Blackjack Bet Spread Calculator: Optimize Your Advantage

Card counting only works if you vary your bets with the count. Our calculator shows optimal bet spreads that maximize advantage while managing risk and avoiding casino heat.

What Is a Bet Spread?

A bet spread is the ratio between your minimum and maximum bets. Card counters bet more when the count is high (advantage) and less when it's low (disadvantage).

Quick Answer: A 1-8 spread means betting 1 unit at negative counts and up to 8 units at high positive counts. With a $25 minimum, you'd bet $25 to $200. Larger spreads increase profit but also detection risk and variance.

How to Use Our Bet Spread Calculator

Use the Blackjack Bet Spread Calculator →

Enter your parameters to see optimal betting levels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter Minimum Bet: Your base wager

2. Set Spread Ratio: 1-6, 1-8, 1-12, etc.

3. Input True Count Levels: Bet ramp by count

4. View Expected Value: Hourly expectation

5. Analyze Risk: Variance and detection probability

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Min Bet	Base unit	$25
Max Bet	Top of spread	$200
Spread Ratio	Min to max	1-8
TC Trigger	When to increase	TC +2
Hourly EV	Expected profit	$45/hr

Bet Spread Fundamentals

Why Spread Matters

At negative counts:

• Casino has advantage
• Bet minimum to limit losses
• Waiting for opportunity

At positive counts:

• Player has advantage
• Bet maximum to capitalize
• Where profit comes from

Flat betting with counting = No profit

Basic Spread Structure

True Count	Bet Multiple	$25 Unit
TC ≤ 0	1 unit	$25
TC +1	2 units	$50
TC +2	4 units	$100
TC +3	6 units	$150
TC +4+	8 units	$200

Calculating Optimal Spreads

Kelly Criterion for Spreads

Kelly betting optimizes bankroll growth:

Bet = (Edge / Variance) × Bankroll

For blackjack:

• Edge at TC +1: ~0.5%
• Edge at TC +3: ~1.5%
• Variance: ~1.1

Fractional Kelly (25-50%) recommended for safety.

Spread by Count System

Hi-Lo (TC +1 = ~0.5% edge):

True Count	Edge	Optimal Bet (Kelly)
+1	0.5%	0.45% of bankroll
+2	1.0%	0.91% of bankroll
+3	1.5%	1.36% of bankroll
+4	2.0%	1.82% of bankroll
+5	2.5%	2.27% of bankroll

Real-World Spread Examples

Example 1: Conservative Spread (1-4)

Bankroll: $5,000 Minimum bet: $25 Maximum bet: $100

True Count	Bet
≤ 0	$25
+1	$25
+2	$50
+3	$75
+4+	$100

Hourly EV: ~$15-20 Risk of Ruin: Very low Detection Risk: Low

Example 2: Standard Spread (1-8)

Bankroll: $10,000 Minimum bet: $25 Maximum bet: $200

True Count	Bet
≤ 0	$25
+1	$50
+2	$100
+3	$150
+4+	$200

Hourly EV: ~$35-45 Risk of Ruin: Low Detection Risk: Moderate

Example 3: Aggressive Spread (1-12)

Bankroll: $20,000 Minimum bet: $25 Maximum bet: $300

True Count	Bet
≤ 0	$25
+1	$50
+2	$100
+3	$175
+4	$250
+5+	$300

Hourly EV: ~$50-65 Risk of Ruin: Moderate Detection Risk: High

Managing Detection Risk

Spread Camouflage

Large spreads attract attention. Techniques to reduce heat:

1. Gradual changes: Don't jump from $25 to $200 instantly
2. Bet with wins: Increase after winning hands
3. Occasional wrong bets: Sometimes bet big at low counts
4. Table selection: Short sessions at multiple tables

Sustainable Spreads

Environment	Recommended Spread
High surveillance casino	1-4 or less
Average casino	1-6
Counter-friendly venue	1-8 to 1-12
Team play	1-20+ possible

Wonging (Back-Counting)

Enter tables only at positive counts:

• Stand behind tables, count
• Sit down at TC +2 or higher
• Leave when count goes negative

Effective spread: Infinite (only bet with advantage)

Bankroll Requirements

Bankroll for Different Spreads

Spread	Minimum Bankroll	Recommended
1-4	200 max bets	300+ max bets
1-8	300 max bets	500+ max bets
1-12	400 max bets	600+ max bets

$200 max bet with 1-8 spread needs $60,000-100,000 bankroll.

