Simulation Software - In Search Of

[Turtleman]

Obviously, computer simulation is necessary to prove the effectiveness (or lack there of) of any betting system. But short of becoming a whole lot more proficient at programming, are there any off-the-shelve software programs that might be able to accommodate a wide range of betting parameters for various conditions? Note: I'm not referring to a pc game program, but a full-fledged simulation program.

For that matter, I'd be interested in learning more about whatever computer simulation was used in coming up with the basic strategy to begin with. I'm not questioning the strategy, just curious if the computer program is available.

Thanks everyone. Back to Vegas in T-4.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Turtleman

…are there any off-the-shelve software programs that might be able to accommodate a wide range of betting parameters for various conditions?

I believe the CVData program from Qfit can simulate most betting systems. Other than that, the only other option is to hack the PowerSim software or write your own. To be honest, there isn’t much out there because there just isn't much demand for a program that simulates betting systems.

Originally Posted by Turtleman

For that matter, I'd be interested in learning more about whatever computer simulation was used in coming up with the basic strategy to begin with.

I don’t think any of Thorp’s FORTRAN code is publicly available, but he might be willing to share if you contact him directly. The algorithms for determining BS are described in Peter Griffin’s “Theory of Blackjack” and some of the articles by the original Baldwin group.

-Sonny-

[Turtleman]

Thanks Sonny. I'll take another look at CVData, although I seem to recall that it was based largely on the count. (I use Casino Verite as my main game program.)

I'm not familiar with PowerSim, but will definitely take a look and thank you for mentioning it. Wow - Fortran! That was the program I learned in college way back when. Punch cards – man does that ever bring back memories; I'll probably have nightmares for the next week! If I told you why I'm interested … well, you'd probably laugh yourself silly, but I'm truly serious. Thanks again.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by Turtleman

I'll take another look at CVData, although I seem to recall that it was based largely on the count.

Yes, it is mainly for counting but it can also simulate betting progressions as well. The option was added so that card counters could look at the results of certain camouflage plays.

Originally Posted by Turtleman

I'm not familiar with PowerSim, but will definitely take a look and thank you for mentioning it.

It is a program written in BASIC so it is pretty easy to understand. The code is somewhat tricky to follow but some people have found it very useful. I used it for a while until I wrote my own simplified version.

Originally Posted by Turtleman

Wow - Fortran! That was the program I learned in college way back when. Punch cards – man does that ever bring back memories; I'll probably have nightmares for the next week!

Yeah, FORTRAN has been around for a long time. But, in terms of pure number-crunching power, it can’t be beat. I know several people who work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratories near Pasadena and they absolutely swear by FORTRAN. I’ve never tried it myself.

-Sonny-