Ask Rory Volume 1
The first email was from a novice casino play who was trying a strategy that at first glance appears sound but has an obvious flaw. Let’s have a look.
Dear Rory,
I’ve been told that when I play online blackjack, if I play by the same rules as the dealer I should have a better than 50/50 chance at winning because blackjack pays me 3/2.
Thanks
Steve G. (Atlanta)
This question has come up a few times but there is an obvious flaw in the theory; when playing blackjack you have to go first. This takes away any perceived edge by following the same rules as the dealer. If you go first and you bust the dealer wins with out having to draw a card. If you play perfect blackjack strategy the game with standard online blackjack rules the casino’s house hold percentage would be about 0.64%. After managing a couple of online casinos, it was realistic for the house to hold about 2-2.5%.
House hold percentage for those that don’t know is the percentage of money from all the wagers placed, the casino has kept. So if $1,000,000 worth of wagers is placed, the casino can except to keep between $20,000 and $25,000 with a 2-2.5% hold percentage. Let me explain it in another way, if you deposit $500 and play $25,000 worth of hands before you lose your $500, the casino’s hold percentage would be 2% even though the casino has kept 100% of your money.
Playing perfect strategy will cut that hold percent down to 0.64% and with the hold percentage so low you will be able to make some solid runs and if you avoid chasing away your profits you can cash out with a nice sum of money.
Check out this chart which shows you how to play Perfect Blackjack Strategy
