video bj

[mike68]

Does anyone have an idea of how these machines are set up ? Would it matter how one plays or are they set up like a slot machine where the take is set. I was thinking if they are set up like a video poker machine where skill counts, would it be like playing at a bj table? (i would also think the comps are better)
thx
Mike

[SD Padres]

Originally Posted by mike68

Does anyone have an idea of how these machines are set up ? Would it matter how one plays or are they set up like a slot machine where the take is set. I was thinking if they are set up like a video poker machine where skill counts, would it be like playing at a bj table? (i would also think the comps are better)
thx
Mike

I think you are better off playing playing video poker than video blackjack where with skill you can still find machines out there that give you 102% payback.

The problem with video blackjack is that after each hand the deck is shuffled, so the best you could do is implement basic strategy to lower the house edge. Also, the machines that I've seen pay even money on a natural and soft doubling is not allowed. Very poor rules indeed with a very high house edge. I'd stay away from them.

If you are hustling comps stick with video poker or live blackjack.

[EasyRhino]

The most common "video blackjack" game is on a multigame system where you can play poker or keno or whatever. On those machines, blackjack only pays even money (using the slot lingo "2 for 1" vs "2 to 1"). This makes the house edge a few percent. Better than slots, but worse than video poker or real blackjack.

A few casinos, notably Harrah's Cherokee, may have "digital blackjack" which uses honest rules, and maybe even a live dealer. These are unlikely to be coutable, but at least the rules match to regular blackjack rules.

[shadroch]

The newest generation of BJ machine,where you play all seven spots against the dealer are much better.They usually pay 3-2,allow soft splits and earn you slot points.
The older style pays 2 for 1,which is a swindlers way of saying even money.

I play the older style if I have cashback rewards that need to be run thru a machine.While the overall percentage for most poker games is higher,that includes the 1 in 40,000 Royal Flush and the very rare 4 of a kind. The short term variance on video BJ is much smaller. I believe the chances of being up or even after thirty hands is better in video Bj than most video poker. But thats based on my limited observations,I could be mistaken.

[EasyRhino]

Originally Posted by shadroch

I believe the chances of being up or even after thirty hands is better in video Bj than most video poker.

It's definitely better. Then again, since you're playing with with cashback, there's really no bad way to do it.

[Doofus]

Originally Posted by shadroch

The newest generation of BJ machine,where you play all seven spots against the dealer are much better.They usually pay 3-2,allow soft splits and earn you slot points.
The older style pays 2 for 1,which is a swindlers way of saying even money.

I have racked up slot club points on these machines at the Palms, Wynn and MGM Grand. If someone could point me to one in a HET house I would be most appreciative, as I am not far away from moving to the higher tier point level on my HET account and would like to do this as the most cost-effective means of doing so.

[mike68]

Shadroch,
So if i find one of those machines you mentioned i'll be o.k. playing it? I'm figuring i could practice some basic strategy with a cheat sheet, make my decision and see if i'm right or wrong before making the play. Do you recommend playing 7 spots ? If i find a dollar machine that could work.
Do we know how many decks they use ? It makes a difference, correct?
Sorry if i sound dopey--but i am
Video poker strategy is tougher to implement for sure. Appreciate everyone help.
thx
Mike

[shadroch]

I think so,but I'm not 100% certain. I believe you have to play all 7 spots,but you can play for 25 cents a spot on the ones I've seen.
I honestly forget the details of the game,it's been a few months since I played them. doofus might be more helpful.

[Doofus]

Originally Posted by shadroch

I think so,but I'm not 100% certain. I believe you have to play all 7 spots,but you can play for 25 cents a spot on the ones I've seen.
I honestly forget the details of the game,it's been a few months since I played them. doofus might be more helpful.

It is one deck, up to seven hands. Reshuffle after every deal. Double on any two cards, no RSA, split allowed and DAS. The ones at the MGM Grand and the Wynn will let you play (IIRC) .25, $1, or $5 per hand. Then they also allow you to play something like "up to 10 credits per hand" so that it's possible I think to put up to $350 at a time at risk on the screen. You should absolutely play with a SD basic strategy chart, I think that if you do you can get the house edge down to around 1.7%, and also you can use counting skills to make correct calls on whether to hit or stand or take insurance. (It can pay well - at MGM on my last trip I turned $100 into $900 in about 20 minutes. And lost half of that back trying to replicate the feat at the Palms!)

The fact that MGM gives you back 1% on your slot play, if memory serves, makes this almost even money game. If I am mistaken in this please diabuse me. Keep in mind that this machine pays 1-1 on blackjack, and I don't think it therefore will allow you to double a BJ.

For strictly comp purposes I think the game is more valuable than playing slots, so PLEASE IF ANYBODY KNOWS A HARRAH'S JOINT WHERE THIS GAME IS AVAILABLE LET ME KNOW.

[21forme]

Have you looked at Harrahs Chester? It's not that far from you and they have LOTS of machines there. Try calling them and ask.