Risk of Ruin Calculation

Factors:

• Spread size
• Bankroll relative to max bet
• Rules/penetration quality
• Counting accuracy

Our calculator computes risk based on your specific parameters.

Common Bet Spread Mistakes

1. Spreading Too Wide, Too Fast

Problem: $25 to $500 at TC +4 Reality: Immediate casino attention Fix: Spread gradually, stay sustainable

2. Not Spreading Enough

Problem: 1-2 spread Reality: Can't overcome negative counts Fix: Need at least 1-4 to profit

3. Ignoring Bankroll Size

Problem: $200 max bet on $2,000 bankroll Reality: Risk of ruin is enormous Fix: 100+ max bets minimum

4. Telegraphing Counts

Problem: Bet $25... count cards visibly... bet $200 Reality: Obvious counting behavior Fix: Natural betting patterns

5. Playing Through Negative Shoes

Problem: Staying at tables with TC -3 Reality: Losing your advantage Fix: Leave or Wong out

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bet spread?

1-8 is standard for solo counters balancing profit and longevity. Adjust based on your bankroll and casino environment.

How much bankroll do I need?

General rule: 200-500× your maximum bet. For $200 max bets, $40,000-100,000 bankroll.

Will casinos back me off with a 1-8 spread?

Possibly, especially at aggressive venues. Camouflage and table hopping help.

Should I bet more at higher counts?

Yes, but the relationship isn't linear. Edge increases ~0.5% per true count. Bet accordingly.

What about negative counts?

Bet minimum or leave the table. Never spread into negative counts.

How do I practice bet spreading?

Drill at home with simulator software. Bet sizing must be automatic, not calculated at the table.

Advanced Spread Concepts

Cover Plays

Deliberately sub-optimal bets for camouflage:

• Occasionally bet big after losses at low counts
• Sometimes stay at minimum on +2
• Don't always max bet at +5

Cost: Small reduction in EV Benefit: Extended playing time

True Count Theorem

Bet increases should be proportional to edge:

True Count	Approx Edge	Bet Multiple
+2	1%	2-3 units
+4	2%	4-6 units
+6	3%	6-9 units

Betting Efficiency

Different count systems have different betting efficiencies:

• Hi-Lo: 97% betting correlation
• KO: 98% betting correlation
• Hi-Opt II: 99% betting correlation

Higher efficiency = more accurate bet sizing.

Calculating Hourly EV

Formula

Hourly EV = Hands/Hour × Average Bet × Edge

Example:

• 100 hands/hour
• Average bet: $75 (considering count distribution)
• Average edge: 0.8%
• Hourly EV: 100 × $75 × 0.008 = $60

Realistic Expectations

Spread	Hourly Hands	Avg Bet	Edge	Hourly EV
1-4	80	$40	0.5%	$16
1-8	80	$60	0.8%	$38
1-12	80	$80	1.0%	$64

Pro Tips for Bet Spreading

• Start conservative: Build experience before spreading wide

• Know your bankroll: Never spread beyond what you can withstand

• Practice bet sizing: Automatic responses, no hesitation

• Vary patterns: Don't be a robot

• Accept short-term losses: Variance is real

Related Blackjack Calculators

• Blackjack Card Counting Calculator - Count tracking
• Blackjack House Edge Calculator - Rule impacts
• Blackjack Basic Strategy Calculator - Optimal plays
• Kelly Criterion Calculator - Bet sizing math
• Blackjack Bankroll Calculator - Session planning

Conclusion

Bet spreading transforms card counting from an academic exercise into actual profit. Our calculator optimizes your spread based on bankroll, risk tolerance, and casino conditions. The math is straightforward—the discipline is the hard part.

Calculate Your Optimal Bet Spread Now →

Master bet spreading, and you unlock blackjack's profit potential. Start conservative, understand variance, and let the math work over time.