Blackjack Simulator

[PokerJunky]

Any suggestions for blackjack simulators?

I saw one one on qfit.com (Cvdata). I also saw SBA (Statistical Blackjack Analyzer)...

I would like someone knowledgeable opinion on the topic...

Thanks!

[zengrifter]

Both are top-flight, but CV offers more add-on modules and functions. What do you need a simulator for? zg

[PokerJunky]

I typically play in many different casinos. I notice slight rule variations, different penetrations, number of players, etc. Typically, I want to play only positive count shoes, but in some casinos, take Luxor in Vegas for example, they only had 2 6 deck shoes available, 2 double deck with poor penetration, and 8 or so single deck with 6/5 payout (which I stay away from for obvious reasons). It makes it quite difficult to jump from table to table.

Another example would be a casino in South America that I have played at where they burn the first 5 cards face down, the pentration is lousy (they cut half the deck out), there is no hole card, etc (though I have not played this game).

I would like to run some of these conditions on the simulator to observe how much of an advantage the casino has and to test how much of a spread is required to gain an advantage, etc...

I want to use the simulator to satisfy my "what-if" curiousity regarding situations that I observe in the casino.

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by PokerJunky

Any suggestions for blackjack simulators?

I saw one one on qfit.com (Cvdata). I also saw SBA (Statistical Blackjack Analyzer)...

I would like someone knowledgeable opinion on the topic...

Thanks!

My main opinion is that you need DRILLS more than simulation. Playing with a simulator will add about as much value to your application as looking at a deck of cards through an electron microscope! That said, CV has all the drills, SBA doesn't. zg

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by zengrifter

My main opinion is that you need DRILLS more than simulation. Playing with a simulator will add about as much value to your application as looking at a deck of cards through an electron microscope! That said, CV has all the drills, SBA doesn't. zg

I think ZG is right about the simulator. I bought one that does nothing but analyze streak betting. I ran the hell out of it when I first got it because at the time, I was not convinced that you couldn't come out ahead by betting progressions. It didn't take long to learn differently by running the simulator, but then, I was told the same thing time and time again by those who'd been playing BJ a lot longer than I! I could have saved my $7.95 or whatever it cost.

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by PokerJunky

I want to use the simulator to satisfy my "what-if" curiousity regarding situations that I observe in the casino.

That "curiosity" is best served with a book - Schlesinger's BJ Attack - and your general awareness/understanding of the difference in OTT housEdge and the effect of pene on your per 100 hands win-rate is required of you to master this game... BUT such does NOT require home-spun simulations - all the sims have already been done. zg

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by Mikeaber

I think ZG is right about the simulator. I bought one that does nothing but analyze streak betting. I ran the hell out of it when I first got it because at the time, I was not convinced that you couldn't come out ahead by betting progressions.

Run "goodh2o1's" system on it. zg

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by zengrifter

Run "goodh2o1's" system on it. zg

Hmmm, I'll take a look sometime this weekend and see if the parameters fit. The problem on running it on his is that he quits so quickly and offhand, I don't recall a loss limit other than "ruin". But I'll review it.