Single-player
video blackjack games are usually dealt from a
single electronic deck, which is reshuffled after
every hand. The advantage of a video blackjack
machine over a live game is the low minimum bankroll
requirement needed to play. The video machines
also lack the intimidation factor of the live
game, and one makes a dandy practice companion
for working on perfect basic strategy.
One of the benefits of a Game King machine is
that it permits late surrender, meaning that if
the dealer does not have blackjack, the player
may surrender half the bet after the first two
cards are dealt as an alternative to playing out
the hand. Single-deck basic strategy, which you
should use since the deck reshuffles after every
hand, recommends only surrendering on a hard 16
against a dealer's 10 or Ace.
Also, always play an even money amount because
machines that do pay 3 to 2 for blackjacks typically
do so only when an even sum has been wagered.
Don't short-change yourself out of the correct
payoff by betting an odd amount. Which leads me
the biggest disadvantage you'll find on a lot
of video blackjack machines. Never play on a machine
that offers even money for a blackjack.
Most casino video blackjack machines have altered
the payoffs for blackjacks and pay even money
on natural 21s instead of the true value of a
blackjack (3 for 2). The loss of that bonus is
going to cost you an additional 2.3 percent. Considering
that blackjack has a house advantage of less than
0.5 percent over a basic strategy player like
yourself, you would be giving away a considerable
amount percentage-wise. This one slight variation
can easily turn a winning visit into a losing
one.
Hopefully, Mike, you are taking full advantage
of those splits and double downs. Those, along
with 3 for 2 blackjacks can put the happy jingle
in your pocket. Do not shortchange yourself in
these situations. When your strategy card says
to double or split, do it.
Just as you would at a live blackjack game, make
sure that you get rated for your play. Always
use your Player's Card when playing video blackjack.
The added cash-back when using your Player's Card
can turn a session from red to black.
Finally, with any game that has a built-in advantage,
and video blackjack does, the more hands you play,
the more the machine will chip away at your bankroll.
Yet your speed (hands per hour) of play, alongside
your use of basic strategy shouldn't be much of
a factor.
If for instance, Mike, you are a quarter player
playing a buck a hand, a back-of-the-envelope
calculation of multiplying each bet ($1), by the
house edge if you play a strong basic strategy
game (0.5%), then multiplying that result by the
number of bets you will make in an hour (420),
tells me your estimated losses will be $2.10 every
60 minutes. Now that's some pretty cheap entertainment.
.
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Columns By Mark Pilarski
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