drsamurai
After playing Blackjack Switch recently at our local casino, I decided to check out the wizard's pages to see what the odds are. For the purpose of this post, I am figuring a standard blackjack game that pays the true 3:2 on a natural, while Switch only pays 1:1 on a natural.
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/switch/
I was surprised to see that the odds were as low as they are. Using the basic Vegas rules found on the page, the house edge is only 0.58%. Locally, our casino uses an 8 deck shoe rather than the Vegas 6 deck game, also, a 'natural' (non-switched) 21 is an automatic win so the HE changes to 0.58% + 0.02% - 0.21% so the HE changes to 0.39% (if my understanding/math is correct.)
The best rules for a regular Blackjack game realistically/typically is a 2 deck game where the dealer stands on all 17s, you can resplit Aces, Surrender, Double Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and this has a HE of 0.26%. This game is VERY rare, and is usually only found in the High Limit areas where the min bets are typically $100 (occasionally $50 bets per the wizard's blackjack survey page.)
As a recreational gambler, not a whale, I look for the best games with the lowest min bets balanced against good rules. Usually a shoe game, $10 to $25 min bet tables that never allow resplitting of Aces. Full game rules are at best in this min bet range; 2 decks, no resplit Aces, Surrender, Dbl Any 2 cards, Split up to 4 hands, and the dealer hitting or standing on Soft 17 is usually a function of a $25 min bet, although that's not always the norm. Usually even at $25 min tables, the dealer hits a Soft 17.
The HE under these game rules are; HE of 0.33% if the dealer Stands on ALL 17s or a HE of 0.53% if the dealer Hits on all Soft 17s.
Odds calculated using:
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/calculator/
It appears that the HE of Blackjack Switch (adjusted to 0.39%) is better than the most common low limit games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 and actually only marginally worse than the HE of the less common game where the dealer stands on Soft 17.
Even Spanish 21 has a HE of 0.47%. This is VERY close (slightly better) to the typical low limit standard games.
Are my HE calculations correct? I've always thought that novelty variations on Blackjack were not as good as standard Blackjack and when it comes to the 'best' blackjack rules, this appears true. Since I can't afford to play $100 a hand High Limit games to gain that optimal advantage, is it really better to play Blackjack Switch or even Spanish 21?
Switch
Your 'Switch' calculations are accurate IMO - unusual for a casino to offer the 'Blackjacks instant win' rule but it was one of the versions that was offered.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
Just bear in mind that the house edge of 0.39% will rise depending on the accuracy of your 'Switch' decisions. It has been estimated that a player who uses good switching play will still see around 0.2% added to the house edge due to incorrect marginal 'Switch' plays. However, since that work was done, there have been a few studies made on switching strategies, including one by The Wizard himself, and this can help to improve play.
mrclean
Blackjack Switch is a casino gambling game invented by Geoff Hall and patented in 2009. It is based on blackjack, but differs in that two hands, rather than one, are dealt to each playing position, and the player is initially allowed to exchange ('switch') the top two cards between hands. When playing Blackjack Switch, the dealer must hit on a soft 17. In addition, although a dealer total of 22 will push against a player with 21 or less, a player blackjack still beats a 22 from a dealer. Special Blackjack Switch Rules. Alternate Rules of Blackjack Switch – Blackjack Switch Odds. Blackjack Switch Odds. By using a perfect strategy, the online game has a house edge of just 0.13%, so if you were looking for the best real money blackjack to play, you should definitely try Blackjack Switch. Of course, it’s not just about the money; this is one of the more unique games around and honestly, it’s a lot of fun. Jul 22, 2015 Blackjack Switch. Red and black casino game. Playtech’s Blackjack Switch is a two-hands variation of a standard game version, released by Playtech. Unlike other variants with multiple hands, Switch does not allow a single hand play. Selected bets are placed on both stake fields simultaneously.
Odds aside, I really enjoy playing Blackjack Switch and I'm surprised it isn't offered more. The closest casino that offers it to me is a 4+ hour drive so I rarely get to play.
rainman
What Are The Odds On Blackjack Switch 2
I tried to play it up here in WA at the Tulalip a weekend or so ago but the table was full.