Bruce Buell: Probabilities

[Bruce Buell]

In Thorp's book "Beat the Dealer" he gives the probability of the dealer making 17-18-19-20-21 or busting. This I can compute and agree with him, but how did he get the numbers about hitin or standing. How can I compute the probabilities of hitting or standing when I know the player total and the dealer up card? Eric Farmer does this in his blackjack game, but I have tried to contact him but failed.

[MGP]

> In Thorp's book "Beat the Dealer" he gives
> the probability of the dealer making 17-18-19-20-21 or
> busting. This I can compute and agree with him, but
> how did he get the numbers about hitin or standing.
> How can I compute the probabilities of hitting or
> standing when I know the player total and the dealer
> up card? Eric Farmer does this in his blackjack game,
> but I have tried to contact him but failed.

KC answered you on bjinfo...

[Norm Wattenberger]

Combinatorial Analysis. You go through every possible set of cards drawn. But it's already been done many, many times.

> In Thorp's book "Beat the Dealer" he gives
> the probability of the dealer making 17-18-19-20-21 or
> busting. This I can compute and agree with him, but
> how did he get the numbers about hitin or standing.
> How can I compute the probabilities of hitting or
> standing when I know the player total and the dealer
> up card? Eric Farmer does this in his blackjack game,
> but I have tried to contact him but failed.