Blackarat Optimal Strategy & Effect of Removal

[JohnGalt007]

In "The Theory of Gambling & Statistical Logic" by Richard Epstein, a hybrid of blackjack and baccarat, called "blackarat", was introduced. Blackarat gameplay is superficially similar to blackjack, but hand totals are computed modulo 10 and a pair of 9s is considered a natural for the player (for the dealer, a pair of ten-valued cards). The optimal strategy was calculated by simulations and provided in an appendix, but no further analysis was given.

Attached below are two papers I wrote on the subject. In the first, I approximated the optimal strategy assuming infinite decks. In the second, I computed the effects of removal to derive a card counting system as well as the betting correlation of said system, bounds on the playing efficiency, and a recommendation for a profitable bet spread.

https://www.academia.edu/89747870/In...y_in_Blackarat

https://www.academia.edu/103411586/E...l_in_Blackarat

[Cacarulo]

In "The Theory of Gambling & Statistical Logic" by Richard Epstein, a hybrid of blackjack and baccarat, called "blackarat", was introduced. Blackarat gameplay is superficially similar to blackjack, but hand totals are computed modulo 10 and a pair of 9s is considered a natural for the player (for the dealer, a pair of ten-valued cards). The optimal strategy was calculated by simulations and provided in an appendix, but no further analysis was given.

Attached below are two papers I wrote on the subject. In the first, I approximated the optimal strategy assuming infinite decks. In the second, I computed the effects of removal to derive a card counting system as well as the betting correlation of said system, bounds on the playing efficiency, and a recommendation for a profitable bet spread.

https://www.academia.edu/89747870/In...y_in_Blackarat

https://www.academia.edu/103411586/E...l_in_Blackarat

I am unable to locate the game you mentioned in my copy of Epstein's book. It's likely due to the version I have, which might be different from yours.
I possess a revised edition, but it's somewhat outdated.
Out of curiosity, could you please tell me where can this game be found? Thank you.

Sincerely,
Cac

[Norm]

Doesn't exist, at least that know of. Nor the one on the next page of the book (where you'll find my name under the chart). Richard could invent games; but he couldn't sell them. Here's a screenshot of my Blackarat Simulator and CA written for him back in 2008:

blackarat.jpg

[BJGenius007]

In "The Theory of Gambling & Statistical Logic" by Richard Epstein, a hybrid of blackjack and baccarat, called "blackarat", was introduced. Blackarat gameplay is superficially similar to blackjack, but hand totals are computed modulo 10 and a pair of 9s is considered a natural for the player (for the dealer, a pair of ten-valued cards). The optimal strategy was calculated by simulations and provided in an appendix, but no further analysis was given.

Attached below are two papers I wrote on the subject. In the first, I approximated the optimal strategy assuming infinite decks. In the second, I computed the effects of removal to derive a card counting system as well as the betting correlation of said system, bounds on the playing efficiency, and a recommendation for a profitable bet spread.

https://www.academia.edu/89747870/In...y_in_Blackarat

https://www.academia.edu/103411586/E...l_in_Blackarat

Such patient. You joined in 2015 and this is your first post.

[JohnGalt007]

I am unable to locate the game you mentioned in my copy of Epstein's book. It's likely due to the version I have, which might be different from yours.
I possess a revised edition, but it's somewhat outdated.
Out of curiosity, could you please tell me where can this game be found? Thank you.

Sincerely,
Cac

Thanks for your reply! I'm referring to page 287 of the second edition, published by Academic Press in 2013.

[JohnGalt007]

Doesn't exist, at least that know of. Nor the one on the next page of the book (where you'll find my name under the chart). Richard could invent games; but he couldn't sell them. Here's a screenshot of my Blackarat Simulator and CA written for him back in 2008:

blackarat.jpg

Thanks for your response! I admire your work. To be fair, I'd be hard-pressed to sell a game with such a low house edge and is more vulnerable to card counting than ordinary blackjack. I'd have better luck betting on keno.

[JohnGalt007]

Such patient. You joined in 2015 and this is your first post.

Good things take time! Glad to be here!

[Cacarulo]

Thanks for your reply! I'm referring to page 287 of the second edition, published by Academic Press in 2013.

Thanks. I have the first revised edition from 1977. Pretty old.

Sincerely,
Cac

[Cacarulo]

Doesn't exist, at least that know of. Nor the one on the next page of the book (where you'll find my name under the chart). Richard could invent games; but he couldn't sell them. Here's a screenshot of my Blackarat Simulator and CA written for him back in 2008:

blackarat.jpg

Interesting. What I could find on the web are references to a game called "Twisted 21" alias "21 Stud" alias "2-card War" alias "21 Bet" which was related to "Blackarat".

Sincerely,
Cac

[Cacarulo]

Good things take time! Glad to be here!

"Better late than never," says the old proverb.

Cac

[AaronTahan]

very interesting, first time I hear about blackarat

[Gramazeka]

Excuse me, who are you?

[JohnGalt007]

very interesting, first time I hear about blackarat

Thanks! I thought blackarat was an interesting game when I first heard of it as well.