Don't Forget Who Pays For 'Gimmick' Rules
added 04.11.2011, 4:17PM
Fundamentally, blackjack is a very simple game with a limited set of rules. Most players learn the basics--what a 'natural' or 'blackjack' is, how to hit or stand, etc.--when they're kids. The rest of the traditional rules--doubling down, splitting and 'insurance' can be picked up in minutes. Even the relative newcomer to the blackjack world--early surrender--is an easy concept to assimilate.
In recent years, however, casinos have tried to compete with slot machines and video poker by trying to 'jazz up' the traditional blackjack rules. Some of these rules give the player the perception of more choice or information with which to play his hand. For a long time, several casinos offered a variation where both dealer cards were dealt face up. This sounds great at first glance, but we'll get to the 'punchline' in a moment.
A more recent variation that can be found at most Las Vegas casinos is 'switch' blackjack. The player is dealt two hands in traditional blackjack format but he can then 'switch' the cards between hands. In other words, if he's dealt a 10-5 and a 10-6 he can switch them to make a 10-10 and a 6-5.
So what's the catch? It's a big one--in the case of 'blackjack switch' the player favorable rules come at a huge cost. Natural blackjacks only pay even money and the dealer pushes on all 22's except against a natural blackjack. The player's sense of greater control is a powerful selling point but the bottom line is a greater house edge. All of the 'control' in the short term can't overcome that cold, hard mathematical reality.
The same concept applies with other 'gimmick' blackjack rules. Another variation of this gives the player the opportunity to place a 'side bet' for a big jackpot if certain hands or card sequences are dealt. Once again, the potential of a higher payout is attractive but the longterm expected value (EV) doesn't outweigh the added cost of the jackpot wager. It's another rule that may seem 'player friendly' but is anything but.
Whether you're playing online blackjack or at a land based casino the same reality applies--more often than not the most simple games are the most player friendly game. There's nothing wrong with playing the more 'gimmick based' rules like 'Blackjack Switch' but its important to remember that they come at a cost--and you're the one paying it.
