In professional blackjack, your bankroll is not just money—it is your inventory. Without it, you are out of business. The difference between a gambler and an Advantage Player (AP) is that the AP treats their bankroll with mathematical precision.
You should never guess how much money you need to sit at a table. Our Blackjack Bankroll Calculator solves the “Reverse Risk of Ruin” equation. Instead of telling you your risk based on your current cash, it tells you exactly how much capital you require to survive the inevitable variance of card counting and keep your risk of going broke below 1%.
Blackjack Bankroll Calc
How to Use the Blackjack Bankroll Calculator
This tool is designed for players using counting systems like Hi-Lo. It helps you balance the “Risk vs. Reward” equation. Here is how to configure it:
- Min Unit Size ($): Enter your minimum bet (usually your table minimum or waiting bet). All spread calculations are based on this unit.
- Speed (Hands/Hr):
- 100: Typical Heads-up play or very fast dealers.
- 60-80: Full table. Speed directly impacts your Hourly EV.
- Select Game / Spread: Choose a preset that matches your playing conditions.
- 6-Deck (Good Rules): Assumes a 1-12 bet spread.
- Aggressive: A massive 1-16 spread generates high EV but requires a significantly larger bankroll to handle the variance.
- Desired Risk of Ruin (RoR): This is your safety net.
- 1% (Standard): The industry standard for pros. You have a 99% chance of survival.
- 0.5% (Conservative): For players who cannot replenish their funds.
Related Tools: To optimize your bet sizing further based on your current edge, use our Kelly Criterion Calculator. If you need to convert casino odds into percentages, try the Odds Converter Tool.
Understanding the Metrics: N0 and Hourly EV
This calculator provides advanced metrics that go beyond simple wins and losses.
What is N0? (The “Long Run”)
N0 is the number of hands you must play for your accumulated Expected Value (EV) to equal one Standard Deviation (SD). In simpler terms, it is the point where your skill finally begins to statistically overpower luck. If your N0 is 200 hours, you could theoretically play for 199 hours and still be losing due to bad variance. A lower N0 is always better.
Real-World Example: The Cost of Aggression
Let’s compare two players using a $25 Unit:
- Player A (Conservative): Uses a small 1-8 Spread on a 6-Deck shoe.
- Required Bankroll: ~$30,000 for 1% RoR.
- Hourly EV: Low.
- Player B (Aggressive): Uses a 1-16 Spread on the same game.
- Required Bankroll: ~$50,000+ for 1% RoR.
- Result: Player B makes money much faster (higher Hourly EV), but the swings (variance) are violent. The calculator shows you exactly how much extra cash Player B needs to withstand those swings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an acceptable Risk of Ruin (RoR)?
For professional card counters, an RoR of 1% or less is recommended. If you treat blackjack as a business, you cannot accept a 5% or 10% chance of bankruptcy. Recreational players who can easily reload their bankroll from a job might accept 5% RoR.
Why does a better game require a smaller bankroll?
Better rules (like S17, DAS, LS) and deeper penetration increase your Win Rate (EV). When your EV is higher, you overcome the negative variance faster. This lowers your N0 and reduces the capital required to stay safe.
Does this calculator use the Kelly Criterion?
Yes, the underlying math is based on the Kelly Criterion. Specifically, a 13.5% Risk of Ruin corresponds to “Full Kelly” betting. A 1% Risk of Ruin is roughly equivalent to betting “Quarter Kelly,” which is the standard for risk-averse professionals.
What is C-SCORE?
While not explicitly shown as a raw number here, C-SCORE is a metric used to compare games. It essentially measures how quickly a game can double your bankroll. Our calculator displays this as “Time to 2x Bank” to make it easier to understand.