Blackjack Observation

Quote: DJTeddyBear

The "Never Bust" strategy has the lowest house advantage of the three bad strategies listed. That doesn't mean it's good. Just not as bad as the others.

The Wizard states this:

Quote: The Great and Powerful WOO

Assume a ten in the hole: For this strategy I first figured out the optimal basic strategy under this assumption. If the dealer had an ace up, then I reverted to proper basic strategy, because the dealer would have peeked for blackjack, making a 10 impossible. This "assume a ten" strategy results in a house edge of 10.03%.

This is not a player strategy and does nothing to indicate how the player would play differently. In fact, most players make this assumption, I certainly do (except after the dealer checks for blackjack). It's why I double A,2 vs. 5, for example, and hit A-7 vs. T. How badly must you play to get a 10.03% house edge? I can't imagine what the WOO means here.

Mr. W.? Care to explain?

--Ms. D.

Quote: DorothyGale

How badly must you play to get a 10.03% house edge? I can't imagine what the WOO means here.

You'd have to hit a hard 17 with 8 or higher up - assuming a ten in the hole, that would be the right move.

Quote: weaselman

You'd have to hit a hard 17 with 8 or higher up - assuming a ten in the hole, that would be the right move.

OK then, my bad. You'd be hitting all 17 against dealer 8, 9, T, all 18 against dealer 9, T and all 19 against dealer T. Any other changes? I'd like to sim this.

--Ms. D.

OK, I am satisfied that the Wizard's number is roughly correct for the 10 strategy. By making some obvious changes in BS, I come up with a house edge of over 7.75%. I am sure I'm missing many changes to BS that would make it even worse.

Wizard, consider your head patted and your ears scratched <woof>.

--Ms. D.

Quote: DorothyGale

Wizard, consider your head patted and your ears scratched <woof>.

Whimper...

Let's not forget the cuddly Teddy Bear that brought it to your attention.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Let's not forget the cuddly Teddy Bear that brought it to your attention.

I am pediophobic

--Ms. D.