How To Evaluate A Blackjack Game (Part I)
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Generally speaking, foreign blackjack games have rules which are statistically less favorable to the player than the games in the United States. This often can be offset, however, by the use of a bigger bet spread, usually far greater than a player could get away with in this country. In evaluating a blackjack game, there are five primary factors to consider:
1. What are the rules? The player should evaluate the factors on the following check-list:
- How many decks are used?
- Can the player double-down on any two cards, or just with certain totals?
- Can the player double-down after he's drawn one or more cards?
- Can any pair be split; can non-identical 10's be split (e.g., a jack and a king)?
- Can pairs be re-split? Can aces be re-split? Can the player draw to split aces?
- Does the dealer take a hole card? If not, does the player lose the full amount of a double-down or split pair if the dealer has a blackjack (European no hole card), or, just the amount originally bet (as in Atlantic City)?
- Can the player take insurance? (The answers are generally yes; only if the player has a blackjack; and no.) Can the player insure for more than half his original bet?
- Is surrender available? Can the player surrender before the dealer checks for blackjack (early surrender) if the dealer has a 10 upcard? How about an ace upcard? Can the player surrender after hitting his hand, doubling-down or splitting pairs?
- Does the dealer stand on soft 17?
- Can the player take insurance? (The answers are generally yes; only if the player has a blackjack; and no.) Can the player insure for more than half his original bet?
- Are there any bonus options, such as:
- - Automatically winning with 5, 6 or more cards and not busting.
- - Receiving 2-to-1, 3-to-1, etc., with three 7's or with 6, 7 and 8 in the same suit?
- - Any other options?
As in the U.S., it's best not to display too great an interest in the options. Rather than blatantly asking what the rules are, which may draw heat, it's best to play low stakes and gradually try various plays until most of the rules are known. Some of the bonus options may not be revealed this way, but if you get a "five-card Charlie" or three 7's, ask if it means anything. Also, watch what other players do.
