Blackjack Composition-Dependent Strategy
Find optimal blackjack plays based on the specific cards in your hand, not just the total. Discover when composition-dependent strategy differs from basic strategy.
Formula:
EV = Σ(Probability × Outcome) adjusted for removed cardsYour Hand
16
T-6
Basic Strategy
Hit
Composition Play
Hit
Your first card
Your second card
Dealer's visible card
Analysis
For this hand, basic strategy and composition-dependent strategy recommend the same play.
Key Composition-Dependent Deviations
| Hand | Dealer | Basic | Composition | EV Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-6 | 10 | Hit | Stand | 0.3% |
| 9-3 | 4 | Stand | Hit | 0.2% |
| 7-5 | 4 | Stand | Hit | 0.1% |
| T-2 | 3 | Hit | Stand | 0.2% |
| T-2 | 2 | Hit | Stand | 0.1% |
| 9-7 | A | Surrender | Hit* | 0.1% |
* Assuming surrender is not available
Why Card Composition Matters
The T-6 vs 10 Example: When you have T-6 against a dealer 10:
- Your 10 removes one ten from the deck
- This slightly reduces your chances of drawing another 10 (bust)
- It also slightly reduces the dealer's chances of having 20
- Net effect: standing becomes marginally better than hitting
Compare to 9-7 vs 10: No 10s removed, so the standard "hit" remains correct.
When to Use Composition Strategy
✓ Consider Using
- • You're a card counter
- • Playing single/double deck
- • You want maximum edge
- • You've memorized basic strategy
✗ Probably Skip
- • You're a casual player
- • Playing 6-8 deck shoes
- • Still learning basic strategy
- • The stress isn't worth 0.01%
Key Facts
- •Considers specific card composition, not just total
- •Most famous: T-6 vs 10 (stand instead of hit)
- •Provides ~0.01-0.02% improvement over basic strategy
- •12 vs 4 with small cards: composition says hit
- •12 vs 3 with T-2: composition says stand
- •Only affects a few specific hands
- •Mainly useful for serious advantage players
Frequently Asked Questions
What is composition-dependent strategy?
Composition-dependent strategy considers the specific cards in your hand, not just the total. For example, 16 made of T-6 plays differently than 16 made of 9-7, because removing a 10 from the deck changes the probabilities of hitting outcomes.
How much does composition-dependent strategy improve your odds?
Composition-dependent strategy provides a very small improvement - typically 0.01% to 0.02% reduction in house edge compared to basic strategy. It's mainly of interest to serious players and card counters who want to squeeze out every advantage.
What is the most famous composition-dependent play?
The most famous is T-6 vs dealer 10. Basic strategy says hit any 16 vs 10, but composition-dependent strategy says to stand specifically with T-6. The ten in your hand removes a high card from the deck, making hitting slightly worse.
Should I use composition-dependent strategy?
For most players, basic strategy is sufficient. Composition-dependent strategy is complex to memorize and provides minimal benefit. However, if you're a serious advantage player or card counter, knowing these deviations can add to your edge.
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
How this works
Calculations follow the published mathematics of the game — combinatorics for cards, probability theory for dice, and expected-value accounting for wagers. Results are verified against independent references (primarily Wizard of Odds). No calculation here is an opinion or recommendation; it is arithmetic applied to the rules of the game.
What this tool can’t do
When to consult a professional
This tool computes probability and expected value. It is not a betting system and cannot predict the outcome of any individual wager. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Sources
- [1]Wizard of Odds — Michael Shackleford, ASAIndustrywizardofodds.comAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Actuary; widely cited casino-game probability reference. Used for house-edge and EV verification.
- [2]National Council on Problem GamblingOfficial sourcencpgambling.orgAccessed Apr 21, 2026
Responsible-gambling guidance and 1-800-GAMBLER helpline.
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Your Hand
16
T-6
Basic Strategy
Hit
Composition Play
Hit