Renzey article: "Basic Strategy Blackjack Has Its Exceptions"

[KenSmith]

A new article by Fred Renzey:
Basic Strategy Blackjack Has Its Exceptions

 

[Mr. T]

A new article by Fred Renzey:
Basic Strategy Blackjack Has Its Exceptions

Ken and I and others have discussed this I believe a couple of years back.
Fred is a well known authority on BJ and more important a poster here.
Fred is basically talking about variations in BJ rules and hence the differences in BS should be taken into account.
But when most people outside the US don't even know there are 2 types of BJ ,viz, the American BJ and the European BJ, then, sorry Fred, what you are saying is small change. As practically all books and websites on BJ are US based then this mistake for those outside the US is monumental.
On the practical side Fred said " Yet, most basic strategy purists consider anyone who doubles on soft 19 to be a lunatic". It is not just the purist but everybody else. I find my most troubling play for the other players is my doubling the soft 18. If I were to double my soft 19 I would probably be run off the table by my fellow players. Is that not your actual experience, Fred. Or get into a fist fight with them.
The next point Fred that you mentioned is hitting 16 against 10. For more than 2 cards 16 the wizard of odds did say to stand. But he aslo said the difference in the 2 play is infinitisemal. Something like 2 extra win in 1 million hands.

 

[Renzey]

The next point Fred that you mentioned is hitting 16 against 10. For more than 2 cards 16 the wizard of odds did say to stand. But he aslo said the difference in the 2 play is infinitisemal. Something like 2 extra win in 1 million hands.

Many sources merely break the marginal hand of 16 vs. 10 into only two categories -- two-card 16's and multi-card 16's, then simply advise to hit the two-card version and stand on all three-or-more-card 16's. The "Rule of 45" is a bit more accurate, and advises that you stand with any 16 that contains a 4 or a 5 (such as 3/5/8, 4/5/7, 2/5/9, etc), but hit all others (such as 3/6/7, 3/3/10, 2/6/8, etc). Even then though, the gain is minimal, and becomes nearly mute if you count cards. But if you're a basic strategy player, why not use slightly helpful information that is right there in front of you?

 

[golfnut101]

doubling 11 vs A

Ken/Fred

Thanks for the articles. I did not know this is actually a bs play in a h17 6d game-one in which I play. I love the math/odds behind the game, and regardless if you choose to make this play or the hand comp 16, being more informed can only help. I love your article Fred, and once again, thanks Ken for sharing the info. Keep up the great work guys !

 

[EasyRhino]

Fred, I've seen you write articles like along that ilk before (one with a certain number or "horsemen", I belive?). And they're interesting, and you don't really see that info written by any other authors.

But to be frank, do you think there's really a point? The actual monetary benefit to a BS player of incorporating all the composition dependent play variations is going to be miniscule, and fill up lot of the braincase in remembering all of them. It would probably take the same amount of work to learn a simple counting system.

And to be clear, I mean this with the utmost respect. I'm just debating whether or not the advise pays off from a effort/reward standpoint.