Rules that improve
blackjack conditions
26 May 2000
By Mark Pilarski
Dear Mark,
In Atlantic City we are forced to play on a shoe
(multiple-deck) game. How much of an edge am I
giving up to the casino? Dan M.
Compared to a single deck, a two-deck game
handicaps your play -0.35%, four decks, -0.48%,
six decks, -0.54% and eight decks -0.58%. As you
can see, Dan, it is always to your advantage to
play on a game that offers the fewest decks.
Also note, the house edge goes up substantially
when you go from one deck to two, but the change
is less dramatic as you add more decks.
So how much is this costing you in dollars and
cents? If you were to play 100 hands per hour at
$5 per hand, each -0.1% would cost you
approximately 50¢ per hour. Playing on a game
with two decks versus one will cost you $1.75
per hour, with each additional deck costing you
increasingly more.
Dear Mark,
Thank you for making me a smarter blackjack
player. I now carry my basic strategy card
whenever I play, progressively bet more when I'm
winning and always set loss limits and win
goals. Unfortunately, where I play, the casino
doesn't offer the best playing conditions for
players. What are the best rules to look for
when playing blackjack? Stephan H.
Smart blackjack players always play in a casino
that offers the best rules. To avoid hostile
playing conditions in blackjack, look for the
following combination of rules that are
favorable to the player:
a single deck game
surrender, both early and late
double down allowed on any two cards
double down allowed after splitting pairs
multiple pair splitting allowed, plus
resplitting aces
dealer stands on a soft 17
deep deck penetration
Because no two casinos are alike, Stephan, no
two blackjack games are created equal. The extra
effort you make finding the most favorable
playing conditions will be fiscally meritorious.
Dear Mark,
Of all the proposition bets on a crap game,
which wagers should the player avoid? Marty G.
This column forever examines the making of any
wager when good bets, with a lower casino
advantage, also exist. So my reply, Marty, is
ALL OF THEM!
Answering your question directly, the worst
proposition bet on a crap game is the "any 7"
bet. With this one-roll wager you win if a 7
rolls, but if any other number appears, you
lose. The odds are 5-to-1 of a 7 rolling, but
the casino will only pay you 4-to-1. This gives
the house an edge of 16.7%. Ouch!
Dear Mark,
Is it better for a new player to sit on a
blackjack game that has no players or one that
is crowded? Mary Anne W.
For all new players I recommend playing at
tables with low minimum bets ($1-$2) plus play
at a busy table. Besides having more fun with
comrades, you will make fewer bets per hour,
which decreases your exposure to the almighty
house edge.
Dear Mark,
While visiting my mother in Maine, I met her
neighbor who was willing to sell me a slot
machine (see enclosed picture) for $700. I know
nothing about the machine other than he claims
it works fine. As you can see it looks in very
good condition. Is it worth $700? Blaine G.
Here is a simple test to tell if a slot machine
is in good running order. Insert a few coins and
if nothing comes out, it's working fine.
The machine in the picture you sent me is a
Bally "EM" machine worth, in good condition,
between $1,000 and $1,500. It is an
electromechanical controlled slot machine, has
open contact switches and was the best selling
slot machine in the '60s and '70s.
Unfortunately, Blaine, you reside in
Pennsylvania, where it is unlawful to own
machines built after 1941, even for private
ownership. Though very reasonably priced at
$700, this machine with its manufacturing date
creates a weighty legal dilemma.
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