Enhc + s17 + es + das!

I happened to come across a couple of games during my trip that have the unusually nice set of rules (above). According to the basic strategy engine, this has a HE of -0.08% for just basic strategy!

http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bjbse.php?numdecks=6+decks&soft17=s17&dbl=all&das=yes&surr=es&peek=no

They treat surrender strangely, in that you have to surrender before any additional cards come out (i.e. before 1st base takes its turn). This takes getting used to (and sitting at 1st base is advantageous because of this..)

There is no hole card; the dealer doesn't get a second card until the hands are completed. This does lead to the risk of losing spits/doubles upon a blackjack, but apparently the ability to surrender trumps this.

The only real drawback is that the penetration is incredibly inconsistent (cutoff @ 1.5-3 decks depending on dealer), and there are few tables for wonging, etc. I haven't seen any indication of heat.

I'm a comfortable hilo/I18/Fab4 player, and to be honest I wasn't expecting to find this game, so I didn't do my research or prepare in advance. Other than adjusting my BS per the link above, any other advice on how to maximize profit from this game? Am I missing/misinterpreting anything here?

Are you allowed to surrender against an ace too? Some casinos will not allow it so the house edge goes up a little. It will also change your strategy.

-Sonny-

Good question - I'm not sure, I haven't played much yet, other than to scout the games casually. Do you have these variations handy? I wish I brought my books..

Early surrender reduces the house edge by 0.63% but if you can’t surrender against an ace it is only worth 0.24%. That would bring the house edge closer to 0.47% which sounds more typical. If you cannot surrender against an ace then play those hands according to the no-surrender BS and all other hands according to the early surrender BS.

-Sonny-

Where in your 'travels' did you find such a game, if you don't mind sharing!? :grin:

PM me if you prefer!

You neglected to indicate how many decks are used !

You said - "They treat surrender strangely ... (and sitting at 1st base is advantageous because of this.)"

I cannot see how you have concluded that.

Please explain.

Ditto to that. Even the country would be great... give me an idea of where I should be looking. No worries if not though, would obviously understand if you want to keep the game quiet.

6 decks, sorry.

It's advantageous because at 1st base, you can calmly surrender as you wish, rather than rushing to shout it out before 1st base plays, perhaps (as has happened) missing the opportunity to do so. The dealers do not wait for surrenders, unlike our familiar 2-3 second pause for "insurance", for example.

Thanks. I'll find this out and post what I learn.

I can't imagine these games are too sensitive to disclose; I'll certainly do so at least via PM once I'm gone.

An early surrender game is WAY too sensitive to disclose. It's close to saying you were holecarding Cindy from 3rd shift at Caesar's last Tuesday.

Confirmed, no surrender against A, as Sonny correctly guessed. Still some pretty reasonable games, though extremely dealer-dependent.