The switch decision The correct decision regarding whether to switch is sometimes obvious, particularly when there is the largest difference in advantage. However, bordeline and counter-intuitive cases are relatively common, and switching strategy is hard to summarize. While an often-quoted rule of thumb is to choose the option that forms or preserves the best single [...]
Blackjack Switch is a variant of blackjack in which two hands are dealt to each playing position, and the player is initially allowed to exchange (“switch”) the top two cards between hands. For example, if the player is dealt 10-5 and 6-10, then the player may switch to transform the two hands into 10-10 and [...]
The Blackjack Hall of Fame honors the greatest blackjack experts, authors, and professional players in history. It was launched in 2002, and its physical premises are in San Diego, California. History The Blackjack Hall of Fame is housed at the Barona Casino, in San Diego, California. The Barona Casino awards to each inductee a permanent [...]
Aces and eights is the name of a blackjack strategy for splitting initial cards. In blackjack there are rules that vary across gambling establishments regarding resplitting, doubling, multiple card draws, and the payout for blackjack. Additionally, there are conditional strategic responses that depend upon the number of decks used, the frequency of shuffling and dealer’s [...]
In 2002, professional gamblers around the world were invited to nominate great blackjack players for admission into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. Seven members were inducted in 2002, with new people inducted every year after. The Hall of Fame is at the Barona Casino in San Diego. Members include Edward O. Thorp, author of the [...]
Pontoon is an English variation of blackjack with significant rule and strategy differences. However, in Australia and Malaysia, Pontoon is an unlicensed version of the American game Spanish 21 played without a hole card; despite the name, it bears no relation to English Pontoon. Spanish 21 provides players with many liberal blackjack rules, such as [...]
Blackjack can be played in tournament form, where players start with equal numbers of chips and the aim is to finish among the top chip-holders. Depending on the number of competitors, tournaments may be held over several rounds, with one or two players qualifying from each table after a set number of deals to meet [...]
In many casinos, usually at tables with the lowest table minimums and single-deck games, a blackjack pays only 6:5 or even 1:1 instead of the usual 3:2. Among common rule variations in the U.S., these altered payouts for blackjack are the most damaging to the player, causing the greatest increase in house edge. Since blackjack [...]
Each casino has a rule about whether or not the dealer hits soft 17, a rule which is printed on the table itself. In the “S17″ game, the dealer stands on all 17s. In the “H17″ game, the dealer hits on soft 17s. Of course, the dealer always stands on hard 17s. In either case, [...]
The blackjack player will encounter many rule variations which affect the house advantage and therefore affect his chances of winning. Some rules are determined by law or regulation, others by the casino itself. Not all rules are posted, so the player may have to ask either beforehand or when the situation occurs. Over 100 variations [...]
After receiving his initial two cards, the player has four standard options: he can “hit,” “stand,” “double down,” or “split a pair.” Each option requires the use of a hand signal. At some casinos or tables, the player may have a fifth option called “surrender.” Hit: Take another card from the dealer. signal: (handheld) Scrape [...]
Example of a Blackjack game. The top half of the picture shows the beginning of the round, with bets placed and an initial two cards for each player. The bottom half shows the end of the round, with the associated losses or payoffs. In casino blackjack, the dealer faces one to seven players from behind [...]
