video bj

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mike68

Member
Does anyone have an idea of how these machines are set up ? Would it matter how one plays or are they set up like a slot machine where the take is set. I was thinking if they are set up like a video poker machine where skill counts, would it be like playing at a bj table? (i would also think the comps are better)
thx
Mike
 
mike68 said:
Does anyone have an idea of how these machines are set up ? Would it matter how one plays or are they set up like a slot machine where the take is set. I was thinking if they are set up like a video poker machine where skill counts, would it be like playing at a bj table? (i would also think the comps are better)
thx
Mike
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I think you are better off playing playing video poker than video blackjack where with skill you can still find machines out there that give you 102% payback.

The problem with video blackjack is that after each hand the deck is shuffled, so the best you could do is implement basic strategy to lower the house edge. Also, the machines that I've seen pay even money on a natural and soft doubling is not allowed. Very poor rules indeed with a very high house edge. I'd stay away from them.

If you are hustling comps stick with video poker or live blackjack.
 
The most common "video blackjack" game is on a multigame system where you can play poker or keno or whatever. On those machines, blackjack only pays even money (using the slot lingo "2 for 1" vs "2 to 1"). This makes the house edge a few percent. Better than slots, but worse than video poker or real blackjack.

A few casinos, notably Harrah's Cherokee, may have "digital blackjack" which uses honest rules, and maybe even a live dealer. These are unlikely to be coutable, but at least the rules match to regular blackjack rules.
 
The newest generation of BJ machine,where you play all seven spots against the dealer are much better.They usually pay 3-2,allow soft splits and earn you slot points.
The older style pays 2 for 1,which is a swindlers way of saying even money.

I play the older style if I have cashback rewards that need to be run thru a machine.While the overall percentage for most poker games is higher,that includes the 1 in 40,000 Royal Flush and the very rare 4 of a kind. The short term variance on video BJ is much smaller. I believe the chances of being up or even after thirty hands is better in video Bj than most video poker. But thats based on my limited observations,I could be mistaken.
 
shadroch said:
The newest generation of BJ machine,where you play all seven spots against the dealer are much better.They usually pay 3-2,allow soft splits and earn you slot points.
The older style pays 2 for 1,which is a swindlers way of saying even money.
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I have racked up slot club points on these machines at the Palms, Wynn and MGM Grand. If someone could point me to one in a HET house I would be most appreciative, as I am not far away from moving to the higher tier point level on my HET account and would like to do this as the most cost-effective means of doing so.
 
Shadroch,
So if i find one of those machines you mentioned i'll be o.k. playing it? I'm figuring i could practice some basic strategy with a cheat sheet, make my decision and see if i'm right or wrong before making the play. Do you recommend playing 7 spots ? If i find a dollar machine that could work.
Do we know how many decks they use ? It makes a difference, correct?
Sorry if i sound dopey--but i am:(
Video poker strategy is tougher to implement for sure. Appreciate everyone help.
thx
Mike
 
I think so,but I'm not 100% certain. I believe you have to play all 7 spots,but you can play for 25 cents a spot on the ones I've seen.
I honestly forget the details of the game,it's been a few months since I played them. doofus might be more helpful.
 
shadroch said:
I think so,but I'm not 100% certain. I believe you have to play all 7 spots,but you can play for 25 cents a spot on the ones I've seen.
I honestly forget the details of the game,it's been a few months since I played them. doofus might be more helpful.
Click to expand...

It is one deck, up to seven hands. Reshuffle after every deal. Double on any two cards, no RSA, split allowed and DAS. The ones at the MGM Grand and the Wynn will let you play (IIRC) .25, $1, or $5 per hand. Then they also allow you to play something like "up to 10 credits per hand" so that it's possible I think to put up to $350 at a time at risk on the screen. You should absolutely play with a SD basic strategy chart, I think that if you do you can get the house edge down to around 1.7%, and also you can use counting skills to make correct calls on whether to hit or stand or take insurance. (It can pay well - at MGM on my last trip I turned $100 into $900 in about 20 minutes. And lost half of that back trying to replicate the feat at the Palms!)

The fact that MGM gives you back 1% on your slot play, if memory serves, makes this almost even money game. If I am mistaken in this please diabuse me. Keep in mind that this machine pays 1-1 on blackjack, and I don't think it therefore will allow you to double a BJ.

For strictly comp purposes I think the game is more valuable than playing slots, so PLEASE IF ANYBODY KNOWS A HARRAH'S JOINT WHERE THIS GAME IS AVAILABLE LET ME KNOW.
 
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Have you looked at Harrahs Chester? It's not that far from you and they have LOTS of machines there. Try calling them and ask.
 
Dude, if you're playing seven spots on a true single deck game, then you'd want to start counting to make your play deviations on later hands. Too bad you can't bet more on the later hands.

But still, that would make the game lower edge than a lot of video poker, and tiny variance. Sounds like the min bet would be 7x.25.
 
Actually,I believe you can. I don't think you need to bet all hands evenly. But you wouldn't know if the count was up or down before you bet.
I don't recall BJ paying 1-1. I thought it was 3-2.
The thing is,that without a dealer or pitboss,you could have any referece sheets you want. Top 500 Indices,whatever,not just a BS chart.
 
Interesting debate. Here's a question: if these games average a 1.7% edge that someone mentions, but give 1% back in comp value at some properties, are they worth playing? I calculate a 0.7% edge still.

If that's the case, wouldn't a player be better off playing the true tables, on say a double deck or single deck game?

Assuming normal rules, a 6 deck game has a house edge circa 0.54% and an 8-deck game has an edge circa 0.78%.... so these electronic 6 deckers seem equivalent to an 8 deck normal. Or have I misinterpreted?
 
Went to Harrah's Cherokee this morning.... First time I've ever been there... We're in Gatlinburg visiting and thought we would go check out this casino.

My first time playing this Live Digital Blackjack... Actually thought the rules was pretty decent other than No Surrender and Can't split A 4x like Vegas lol

I found 3 $10 tables and 2 $15 tables.

As well $25 and $50 tables.

S17 DAS,No Surrender, Split Ace's 1 time, etc.

Walked in with $120 came out with $450.

Paid for my gatlinburg trip thanks to positive varience and luck lol

I didn't really care for it but I gotta say I won so I can't complain that much.
 
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