What is the Actual House Edge on Blackjack?

Hi Wizard, What do think a Players edge could be if they were a Good card counter with a perfect Strategy? I know it would depend on the houses rules. But just a rough average with basic BJ rules. Thanks

I think Hunches cost more than mistakes, at least in my case they do.

I know basic strategy like the back of my hand, but I still deviate once in a blue moon if I get that "Feeling".

One time a dealer pissed me off at Binion's Horse Shoe, (not by doing anything other than beat my pants off) so I went on a quest to kick her butt and left the table $300 up. I broke all the rules.

But of course, that was the exception to the rule, but it sure was fun.

What about the flip side... by how much do you think the house advantage goes down due to dealer errors?

Quote: jeremykay

What about the flip side... by how much do you think the house advantage goes down due to dealer errors?

I tend to think it goes up because of dealer errors. In my opinion, about 80% of errors are in the dealer's favor. Of course, those are more likely to get challenged. Let's say players catch 60% of errors either way, but say nothing when it goes in their favor. So given there is an error, the probabilities are:

20% = Player's favor, player keeps his mouth shut.
48% = Dealer's favor, player opens his mouth.
32% = Dealer's favor, player didn't catch it.

Of course these are rough estimates.

Is that your hunch that 80% are in the houses favor or have you heard or read that figure? Just curious. I was at a roulette table one time and a new dealer was giving out 6 stacks of 20 chips when someone bought in with a $100. I bet he gave out $160 in free chips before the pit boss caught him.

Yes, that is my position, based on 23 years of playing. I think that is because:

1. Dealers also know the players are likely to speak up if a mistake goes against the player, giving them a safety net in that direction.

2. If the mistake goes against the house, the players won't give the dealer a chance to correct it. If surveillance catches the mistake, the dealer will have to answer for it later.

I'm sure the dealers want to deal a perfect game, but the consequences of mistakes against the house are greater, so they likely err on the side of the house more.