Best EV for Matchplay and Freeplay coupon?

[RS]

• So, I'd assume that the best way to use these coupons is to throw them on top of a bet when there is a high TC when I'd be placing my max bet. It just seems the most logical. The only time I'd imagine it could be more +EV is if the coupon is worth less than my minimum bet, in which case I might bet it at a low TC, to "save" me from some -EV....although it still seems most logical to use it in a high +EV situation...correct?
• What about a coupon that counts as a "first card ace"? ie: You put the coupon on your betting circle, and you aren't dealt a first card, only a second card...and you have an invisible first card ace. Still best to use the coupon in a high TC count with a max bet out? What if I'm limited to use it with only 1/2 my max bet. ie: The most I can play with this coupon is $100, but my max bet is $200. Would it be better to use this coupon and bet $100 when I'd normally be making a $100 bet? Or better to use the coupon when I'd normally be playing $200, but only bet $100, due to the limitation of the coupon?
• The first one seems obvious....throw it on top of a max bet to maximize EV. The second......I'm not too sure?

[NT21]

• So, I'd assume that the best way to use these coupons is to throw them on top of a bet when there is a high TC when I'd be placing my max bet. It just seems the most logical.

I would agree with this, conceptually. However, if you watch most regular patrons, they'll use them right away off the top of a shoe. So if you're playing at one store a lot and using match play frequently, it's worth noting that by consistently waiting until you have a max bet, it could cause some additional heat. Also, depending on your spread, you might not actually hit your max bet before the coupon expiration. I think it's safer to play it at a middle count.

[mofungoo]

Grosjean covers matchplays in BC, and for max EV you want variance - betting the coupon on a single number in roulette has twice the EV as betting the coupon in a typical blackjack game. Next best are center table bets in craps with big odds payouts. The tie bet in baccarat is also good.

[21forme]

-Assuming it's an even-money-bet-only coupon, the best odds are the pass line in craps.
-Contrary to popular opinion, there's really no point waiting for a big count if played on BJ. Your win rate increases very little by count.
-For a first card Ace coupon, bet as big as you can. They usually are capped at some small bet, because your edge is 52%

[moo321]

A matchplay is mathematically identical to a loss rebate on a single bet. Think about it long enough, and you'll see what I mean. $10 matchplay is the same as a 50% rebate on a $20 bet: win=20, loss =10.

You actually want to increase the variance of the bet as much as possible. Single number in roulette, sucker bets in craps, even the pairs plus in 3cp is better than BJ. Player in baccarat and the line in craps are slightly better, although not enough to care about.

[Three]

Betting the passline in craps can be time consuming. If you are ready to play BJ or another game at the establishment not the best pick. If you are waiting for the conditions you came for it is a good +EV way to kill time. sometimes it takes 5, 10 even 20 minutes to resolve a pasline bet. You just never know.

[RS]

• Not worried about heat...pit bosses aren't even doing their jobs more than half the time (seriously).
• And ah, I totally forgot there are other games I can use the coupon for.
• Does any of the stuff change if I rarely get (or am able to use) freeplay/matchplay coupons? (ie: Is there a different way to maximize EV if I get 1 MP or FP per month OR if I get swamped in them?)
• I think I'll go for one of the hard-way bets or one of the 30:1 bets....if it only works for 1:1 payouts, I'll throw it on the passline.
• Oh, I also have a freeplay coupon for Lucky Ladies (9) OR a Firebet. Thoughts?

[Mr2Project]

A matchplay is mathematically identical to a loss rebate on a single bet. Think about it long enough, and you'll see what I mean. $10 matchplay is the same as a 50% rebate on a $20 bet: win=20, loss =10.

You actually want to increase the variance of the bet as much as possible. Single number in roulette, sucker bets in craps, even the pairs plus in 3cp is better than BJ. Player in baccarat and the line in craps are slightly better, although not enough to care about.

Ive always heard this that when you have such coupons or as in back in the day during my online bonus days some bonuses we suggested that I play them on games with a high variance. I truly never understood as to why this would be the best case. Is it for the fact that you would want to go for a higher payout that a higher variance game can provide? This is what I had always assumed.

[Three]

Oh, I also have a freeplay coupon for Lucky Ladies (9) OR a Firebet. Thoughts?

Use it on the LL when the index calls for it.

[moo321]

Ive always heard this that when you have such coupons or as in back in the day during my online bonus days some bonuses we suggested that I play them on games with a high variance. I truly never understood as to why this would be the best case. Is it for the fact that you would want to go for a higher payout that a higher variance game can provide? This is what I had always assumed.

Basically, a matchplay is similar to the old "sticky bonus", where increasing the variance increased the EV. That's why you would bet it all on a number in roulette, and if you hit, then grind out the wagering requirement on the lowest house edge game.

[blackjack avenger]

When you apply the coupon to bj you also have the EV of playing bj.
Often is mentioned the -EV of a bj hand. This is mistaken, don't you have a positive expectation playing bj?

In other games the game itself is negative EV. Also, your not at a bj table!

[RS]

Hmmm.......I did some thinking and now I'm a bit uneasy about this. Not that I don't trust y'all, I just don't quite understand it....and I'd rather understand why I'm doing what I'm doing than just blindly following.

• For example, let's say I have a $50 FREEPLAY coupon. I go into the casino, throw it on one number on roulette. It either wins or loses, then I walk over to the BJ table and do my thang.
• What would be the difference if I used my own $50 on roulette and the freeplay on a BJ hand? The outcome is going to be the same either way....right? So why am I throwing my own $50 at a -EV game, when I can use it for a single bet (or part of a bet) at the BJ table with +EV?
• Same thing with the matchplay.

[mofungoo]

Go here and read the article "Beyond Coupons" for a complete explanation and strategies:

http://www.beyondcounting.com/articles.html