Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: Virtue: Puzzle and Question

  1. #1
    Virtue
    Guest

    Virtue: Puzzle and Question

    This situation happened to me awhile back but it's an interesting puzzle. I'd also appreciate any commentary or advice on handling similar situations.

    Dealer has an Ace up, then fumbles the hole card so that the table can see that he has an 8, 9, or 10. I didn't take insurance. What kinds of hands must I have? The puzzle's not that difficult but it's intriguing.

    I didn't really know what other kinds of hands would also decline insurance, but would appreciate any thoughts, as well as what to do if let's say the dealer has a 9 or 10, or 50% chance of blackjack.

  2. #2
    Cacarulo
    Guest

    Cacarulo: Re: Puzzle and Question

    > Dealer has an Ace up, then fumbles the hole
    > card so that the table can see that he has
    > an 8, 9, or 10. I didn't take insurance.
    > What kinds of hands must I have? The
    > puzzle's not that difficult but it's
    > intriguing.

    I don't know if I get your question. When the dealer fumbles the hole card, are you saying that that card could be an 8, 9 or a 10 but not a face card?
    If this is the case then you will buy insurance if:

    Ev = P(T)*1+(-0.5)*P(NT) > 0
    P(T) = 1/3
    P(NT) = 2/3
    Ev = 1/3*1+(-0.5)*2/3 = 0 (don't buy)

    if you don't know whether you see a 9 or a 10 then:

    P(T) =1/2
    P(NT) =1/2
    Ev = 1/2*1+(-0.5)*1/2 = 1/4 (buy)

    Hope this helps.

    Sincerely,
    Cacarulo

  3. #3
    Virture
    Guest

    Virture: Clarification: 10 but not K, Q, J *NM*


  4. #4
    Virtue
    Guest

    Virtue: My mistake

    Sorry, I messed up the math initially.

    Still, are there any hands that I would or would not insure if I had a borderline insurance decision? Howabout for a 50% chance of getting insurance correct?

    Thanks

  5. #5
    Cacarulo
    Guest

    Cacarulo: Re: My mistake

    > Sorry, I messed up the math initially.

    > Still, are there any hands that I would or
    > would not insure if I had a borderline
    > insurance decision? Howabout for a 50%
    > chance of getting insurance correct?

    I think I've already answered your question. Please, read my previous post again.
    Am I missing something?

    Sincerely,
    Cacarulo

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About Blackjack: The Forum

BJTF is an advantage player site based on the principles of comity. That is, civil and considerate behavior for the mutual benefit of all involved. The goal of advantage play is the legal extraction of funds from gaming establishments by gaining a mathematic advantage and developing the skills required to use that advantage. To maximize our success, it is important to understand that we are all on the same side. Personal conflicts simply get in the way of our goals.