Switch to a BJ variant?

From the Wiz's site, I learned that the BJ that's offered at all the casinos near me has a HE of .591 (6D, H17, NS, DAS, can resplit aces, BJ pays 3:2). (Oh, can someone explain to me what "optimal results" are and why it shows a lower edge?)

I know that there are tons of blackjack variants out there, and here in WA state Spanish 21 seems to be very popular. So I checked out the Wiz's page on Spanish 21 and see that its HE can be as low as .40 (but for the H17 games offered around here it's .42).

So my question is, why wouldn't I switch to a game with a lower house edge? Is the difference of .171 really worth it? At what point would it be worth it to switch?

Do you prefer cheese scones or blueberry muffins? Would it matter if they were a different price? Thus it's reallyt a matter of personal choice. The same applies here.

As you probably know the way to get to the games' House Edge is to play using perfect strategy. For the majority of these, it takes a while, but you can learn it. There are a few, e.g. Switch, where there's almost too much to learn.

So it is very much a choice how willing you are to learn the strategy for each and which game you prefer the most. Sometimes one just fancies a different game and are happy to accept the higher House Edge.

Thanks, Charlie.

My basic strategy for the BJ game offered at my local casino is 100%. I'm still getting better at my counting and know the I18 maybe 85-90%. The strategy for Spanish 21 is not completely different, and yes, it would take some time to learn the nuances. I created my own spreadsheet for the game, using the Wiz's site and Katarina Walker's book. But I do enjoy challenges now and then!

Quote: theoriemeister

From the Wiz's site, I learned that the BJ that's offered at all the casinos near me has a HE of .591 (6D, H17, NS, DAS, can resplit aces, BJ pays 3:2). (Oh, can someone explain to me what "optimal results" are and why it shows a lower edge?)

I know that there are tons of blackjack variants out there, and here in WA state Spanish 21 seems to be very popular. So I checked out the Wiz's page on Spanish 21 and see that its HE can be as low as .40 (but for the H17 games offered around here it's .42).

So my question is, why wouldn't I switch to a game with a lower house edge? Is the difference of .171 really worth it? At what point would it be worth it to switch?

I would play Spanish 21 (H17 Redouble) if it were offered in my local casino.

1. I always fight for every 0.01% I can get when it comes to table games. If you play a lot, the 0.171% may make a tiny difference in your bottom line.

2. More fun. Hitting stiff hands (H12-16) is not a lot of fun and in that regard Spanish 21 is less frustrating than conventional BJ because of 10s removed from the deck. Splitting pairs is fun and you will do that 20% more in Sp21 than in BJ. Also, the bonus payouts, redoubling on doubled hands and resplitting aces (and drawing to split aces) all add some spice to Spanish 21.

3. However, I believe card counting (bet size variation) will not be as helpful in Spanish 21 as in normal BJ due to the missing 10s and smaller EORs.