2:1 Blackjack Promotion...Should I be excited?

[honestabe]

A local casino in the Des Moines, Iowa area is advertising a 2:1 payout on all blackjacks (vs. the usual 3:2 payout). The promotion is only valid for the 6 deck games. This particular casino hits on soft 17, can double any two cards, and double after splitting is allowed. My question to the mathmeticians (or just the experienced players), is this something that I should get excited about? How much will this increase my winnings if I play straight-up basic strategy based on the rules listed above? I'm guessing this is a fairly simple calculation, as I remember reading that a blackjack will come up roughly every 21 hands, and 2:1 vs. 3:2 is a 50% larger payout. I love the site and I hope it can start getting more posts!

Abe

[Count de McArds]

You should be very excited. RUN, do not walk, to play in this game. It is a positive expectation game and, if you have the bankroll to afford it, bet the maximum on each hand using basic strategy. Your advantage is on the order of 2% - providing there are no other modifications that work against you. My advice would be to get there early and be sure to have a seat. Other stores that have tried this promotion have usually ended up modifying it so, get in the lick while you can

the Count

[Mikeaber]

You can get a quick calculation of just about any House Edge based on the game and other factors at http://www.wizardofodds.com Select "Blackjack" and scroll down the page until you see the link to the House Edge Calculator.

Based on the parameters you gave, and using the calculator, the normal house edge on the 6-deck game is -.67%. Adding in 2:1 payouts on Blackjacks is a 2.27% advantage to the player so the net on your promotional game is +1.6%, an excellent opportunity!

[KenSmith]

You don't mention the max bet, but if it's the casino's normal table max, you can count on a lot of company at the tables. Last time I saw a promotion like this, I didn't get a seat. They filled up about six hours before the promotion started.

That was at the Imperial Palace in Biloxi, where the casino lost around a million bucks in one day.

[stevess75]

anyone think there will be a chance that one of the new casinos in AC will have a promotion like this for its open?

[KenSmith]

No.
But of course, if you hear differently, let me know.

[shadroch]

By the time they open a new casino in AC,3-2 might be considered a good promotion.

[Mimosine]

I played a 2:1 in vegas about 1 year ago, they lowered the table max to $50 and everyone was betting table max except me. I was still spreading, because i had a small BR.

Flat bet as much as your BR will allow, play perfect basic strategy, and if you know how to count place indicies, especially insurance! In huge negative counts, don't wong out, but cut back on your bet a bit. if you don't know how to count, it is still a winning game, play the hell out of it!