No Bust Blackjack?

[SweetAxtion]

My dad is visiting from L.A. and tells me there is a BJ game called "No bust blackjack" in which you don't lose your bet to the house if your "bust" is lower than the dealers bust. Does anyone know about this game? If so, there must be other things in favour for the house that evens out this edge to the players.

 

[Just Learning]

No Bust Blackjack

SweetAxtion:

I have heard of a game that might be similar. A casino by me plays a variation called "California Blackjack". In "California Blackjack" there is no busting. You try to get as close to 21 as possible. It is better to be under 21 then over. 21 is the best hand. Then 20, next is 22, then 19, 23, 18, 24, 17, 25 ect... I have never played this game but it is just another varation of Blackjack the casinos have invented to gain an advantage (like 6:5 Blackjack). I don't know if your dad is talking about this version, but I thought you might find it interesting.

Just Learning

 

[KenSmith]

I did a consulting project a few years back to determine the appropriate strategy for these games. I believe the Non-Disclosure agreement has expired, so if time permits, I'll see if have any information handy about the house edge and optimal strategy.

The house edge was definitely higher than normal blackjack, even with the appropriate strategy. But I can't recall what it may have been.

 

[Tree DA]

The Sahara in Las Vegas offers this game. Or at least they used to. There were also jokers in the shoe which made your hand (and the dealers) an automatic 21. Naturals only paid 1-1, IIRC. I kind of liked this game because I felt like I could hit just about anything (17 against a 10, for example). I also like it because you were in the game until the very end even with a hand over 21. But the dealers weren't very proficient and frequently tried to take my money after I 'busted' so you have to watch them.

Anyway, I have no idea what the house edge is or what proper strategy should be, but I did have fun playing it. On just about every hand:

Me: "This is no bust, right?"
Dealer: (looks up at sign) "Yes"
Me: "Then HIT ME!!!"

Ah, good times.