Dealer Strategy for Informal Blackjack

In a game of blackjack where each player receives one or both initial cards face-down, and the dealer is allowed to use their own judgement in hitting or standing, what is the optimal strategy for the dealer?

Also, if the dealer is known to be playing with optimal strategy, should the player continue to use the Basic Strategy?

Quote: AlexR

In a game of blackjack where each player receives one or both initial cards face-down, and the dealer is allowed to use their own judgement in hitting or standing, what is the optimal strategy for the dealer?

Also, if the dealer is known to be playing with optimal strategy, should the player continue to use the Basic Strategy?

I can only tell you it would be extremely complicated. It would be heavily dependent on how much each opposing player had bet and what each opposing players cards were. It wouldn't be that difficult to formulate a strategy if playing against one player.

Does a casino blackjack game exist where the dealer plays his hand out in whatever way he chooses ? I’ve never seen that.

I would assume it has to be all players must bet the same amount on a hand

Quote: michael99000

Does a casino blackjack game exist where the dealer plays his hand out in whatever way he chooses ? I’ve never seen that.

No, these rules are for games played at home (or in private clubs, officers' messes, etc) where players take turns as the dealer/banker.

Quote: michael99000

Does a casino blackjack game exist where the dealer plays his hand out in whatever way he chooses ?

Yes
(i) Californian Blackjack - I was banking once and it was single deck but with eight Aces, AA was the best hand and other quirky rules. Players acted first and only knew your upcard (and if you had an Ace you didn't have AA). As banker you only knew which cards they had drawn (and I think bust hands could still win if the dealer bust higher). I think as banker you were allowed to stand on 16 or something similar. Anyway I had an Ace and after many small cards got to 16 and decided to stand (as I sensed I couldn't beat the 21s and felt a few players had busted so didn't want to lose the lot if I bust to 26).
(ii) Pontoon - I was on a ferry (yes lousy odds but only £1/hand) and the dealer was allowed to hit their soft hands how they wanted. She usually hit soft 17 but occasionally would hit 18. Also double down cards were face up so if you were playing 1-1 she would know what to beat. I said it was an unfair game!!