OneAngryDwarf
OneAngryDwarf
  • Threads: 44
  • Posts: 254
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
May 29th, 2010 at 1:53:12 AM permalink
A casino near me regularly mails out coupons that players can use as a "Free Ace" on any one hand. If a player uses it, he is dealt only one card for that round, with the second card being an automatic Ace. For example, if the player gets a 5, he plays his hand as a soft 16. The coupon is good for bets of up to $100.

What is the expected value of this coupon for non-card counters?
"I believe I've passed the age/of consciousness and righteous rage/I've found that just surviving was a noble fight... I once believed in causes too/I had my pointless point of view/And life went on no matter who was wrong or right..." --Billy Joel
ZPP
ZPP
  • Threads: 2
  • Posts: 31
Joined: Feb 7, 2010
May 29th, 2010 at 3:48:56 AM permalink
The Wizard's Blackjack Appendix 14 gives the expected value of each card as the initial player card. As you can see, the expected value of this coupon is just over $50.
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
  • Threads: 265
  • Posts: 14484
Joined: Oct 19, 2009
May 29th, 2010 at 4:58:43 AM permalink
Quote: ZPP

value of this coupon is just over $50.

IF it is used in conjunction with a 100.00 wager.

Rarely do casinos put such high value coupons in their mailers. They must think it will be redeemed for a smaller bet.
odiousgambit
odiousgambit
  • Threads: 326
  • Posts: 9555
Joined: Nov 9, 2009
August 2nd, 2011 at 2:12:46 PM permalink
I just got one of these coupons in the mail with the stipulation that Blackjack pays even money. You may bet up to $100. The WoO chart referenced above must assume 3-2 pay on BJ. I am thinking it will still be worth mazimizing? Any opinions?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
benbakdoff
benbakdoff
  • Threads: 17
  • Posts: 448
Joined: Jul 13, 2010
August 20th, 2011 at 1:26:16 PM permalink
A couple of players I know will double down after getting an even money blackjack on a free play coupon. This of course has to be in a casino that allows doubling a natural.
  • Jump to: