Gambling Tip of the Month

Prosperity Partners

People at the table always give me a hard time.  When I'm playing Blackjack, I should be able to hit or double down whenever I want.  What are the rules at the table? Mark F. WA
 
Mark, of course you can do whatever you want at the blackjack tables. But there is a strategy most people agree on to improve the players' chances of losing money at a slower pace. The house always has the edge. And I've seen plenty of drunk guys play pure slop, hit with 17, and win. That being said, playing basic strategy will put the house edge at 0 to 3 percent. Try to play only "single deck" blackjack.
 
Following these basic strategy rules will give the player the best advantage:

• Always split aces and eights.
• Double down with 10 or 11 against a dealer's up card of 2-9.
• Stand with 12-16 against a dealer's up card of 2-6.
• Hit with 12-16 against a dealer's up card of 7, 8, 9, 10 and ace.
• Stand on 17-21.
• Never, never take insurance.

Answer to "Gambling" Trivia Question:

A: 7-2 off suit is considered the worst hand in Texas Hold'em. They are the lowest two cards you can have that cannot make a straight (there's 4 cards between 2 and 7). Even if the cards are suited, they will only make a very low flush, and if either card pairs on the turn, it's still a very low hand.

Prosperity Partners, Inc.
www.prosperitypartners.com
800-868-6230
JasonR@ppicash.com