If you are new to Blackjack or consider yourself a beginner, we recommend reading our How to Play Blackjack article first!

Using our free Blackjack Trainer is simple and straightforward. You can press deal to begin immediately, or customize the options to mimic the version of blackjack that you would like to practice. The blackjack chart under “Help” will update depending on the options and rules of the game.

There are seven variables to tweak the Blackjack Trainer. To adjust these settings click the Options button:

1) Whether the Dealer hits or stands on soft 17:

• Dealer hits on soft 17 – worse for the player
• Dealer stands on soft 17 – better for the player

2) Are you allowed to double-down after splitting?

• Double allow after splitting – this is VERY important for the player and is typically the default for Vegas casinos.
• Double as first option only – you may only double down as your first play, not after splitting.

3) Is surrender allowed?

This is a rule that allows you to fold your hand immediately, prior to seeing the Dealer’s hole card, and sacrifice your hand to save half your bet.

• Allow surrender – surrender is typically allowed in 6 and 8 deck shoe games in Vegas. This is an excellent rule for players.
• No surrender – surrender is rarely allowed in single deck and double deck games.

4) How many decks are you playing?

• 8 decks – Vegas shoes are typically made up of 8 decks these days.
• 6 decks
• 4 decks
• 2 decks

5) How much does Blackjack pay?

Blackjack in a 6 deck or 8 deck shoe in Vegas typically pays 3:2, but there is a recent and disturbing trend for the big casinos to have blackjack tables that only pay 6:5 on tables with a shoe. The casinos are targeting casual players that are not aware of this difference. Be sure to find the tables that pay 3:2!

• Blackjack pays 3:2
• Blackjack pays 6:5 – this is typical for a double deck or single deck blackjack game.

6) Can you re-split your hands and if so, how many times?

You are always allowed to split your cards the first time, but if you are then dealt the same card again, can you split your cards again? In a shoe game, you are typically allowed to re-split up to 3 times.

• Re-split allowed (3)
• Re-split allowed (2)
• Re-split allowed (1)
• Re-split not allowed

7) Type of game you would like to practice.

• Hard mode – provides more difficult scenarios to test you.
• Splits only – play just splitting hands.
• Soft hands only – play just soft hands (hands with an ace).
• Random mode – purely random shuffle.

Once you’ve set up the table to your linking, the Blackjack Chart will update itself to show the optimum blackjack strategy to play. To view the chart, click the Help button. This will overlay the chart and show you the correct move for your last play.

Now click the Deal button to get started!

The point of this trainer is to play perfect blackjack strategy. You start with $1,000 of play money, but what’s more important is your playing accuracy. You’ll see that your moves will be tracked for your session providing you an accuracy rating. Your goal is to make the perfect strategic decision each time. You can start by consulting the blackjack chart to help you make the right decisions. But after a while, you should play without looking at the chart.

In the screen shot below, you can see that this player has made 24 correct moves and 1 incorrect move for an accuracy of 96%.

When using our Blackjack Trainer, pay close attention to this score, this is more important than your dollar balance. Random luck can sway your balance around, but as long as you are playing perfect blackjack strategy, you will give yourself the best chance of winning money long term!