Inconsistencies in Basic Strategy Cards

[Preston]

I recently got a new basic strategy card. It was different from the one I had before. Neither one of them got too specific about rules or number of decks. I noticed the following differences between the two:

Card A: Split 44 against dealer 5 and 6
Card B: Hit 44 and dealer 5 and 6

Card A: Double on 11 against all dealer up cards except for Ace.
Card B: Double down on all 11's.

Card A: Stand on A7 vs dealer 5 or 6
Card B: Double down on A7 vs dealer 5 or 6

Card A: Hit 9 against dealer 3
Card B: Double down 9 against dealer 3.

Both of these cards were purchased at casino gift shops. I follow the BS as outlined in blackjack bluebook by Renzey according to the rules I'm playing.. But my question is... of these examples... doing the wrong thing affects EV and house edge by how much?

[ScottH]

Originally Posted by Preston

I recently got a new basic strategy card. It was different from the one I had before. Neither one of them got too specific about rules or number of decks. I noticed the following differences between the two:

Card A: Split 44 against dealer 5 and 6
Card B: Hit 44 and dealer 5 and 6

Card A: Double on 11 against all dealer up cards except for Ace.
Card B: Double down on all 11's.

Card A: Stand on A7 vs dealer 5 or 6
Card B: Double down on A7 vs dealer 5 or 6

Card A: Hit 9 against dealer 3
Card B: Double down 9 against dealer 3.

Both of these cards were purchased at casino gift shops. I follow the BS as outlined in blackjack bluebook by Renzey according to the rules I'm playing.. But my question is... of these examples... doing the wrong thing affects EV and house edge by how much?

It looks like Card A was for a shoe game that allows DAS, and Card B is for a hand-held game that doesn't allow DAS.

I don't know the exact game these cards were representing, but the BS differences were due to the fact that each card was for a different game. For example you hit 4,4 against a 6 in a game that doesn't allow DAS, but you split them in a game that does allow DAS. Check the cards and see what game it says the BS plays are for...

[ScottH]

Originally Posted by Preston

But my question is... of these examples... doing the wrong thing affects EV and house edge by how much?

It isn't a big deal. If you use Card A on "Game B" it will not hurt you that much, about .01% decrease in EV. That's why you only really need to learn one BS for all games, because the differences are miniscule.

[ihate17]

Years ago, before 6/5 garbage, when there was no single deck blackjack at any large strip casinos in Vegas, I went into the gift shop of Flamingo to buy a BS card for a friend. Every card they had was for single deck, a game they did not deal at that time.

ihate17

[tribute]

You can purchase the various strategy cards from the store on this site. It appears they have a wide assortment covering different rules. I have thought about having them with me while playing, in the event a ploppy tries to offer me "advice" on a hand. I can just pull the card from my front pocket and lay it on the table.

[shadroch]

Originally Posted by tribute

You can purchase the various strategy cards from the store on this site. It appears they have a wide assortment covering different rules. I have thought about having them with me while playing, in the event a ploppy tries to offer me "advice" on a hand. I can just pull the card from my front pocket and lay it on the table.

But it is better to have the wrong strategy card on the table. Lets the dealer and pitboss know you aren't a threat.

[Cardcounter]

On doubling on soft 18 vs a 5 or 6 even do it against a (3,and a 4) do it if it is allowed other wise stand.
Splitting 4's against a 5 or 6 do it if double after a split allowed other wise hit.
On 11 vs an Ace double down if dealer hits soft 17 if he stays on soft 17 just hit it. Also on 11 always double down on 1 deck of cards regardless if the dealer hits or stays! Both cards are right even though they have differen't stragedys. The stragedy's are only slightly differen't for different rules. Doubling on soft 18 vs cards under 6 is probably your biggest money making play that most people miss!

[bj bob]

Card A- 6D, D10, DAS
Card B- 6D, DOA, H17, no DAS

[aka23]

Originally Posted by Preston

I recently got a new basic strategy card. It was different from the one I had before. Neither one of them got too specific about rules or number of decks.

What good are the strategy cards, if they don't specify the assumed rules? The differences in strategy will generally be close calls that don't have much effect on EV, unless playing unique games.