Blackjack Practice Software

Practice Software for Blackjack Players

Blackjack Institute offered online practice software intended to help players work on two areas of blackjack play: basic strategy and true count and bet calculation. The programs appeared in pop-up windows. Users with a pop-up blocker might need to adjust their browser settings before opening the software.

The programs also required Java. If Java was not installed, users could be asked to download the appropriate plug-in before using the practice tools.

Basic Strategy Trainer

The free Basic Strategy Trainer focused on basic strategy, described as the mathematically correct way to play a hand against the dealer’s up card. Mastering basic strategy was presented as the essential first step toward becoming a quality blackjack player.

The trainer included an optional coaching feature. When this option was used, the software provided immediate feedback on whether the player’s decision followed basic strategy correctly. This made the program a practice tool for checking decisions as hands were played, rather than simply reviewing strategy in written form.

• Practice blackjack decisions against the dealer’s up card.
• Use an optional coaching setting.
• Receive immediate feedback on whether a play is correct according to basic strategy.
• Use the software as a free starting point for basic-strategy practice.

True Count and Bet Calculation Practice

A separate True Count/Bet Calculation practice program was proprietary and password protected. It was available to purchasers of the Blackjack: Winning Strategy Home Training Course. Access required the password supplied in the training manual.

Players were advised to review the True Count and Betting Strategy chapters of the training manual in order to get the most from this software. The program was therefore presented as a companion to the course materials, with the manual providing the related instruction and the software providing a place to practice true count and betting calculations.

• The program was password protected.
• It was provided for purchasers of the home training course.
• The required password was included in the training manual.
• The associated manual chapters covered true count and betting strategy.

Using the Practice Tools

The two programs served different purposes. The Basic Strategy Trainer addressed whether a player was making the correct basic-strategy decision against the dealer’s up card. The True Count/Bet Calculation program addressed practice with true count and bet calculation, using the course manual as its supporting reference.

Before opening either program, users needed to ensure that pop-up windows were permitted and that Java was available in their browser environment. The basic-strategy program was offered without charge, while the true count and bet calculation software was restricted to users with access to the Blackjack: Winning Strategy Home Training Course manual and its password.