The Strategy Editor
The Strategy Editor is the heart of StratPlay. It allows you to build completely custom playing heuristics using our visual builder.
The Default Strategy
When you sign up, you are given a Hi-Lo Professional strategy card. This acts as a highly optimized baseline. It includes standard Basic Strategy (always split 8s and Aces, double 11 vs anything but an Ace) but also comes pre-loaded with several famous True Count deviations (like the Illustrious 18).
Where the default falls down: The default strategy assumes a standard 6-deck game where the dealer hits on Soft 17. If you use this exact strategy on a 1-deck game where the dealer stands on Soft 17, your EV will drop because the mathematics of the game have shifted. The Strategy Editor allows you to tune these edges for specific casinos.
Understanding the Grid
The visual grid is broken into three distinct matrices:
- Hard Totals: Hands that do not contain an Ace, or contain an Ace that must be counted as a 1 to prevent busting (e.g., a 10 and a 7).
- Soft Totals: Hands containing an Ace that can be counted as an 11 without busting (e.g., an Ace and a 6 is a "Soft 17"). These hands are highly flexible and often present doubling opportunities.
- Pairs: Hands consisting of two cards of the identical rank (e.g., two 8s). This matrix dictates when you should split.
Painting the Grid
Select a tool from the top toolbar (Hit, Stand, Double, Split, Surrender). Once selected, click any cell on the grid to assign that action to that specific Player vs. Dealer scenario.
Pro Tip: Use the "Set Default" button at the end of a row to instantly paint the entire row with your selected tool.
Bet Spreading
An advantage player only has an edge when the shoe is rich in tens and aces (a high True Count). The Bet Spreader allows you to capitalize on this.
You can define rules like: If True Count >= 2, Bet Multiplier = 4. This means if your base bet is $10, the simulator will automatically wager $40 on that hand. The AI Oracle will analyze your spread and calculate your optimal Kelly Criterion fraction to help you avoid over-betting.
Card Counting Deviations
Basic strategy is statically calculated for a neutral shoe. Deviations are dynamic rules that override basic strategy when the math dictates it.
For example, basic strategy dictates you should Hit a 16 vs a Dealer 10. However, if the True Count is >= 0, the deck is rich in 10s, meaning you are highly likely to bust if you hit. You can add a deviation: Player 16 vs Dealer 10 | Count >= 0 | Action: Stand. The engine evaluates these deviations before looking at the grid.