The analysis leading to Basic Strategy calculates the expected return, R, for a large number of possible playing strategies and identifies the one that maximizes it. The hand values s and s’, at or above which Player should stand, are identified as well as the two-card values for which he should double down or split. Taken together, the values for standing, doubling, and splitting—for each Dealer
... [Show full abstract] upcard—constitute a set of parameters that specify each possible strategy. The family of all possible strategies numbers in the millions, although only one is maximal. Designate the family as π.