A BlackJack question for the math-pros

[Bateman]

I live in Sweden, and the rules for BlackJack here is somewhat different than in the US.
I will explain the differences, and perhaps someone who's good at math and expectations can comment this post.

The swedish rules are the same as in USA except:

• If both the dealer and I get 17, 18 or 19, the dealer wins.
• There is no such thing as surrender.
• Minimum wager is 20kr ($2,66) and the maximum is 60kr ($8).

Some people say that these differences makes the game impossible to beat.
That the best thing I could do, is to not play at all.
Even if I play the basic strategy according to the BlackJack map, I won't win in the long run.

What do you think of this?
And with your american rules, how much of an edge can you get against the casinos?

Thanx

[jcx]

I'm not a math wiz, but if those were the rules I'd run away fast and go play keno or something. Seriously, I don't know if the best card counter in the world could beat the game you are describing.

By the way, even if you play American BJ w/ the most liberal rules available playing perfect Basic Strategy is still a negative return in the long run (Albeit small). Maybe try playing online and take advantage of some of the bonuses available.

[Iceman]

"Some people say that these differences makes the game impossible to beat. That the best thing I could do, is to not play at all. Even if I play the basic strategy according to the BlackJack map, I won't win in the long run."

That's correct. The rule on losing ties 17-19 is horrible for the player. I think you're at about a 3-5% disadvantage, but I don't know the exact number.

"What do you think of this? And with your american rules, how much of an edge can you get against the casinos?"

With American rules, a basic strategy player is at about a .5% disadvantage. A card counter can have an advantage of anywhere from .5 to 1.5% depending on the number of decks, the penetration, the degree of heat that would prevent you from always making the optimal play, the ability of that counter to use more complex and more accurate counts, and the exact rules of that casino.

[cardcounter0]

The game you describe has an house edge of about 6%. That is a big enough edge to destroy the entire world. Your country should be immediately bombed for having weapons of mass destruction.

Normal Blackjack rules, at the very worst, have a house edge of about 1/2% down to 1/4%.

A typical card counter usually gets an edge in his favor of about 1/2% to 1 1/2%. Under good conditions, an expert can get about 2%.