Casino video (how fast can you spot both why and the opportunity?)

[eskimo68]

EDITED: Just skip to the longer post explaining things a few posts below.

Been enjoying this several times this summer. Apart from being profitable it's a real blast, you seldom get to play blackjack this "loose" (read: EVER).

https://youtu.be/CUVApmMU1-4

Once you spot what is going on, how long did it take you? Don't tell everyone what you spotted yet, just how long it took you.

And apart from spotting the really obvious, what I'm asking for is more like, why is this so insanely profitable (relatively speaking)?

Once there are a few replies I would like to dig into what would be the best strategy during a blackjack session this different. As an example, I'm seriously contemplating that splitting 55 vs face might be better than doubling (you have to watch the video to understand why this question is not insane as well ). Heck, we could even have a competition who can get the best profit out from it (using real money).

Disclaimer: This is no affiliate bogus thing and I guess people can figure out the site.

[UncleChoo]

The most important thing I'm trying to figure out is what in the world this video has to do with playing BJ for profit in the real world. No offense, but something just don't seem right with your post.

[stopgambling]

after 1 minute but for "real' ?

[GMass]

First card dealt was from seconds.

[eskimo68]

Apparently I have to spell it out. With some effort all this could have been figured out by anyone (which was the initial idea, how long does it take people to think out of the box).

The PAF site has been running a promo on and off this summer where you play for 20e and get 50 hands to play for free (10 cents but that's not the point).

So you need to invest 20e, play BJ normally which lands you at 18-20e mostly.

But the 50 free hands can generate ~10e in 10 minutes. Peanuts, but I do consider 60e/h profitable.

Now, to the actual point.

The free bets you get are fairly interesting, anything you do is free. Yes, doubling, splitting etc costs you nothing but generate profit even at even money.

Apart from being a total blast to play, basic BJ strategy goes out the window. After playing BJ for 40 years it's quite refreshing as a timeout.

So for the last 10 times I've been "improving" my strategy for this as I enjoy the challenge of it being so totally different.

In the beginning first two sessions (first session just had me verify everything really is free), it was really difficult to "unlock" your brain and do the stupid decisions. At that point I managed 5e/session.

Once you realize pretty much doubling anything is the way to go profits go up.

As an example:

Dealer face, you 7.
Normally the dealer busts 23% (?) and by hitting until 17(+) you can get to a ~40% (?) win. Clear loss on average anyway.
But here you can double. If you win you will get 4X and even on even money you get 2X. So against all odds, this even becomes profitable.

Another example:

Dealer anything, you face + face. Max profit 2X.
Normally I sit tight.
But here splitting and doubling at least up to 16 can generate 8X at best.

And a final example (which I probably will calculate sooner or later):

Dealer face, you face + 7.
Normal no brainer, average ~40% and a -20% over time.
But here, since doubling can net you 4X you end up with 200%.

The examples might be wrong, I haven't sat down and calculated stuff to figure out how to profit at a measly 60e/h. My brain still likes the exercise though.

And doubling 16 against 6 is just hilarious. Well, doubling 2 against dealer 6 is probably the worst example I can think of. Insane, yes. Fun, yes.

And for whoever whose first thought is to complain about me using percentages and 2X instead of standard BJ notation... don't bother. I only had 20 mins to write this so cutting corners instead of entering correct percentages and stuff.

So basically I'm just saying, this is damn fun (as a break) and I have really enjoyed having a totally different challenge for once (especially as you cannot lose).

[eskimo68]

The offer is on this week again. Just saying.