drsamurai
After playing Blackjack Switch recently at our local casino, I decided to check out the wizard's pages to see what the odds are. For the purpose of this post, I am figuring a standard blackjack game that pays the true 3:2 on a natural, while Switch only pays 1:1 on a natural.
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?
Blackjack Switch Odds
Switch
Blackjack Switch is another game in this family of card games that comes with a very fair house edge, usually clocking in at around 0.6%. It is also a strategically complex game, one that allows you to make tough decisions in interesting spots on a pretty frequent basis. Blackjack Switch is the variation, where you can really trade the cards between the hands. But you are paid even money for Blackjack. Blackjack Switch - Switching the House Edge into Your Odds.
Your 'Switch' calculations are accurate IMO - unusual for a casino to offer the 'Blackjacks instant win' rule but it was one of the versions that was offered.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
mrclean
Odds aside, I really enjoy playing Blackjack Switch and I'm surprised it isn't offered more. The closest casino that offers it to me is a 4+ hour drive so I rarely get to play.
Your 'Switch' calculations are accurate IMO - unusual for a casino to offer the 'Blackjacks instant win' rule but it was one of the versions that was offered.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
mrclean
Odds aside, I really enjoy playing Blackjack Switch and I'm surprised it isn't offered more. The closest casino that offers it to me is a 4+ hour drive so I rarely get to play.
Blackjack Switch Strategy
rainman
Odds Of Winning At Blackjack
I tried to play it up here in WA at the Tulalip a weekend or so ago but the table was full.
