I was at the bar taking a break from counting in the casino. The video blackjack game in front of me was paying 2-1 on blackjacks and its single deck. Shuffle after each hand. I know you can't count against this but 2-1 BJ is a 2.325% edge for the player in a single deck game. Are there any video blackjack players here who can help me out? I didn't play because I assume there is a catch somewhere to this game?
2-1 video blackjack
- Thread starter SystemsTrader
- Start date
iv'e seen similar machines. i always assumed that what they meant by 2-1 was that if you bet one unit they pay you one units and you keep your original bet . in other words i think they pull a terminology fast one on you with these machines. some of the machines tell you that you won a unit when you push, thats the terminology they use but you don't get payed an extra unit when you push they just let you keep your original bet.
the ones i've seen only allow double downs on 9, 10 & eleven or some times not even that. some let you split others do not.
best regards,
mr fr0g
the ones i've seen only allow double downs on 9, 10 & eleven or some times not even that. some let you split others do not.
best regards,
mr fr0g
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sagefr0g is right, the typical IGT video blackjack game will state that blackjack pays "2 for 1", which is just even money.
The rules on these games are fully configurable by the casino, though they are usually set pretty bad. Occasionally you may find one that pays "5 for 2" on blackjack, which is 3:2, or normal. Those machines are usually worth playing because of slot club cashback. In fact, if you find one, let me know!
On a related topic, I recently saw a bartop IGT video blackjack game at Harrahs St Louis which had the worst blackjack rules I've ever seen. It paid even money on blackjacks (of course), the dealer hit soft 17, and here's the kicker: NO DOUBLING OR SPLITTING ALLOWED!
The rules on these games are fully configurable by the casino, though they are usually set pretty bad. Occasionally you may find one that pays "5 for 2" on blackjack, which is 3:2, or normal. Those machines are usually worth playing because of slot club cashback. In fact, if you find one, let me know!
On a related topic, I recently saw a bartop IGT video blackjack game at Harrahs St Louis which had the worst blackjack rules I've ever seen. It paid even money on blackjacks (of course), the dealer hit soft 17, and here's the kicker: NO DOUBLING OR SPLITTING ALLOWED!
Taking shots at the unknowing
Call it the difference between table language and machine language or call it something else, but when the sign on the machine says pays 2-1 but you are only being paid 1-1, the casino is taking advantage of that difference in language.
On a table when you put your money in the circle, it now is in limbo and belongs to neither you or the casino until we see the result of the hand. You win, they match your bet and you are paid 1-1
On a machine when you bet a credit or put a coin in the machine, the casino now has that money, your credit balance has been reduced by your bet. If you win they now pay you both your bet back plus they match it, paying you 2-1
If you play both tables and machines, you need to know both languages.
ihate17
Call it the difference between table language and machine language or call it something else, but when the sign on the machine says pays 2-1 but you are only being paid 1-1, the casino is taking advantage of that difference in language.
On a table when you put your money in the circle, it now is in limbo and belongs to neither you or the casino until we see the result of the hand. You win, they match your bet and you are paid 1-1
On a machine when you bet a credit or put a coin in the machine, the casino now has that money, your credit balance has been reduced by your bet. If you win they now pay you both your bet back plus they match it, paying you 2-1
If you play both tables and machines, you need to know both languages.
ihate17
The key is to look for the word 'for'. '2 for 1' is the same as '1 to 1'.
A few table games use this as well, mostly for sidebets at games like Let It Ride. Anytime they collect your bet up front, and then pay you if you win, generally uses the 'for' terminology.
It can be confusing until you know the tricks.
A few table games use this as well, mostly for sidebets at games like Let It Ride. Anytime they collect your bet up front, and then pay you if you win, generally uses the 'for' terminology.
It can be confusing until you know the tricks.
I agree. They do the same thing at the craps table. All of the proposition bets will usually say "15 for 1" or "30 for 1" because they know that the players will not know the difference. If the player does win, they will be so happy with their stack of chips that they won't bother to count them. Not that most players would notice anyway (no offense to craps players, but you know who I‘m talking about).
Also, the casinos have made craps difficult to understand for a reason. The easiest bets to figure out (the proposition bets, field bet, place bets) all have the highest house edge while the most complicated bets (pass line with full odds, come bet with odds) are the most favorable to the player.
And did they really have to make the Big 6/8 bet so darn big?! Hmmm, I wonder why...
-Sonny-
Also, the casinos have made craps difficult to understand for a reason. The easiest bets to figure out (the proposition bets, field bet, place bets) all have the highest house edge while the most complicated bets (pass line with full odds, come bet with odds) are the most favorable to the player.
And did they really have to make the Big 6/8 bet so darn big?! Hmmm, I wonder why...
-Sonny-