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 cards

Your 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

HandDealerBasicCompositionEV Gain
T-610HitStand0.3%
9-34StandHit0.2%
7-54StandHit0.1%
T-23HitStand0.2%
T-22HitStand0.1%
9-7ASurrenderHit*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.