What is the difference between total-dependent strategy and composition dependent strategy?

[Julio88]

In blackjack, the basic strategy is a set of plays that are considered optimal for any given situation at the blackjack table. There are two main types of basic strategies: total-dependent and composition-dependent.

Total-dependent basic strategy takes only the total value of the player's hand into account, while composition-dependent basic strategy takes into account not only the total, but also the specific cards that make up the hand.

Total-dependent basic strategy is simpler to learn and use, which makes it the more common basic strategy used by players. However, composition-dependent basic strategy can be more effective in certain situations, particularly when there is a high proportion of certain cards remaining in the deck.

Overall, the major difference between total-dependent and composition-dependent basic strategy in blackjack is that total-dependent basic strategy considers only the total value of a player's hand, while composition-dependent basic strategy takes into account the specific cards that make up the hand.

 

[CR7]

To elaborate further, total-dependent basic strategy is based solely on the value of the player's hand, regardless of the specific cards that make up that hand. This means that the strategy recommends the same play for any combination of cards that add up to the same value. For example, a player with a hand of 8-8 and a hand of 7-A would be recommended the same play (i.e. splitting) under total-dependent basic strategy because both hands add up to 16.

On the other hand, composition-dependent basic strategy takes into account the specific cards that make up the hand in addition to the total value. This means that the strategy recommends different plays based on the specific cards that the player holds. For example, a player with a hand of 8-8 vs. a dealer's 10 would be recommended to surrender under composition-dependent basic strategy, while a player with a hand of 7-A vs. a dealer's 10 would be recommended to hit under the same strategy.

While composition-dependent basic strategy can be more effective in certain situations, it can also be more difficult to learn and use because it requires a more detailed knowledge of the specific combinations of cards that are likely to appear in the deck.

In summary, the main difference between total-dependent and composition-dependent basic strategy in blackjack is that the former considers only the total value of a player's hand, while the latter takes into account the specific cards that make up the hand.

 

[swift]

I feel Total-dependent strategy is a basic strategy that is based on the player's total hand value, regardless of the specific cards in the player's hand. This strategy assumes that the player knows the dealer's up-card and advises the player on the best decision based on their own hand value.