Thoughts On This Game

[radioguy21]

Just returned home from another jaunt to Vegas, but I'm putting this post in the 'General' category as it deals with a specific game, and not necessarily the city in general.

Many of you probably know the tables/casino I'm referring to, so I won't be specific. It's a smaller place on the Strip and they offer a double-deck pitch game, $5-500, DAS, split aces once. You can only double down on 8-9-10-11 (including A/7, however). BJ pays 3-2.

Penetration varies dealer-dealer from what I've witnessed, anywhere from 60-75%. (It seems to me the young Asian girls put the cut cards deeper -- perhaps they just don't want to shuffle as much.)

I've done very well on this game in two trips this month (up 100 units), and planning to go back soon.

Does the restricted doubling hurt you that much? I've seen percentages for 'double on 10-11 only' and 'double on 11 only', but none for these parameters. Also, because of this rule, would you ever consider doubling on 8?

Just wanted to get some thoughts from the likes of zen, Mike, ihate17, etc. Thanks.

[Mikeaber]

RG,

I'm a bit confused as to how to answer this since it is posted in the General topic.

If you are playing straight Basic Strategy, you shouldn't double 8 against anything. Just hit it.

However, if you are counting, there are indices for doubling 8 against 3,4,5,and 6 but they all require a positive count that is well above zero. I use KO and the tags are +8, +6, +5 and +3 for double deck (starting count is -4 and the Key Count is +1 when you start ramping bets so that should give you some idea of comparison if you are using a TC method.

I think that not being able to double soft hands will not impact you that much though I do not have percentages for you. I don't think I've seen rules that let you double A/7 but no other soft hands and usually with those double down restrictions, they usually do not allow you to DAS.

As for pen...60% is acceptable with DD tables. 75%...well, go attack it!!!

PM me if you would for the casino you are talking about. I think I know which one it is. I'll be out there next week but will be mostly downtown.

[Automatic Monkey]

You left out one important parameter, S17 or H17.

Either way, if you can get 75% pen in any DD game it is playable. DAS is a huge plus. D8 isn't so bad. This game sounds like a good one.

[TENNBEAR]

The game sounds good to me I would certainly try it.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by radioguy21

Many of you probably know the tables/casino I'm referring to, so I won't be specific.

Hmmm, this place wouldn't happen to have a little side bet would it? Either way, this is a pretty good game if the penetration is consistently 75%. Try to avoid any dealers giving 60% or less.

-Sonny-

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by Automatic Monkey

You left out one important parameter, S17 or H17.Either way, if you can get 75% pen in any DD game it is playable. DAS is a huge plus. D8 isn't so bad. This game sounds like a good one.

He's speaking of Slots'Fun - s17 AND LLadies sideB. The answer is NO the restricted DD does NOT hurt - the A7 and (for counters) A8-A9 DD is still allowed. zg

[radioguy21]

zengrifter is correct, as usual.

[radioguy21]

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen.

I'm using KO, but I haven't fully utilized KO Preferred with the indices (I do use insurance when proper, however.) Guess the next step is to learn the indices!

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by radioguy21

Thanks for the replies, gentlemen.

I'm using KO, but I haven't fully utilized KO Preferred with the indices (I do use insurance when proper, however.) Guess the next step is to learn the indices!

Preferred lists doubling 8 vs 5 & 6 at +4 (pivot). Full KO breaks it down as I listed in my previous post. Note that the 8 double down is way down on the list of priorities in index value.