Reason #2 why the Wizard likes Bovada:

No-hassle practice games

Most online casinos spend more effort trying to separate you from your money than they do trying to give you a good experience. They have all kinds of popup windows, they usually make you download their software, and if they do offer play-in-browser games then you have to register an account before you can play. And if you register they start sending you emails trying to get you to deposit real money.

But Bovada is different. They have no popup windows at all, and their practice games play right in your browser, with no download, and no registration required. You don’t even have to give up your email address. It couldn’t be simpler: just one click and you’re playing the game.

I wish all online casinos showed this much respect for their players. Other casinos practically ask for your first born child to play for free. Meanwhile Bovada is patient and does not twist anybody’s arm to play for real money. You can play as long as you like for free with no obligation. The real-money games are available if that’s your preference, but if not, you can play the free practice games for as long as you like without hassle.

Visit Bovada

Blackjack Calculator

Enter any set of blackjack rules from the options below. The house edge under proper basic strategy for these rules is indicated in the box below.

Number of decks of cards used: 1 2 4 5 6 8
Dealer hits or stands on a soft 17: Stands Hits
Player can double after a split: No Yes
Player can double on: Any first two cards 9-11 only 10-11 only
Player can resplit to: 2 3 4 hands
Player can resplit aces: No Yes
Player can hit split aces: No Yes
Player loses only original bet against dealer BJ: No Yes
Late surrender allowed: No Yes
Blackjack pays: 3 to 2 6 to 5

Optimal results:

Realistic results:


Methodology: The "optimal results" are based on perfect composition dependent strategy and the dealer shuffling after every hand, which benefits the player. The "realistic results" are based on total dependent basic strategy, like the tables on this site, and the use of a cut card, which favors the dealer.


For the correct basic strategy for any common set of rules, please see my blackjack basic strategy calculator.