Blackjack Switch Basic Strategy Research

[Geoff Hall]

How do you feel about the two? I thought it might be more significant because of the push 22 rule.

Maverick

I'm guessing here but I suppose that if you looked at how often the dealer makes 22, when starting with a 2, then compare this with how often this happens with upcards of 3-6, this may give you some insight into how much extra weight should be assigned with the 2 (if any).

Interestingly, I met a professional player who actually added more weight to the Ace because of the 'switch'.

I may look at eor in the future but am unsure as to whether to post them if the results are significant.

 

[WRX]

Variance is similar to regular Blackjack.

Hi, Geoff. Could you kindly clarify this? Suppose I'm making a pair of $5 bets at Switch. Is the variance on this total wager similar to the variance on:
o One $10 bet at regular BJ?
o Or a succession of two $5 bets at regular BJ?
o Or spreading to two simultaneous hands at $5 each at regular BJ?

I'm guessing you mean the latter. That's because there will be a high covariance between the two hands at Switch, just as there is when spreading to two hands at regular BJ.

 

[WRX]

'Blackjack Switch' now has 19 tables in Nevada mixed in with casinos from Reno and Lake Tahoe. Furthermore, ther are 16 other casinos, in other states, that want the game, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the game will expand quite rapidly this year.

To my knowledge, Switch is currently available at the following stores:
o El Dorado, Reno: 6 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Limits $5 to $500.
o Harrah's Reno: 8 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Table minimum $5 or $10, depending on day and time, but usually at least one table is $10.
o John Ascuaga's Nugget, Sparks: 6 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Limits $5 to $500.
o Casino Royale, Las Vegas: Eight decks. Limits $5 to $500.
o Fitzgerald's, Las Vegas: Eight decks.
o Four Queens, Las Vegas: Six decks or eight? Limits $5 to $500.
o Twin Pines, Middletown, Calif.: Six decks. Limits $5 to $200.

Geoff also lists Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, on his Web site, but I'm not clear if the game is still spread. Anyone?

Geoff mentions the game being available at Lake Tahoe. Is that at Harrah's?

Anywhere else?

Switch seems to be spreading. When they're open, the tables in northern Nevada are often crowded, and betting is lively. This game could have traction.

 

[aslan]

Also, at the Taj Mahal...

...in Atlantic City.

 

[Geoff Hall]

To my knowledge, Switch is currently available at the following stores:
o El Dorado, Reno: 6 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Limits $5 to $500.
o Harrah's Reno: 8 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Table minimum $5 or $10, depending on day and time, but usually at least one table is $10.
o John Ascuaga's Nugget, Sparks: 6 decks. 21 created by a switch is not a natural. Limits $5 to $500.
o Casino Royale, Las Vegas: Eight decks. Limits $5 to $500.
o Fitzgerald's, Las Vegas: Eight decks.
o Four Queens, Las Vegas: Six decks or eight? Limits $5 to $500.
o Twin Pines, Middletown, Calif.: Six decks. Limits $5 to $200.

Geoff also lists Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, on his Web site, but I'm not clear if the game is still spread. Anyone?
Geoff mentions the game being available at Lake Tahoe. Is that at Harrah's?

Anywhere else?

Switch seems to be spreading. When they're open, the tables in northern Nevada are often crowded, and betting is lively. This game could have traction.

Hi WRX

Yes, Golden Nugget has the game and have 6 spots on the table so it gets crowded at times.

The 4 Queens has 8 decks.

Other installs to add to your list :-

Harrah's, Harvey's, Bills - Lake Tahoe
River Palms, Ramada - Laughlin
Mont Bleu, Horizon - Lake Tahoe
Jerry's Nugget, Las Vegas (coming soon)

and finally

The Tropicana, Las Vegas goes live with the game tonight. They are using 8 decks, switched BJ = 21 but player BJ beats a dealer BJ. I'm in Las Vegas at the moment and will be watching the game there at some point tonight.

Best regards

Geoff

 

[Geoff Hall]

Taj Mahal

...in Atlantic City.

They had the old version and, unfortunately, they removed it despite having good action. I have high hopes for AC now as Harrah's are doing well with the game in other areas and I believe that Harrah's, AC are looking at the results.

 

[WRX]

Geoff, forgot to say thank you for all the great information. So...thank you!

The El Dorado moved the Switch table to the secondary pit. According to a pit critter, it opens about 8:00 p.m., ordinarily Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings only.

 

[Geoff Hall]

Geoff, forgot to say thank you for all the great information. So...thank you!

The El Dorado moved the Switch table to the secondary pit. According to a pit critter, it opens about 8:00 p.m., ordinarily Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings only.

You're welcome.

El Dorado are removing the game at the end of this month.

My view is that it should have gone into the main pit to start with. It's difficult to encourage play on a Blackjack variation if it's not in the Blackjack pit.