand? Even when facing a dealer 10-up, hard 11 is generally
profitable over a large count range. The figure to the right shows the difference in hitting (blue)
versus doubling (green).
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Yes, sometimes splitting tens is actually the right play! This plot shows the EV associated
with splitting (purple) versus standing on (red) a hard-20 composed of two ten-valued cards, when the
dealer shows a 6 as up-card.
While generally not the best play, splitting the tens has a sharper slope, and produces
large gains at high positive counts.
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