The Test Strategy mode allows you to set different Blackjack strategies and see how much money can be made or lost. You tell the program how many computer players are to use the strategy and how many hands they are to play each before stopping. The number of hands can be used to approximate an amount of playing time, say 8 hours, or a weekend. There are two components to the Blackjack strategy being simulated: the betting system and the playing strategy.

Several betting systems can be simulated. The simplest is to bet the same amount every time. But, for more realistic play, an aggressive, moderate, and conservative style are also available. In these modes, the players will have a minimum base wager, but will double it a certain percentage of the time. Also, if they obtain a balance over a set threshold, the base wager is calculated as a percentage of the current balance. If the player’s balance goes below zero then a loan of $500 is extended. The particular base wagers and balance thresholds for each style can be seen or adjusted by selecting “Betting Styles” under the “Betting Strategies” menu. 

In addition, the wager amount can be determined based on the card count. If the true count, which is the card count divided by the number of decks left in the shoe, is favorable, then the wager is calculated by multiplying the unit bet by a number. With this method more will be wagered when the shoe is ten heavy and less when it is lean. Use the "Card Count" menu selection to examine and adjust these parameters.

Lastly, the wager can be increased if the player is experiencing a winning streak or decreased if the player is losing more hands than are being won. The program keeps track of the number of hands won by each player, if for instance the player wins 7 out of 10 then the next wager amount will be a multiplier times the last wager. If the multiplier is 2 then the wager will double each time the player wins 7 out of 10 hands. The method works similarly for a losing streak only a multiplier like 0.5 is used to reduce the wager. The definitions for these streaks are shown in the "Winning/Losing Streaks" menu option and various values can be tried.

The playing strategy determines which action will be taken for each possible hand value and dealer card. It says whether to draw, double down, stand, split a pair, or take insurance in each situation. After the Test Strategy dialog box is closed, the playing strategy for the players to use is presented. The default Basic strategy is shown to be modified as necessary. Then the simulation will start. Since only six players can sit at the table at one time so it may take several tables to complete all the players. 

While the simulation is running a graph of the players’ holdings is displayed. The “Show Results” menu will present summary results in a separate window and will be updated after each table finishes. The statistics for the biggest ending balance, smallest, and average ending amount are shown. Also, a histogram gives a visual representation of the likely outcomes. 

The “Show Tally” item under the “Options” menu will bring up statistical data about the Blackjack strategy being used. It is set to zero at the beginning of the run, and can be examined to learn whether a player’s hand and dealer’s up card combination makes money or loses money. It calculates the winning percentage for the actions tried, and suggests the best action.

To refer back to the strategy that is being tested, then select “Show Strategy” under the “Simulation” menu.