Blackjack Basic Strategy Wizard Of Odds

  1. Basic strategy is a mathematically calculated set of decisions that can help you win more at blackjack. The Blackjack Basic Strategy Engine above provides a simple way to memorize a variety of different profitable decisions, such as when to split, double, surrender, hit, or stand.
  2. This 6-Pack contains all Wizard of Odds Blackjack Strategy Cards. (Single, Double, and 4-8 Deck, Dealer Hits on Soft 17 and Dealer Stands on Soft 17.) Takes the guesswork out of when to Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, and Surrender. Accounts for actions that should be taken only if Double After Split is allowed.

The various Wizard of Odds blackjack strategies provided can be used to play in the various blackjack variations that are listed on the site. Many years of its existence has prompted the release of numerous variations of the original to keep things exciting, most of which have been featured in the Wizard’s website.

nyuhoosier
I prefer the much better odds in conventional blackjack table games, but sometimes I just want a free drink at the local pub. So I'm stuck playing video blackjack, which has wacky rules. Examples are: Blackjack pays even money, double allowed only on 10 or 11, split only once, no double after split. Mostly negative, right? Also: you win on any six cards and dealer stands on soft 17.
If all you want is a free drink, I think it's still the best option in front of you because of low volatility. The only problem is the lack of any strategy charts. Can anyone help?
jeremykay
BlackjackInfo.com has a basic strategy engine, so you can plug in some of those rules.
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bjbse.php
The 6-card Charlie changes your strategy a little. You'll need this strategy chart to supplement:
http://wizardofodds.com/blackjack/strategy/charlie.html
Blackjack paying even money won't change your strategy at all, but of course it significantly puts the advantage in the house's favor. You can see the positive or negative effect of those rules under 'Rule Variations' here:
http://wizardofodds.com/blackjack
Blackjacks pay 1 to 1 -2.27%
Player may double on 10,11 only -0.18%
Player may not double after splitting -0.14%
Player may not resplit -0.10%
Six card Charlie +0.16%
The total house advantage for this game is probably around 2.9% (compared with <0.5% for most good table games). I'd play it for free drinks if it was nickels!
nyuhoosier
Thanks for the good tips, especially the Charlie chart, which I didn't know existed.
I usually feed a 10 in and play for 50 cents/hand. With beer averaging 3-6 bucks and mixed drinks going for 4-10, it's at worst a break-even proposition. I'm sure the longer you play the more the odds bend to the bar.
boymimbo
So at 2.9% at 50 cents a hand you are looking at $.0145 loss. It would take about 200 hands to get to the $3 beer and 600 hands to get to the max value drink. Given that you probably play 6 hands / minute, a drink per 1/2 hour would be fairly economical. 180 hands would cost you about $2.61.
----- You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
cclub79
I used to play a video blackjack that was by Bally and it offered the Double Up feature. I looked at it as free odds, and would usually try to double twice. I wonder what '2x odds' does to the HA?
DJTeddyBear

Blackjack paying even money won't change your strategy at all...

Yes it does. You may want to consider doubling-down if the dealer has a bust card.
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
AZDuffman
Quote: jeremykay

Blackjack paying even money won't change your strategy at all...

Yes it does. You may want to consider doubling-down if the dealer has a bust card.
I don't think you can. If I remember right, most vidoe BJ games show BJ and pay you out.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
DJTeddyBear
Quote: jeremykay

Blackjack paying even money won't change your strategy at all...

Yes it does. You may want to consider doubling-down if the dealer has a bust card.I take that back.
I forgot you were talking about a bar-top machine.
The only time I'd double on a BJ (or a soft 20) was at the $1 tables at Sahara. The BJ pays even money, so I doubled against a 5. I won.
But I did it really just to get the reaction. It really screws with people's heads. Tons of fun. It's the most entertainment you can get for a buck!
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
jeremykay
Wizard

The only time I'd double on a BJ (or a soft 20) was at the $1 tables at Sahara. The BJ pays even money, so I doubled against a 5. I won.


Blackjack Strategy Chart

Wow, there are actually table games in vegas where a BJ pays even money... that's just crazy!
DJTeddyBear

Wow, there are actually table games in vegas where a BJ pays even money... that's just crazy!

Yeah, Sahara. One pit is $1 tables, pays 1:1, but pays 6:5 if the bet is $5 or more. And they don't process your player's card. The other pit is $5 tables, 3:2 and they DO take the player's card. I don't remember if there were other rules differences.

Wizard Of Odds Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart


I only stayed there because it was close enough to the convention center, and the rooms were $26.

Free Blackjack Practice

I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