The Straight Dope: What Casino Game Offer the Best Odds?

Myths and schemes about casino games and bets are as old as gambling itself. The logic behind many of these concepts is sometimes dizzyingly complex, but the idea is always the same. They always end with the line "and that is why XXX is the best bet in a casino". We've all heard them a thousand times, and we've heard it from every angle possible.

But the question lingers... what IS the best bet in a casino?

Luckily for you, we know where to get the Stright Dope. After the Jump, find out what we've learned.

A great mystery solving, and myth debunking site, The Straight Dope has this to say:

First some ground rules. I'll make no attempt to summarize all the possible variations in rules and payoffs at casinos around the world – I could easily spend the next dozen paragraphs discussing rule variants and their effect on strategy for blackjack alone. Among the variables to be considered: does the house hit a soft 17? Is surrender (giving up your hand before the dealer plays his cards at the cost of one-half your bet) permitted? If so, is it early surrender (an option that can only be exercised before you hit) or late surrender? Double-exposure blackjack sounds like a no-brainer advantage for the player – you get to see both dealer cards face up – but typically is played with an even-money payoff on blackjack where ties go to the house, changes that actually increase the house edge.

Nonetheless, as a general principle, if you want to lose money at the slowest possible rate, play blackjack using what game experts call "basic strategy." Tables summarizing correct play as dictated by basic strategy are widely available, and simple computer applications can be used to generate custom tables that allow for local rules variants – for example, see www.blackjackinfo.com/bjbse.php. An ordinary blackjack game played correctly using basic strategy typically provides an edge of less than one percent to the house.

They have a bit more to say about other games, so be sure to check out the rest of the article!

And their wisest advice?

As the WOPR computer in War Games says: “The only way to win is not to play.”

But c'mon.. where's the fun in that?

June 1, 2007

The Straight Dope: What Casino Game Offer the Best Odds?