1. What is Expected Value in Blackjack?

Expected Value (EV) in blackjack represents the average amount a player can expect to win or lose per bet when making the same wager repeatedly. A positive EV indicates a long-term profit, while negative EV indicates a loss.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Expected Value formula:

Where:

• \( Bet \) — The amount wagered in dollars
• \( Advantage \) — The player's edge as a percentage or decimal (e.g., 2% or 0.02)

Explanation: The equation multiplies the bet size by the player's advantage to determine the expected profit per hand.

3. Importance of EV Calculation

Details: Calculating EV helps professional blackjack players evaluate betting strategies, manage bankrolls, and determine optimal bet sizes based on count situations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your bet amount in dollars and your advantage either as a percentage (e.g., 2.5) or decimal (e.g., 0.025). The calculator will automatically interpret values greater than 1 as percentages.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good advantage in blackjack?
A: A 1-2% player advantage is excellent. Most card counters operate with a 0.5-1.5% edge over the house.

Q2: How does bet size affect EV?
A: EV increases linearly with bet size. Doubling your bet doubles your expected value when advantage remains constant.

Q3: What's the difference between EV and actual results?
A: EV represents long-term average. Short-term results can vary significantly due to variance.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for other casino games?
A: The basic EV formula applies to all games, but the advantage calculation differs for each game.

Q5: How do you get an advantage in blackjack?
A: Through card counting, shuffle tracking, or other advantage play techniques that shift the odds in the player's favor.