Blackjack Strategy

[beaston]

Thanks....I didn't realize the swings were that much in favor of the house...lol

Although, I do have to retract my statement about "always" splitting 2/3....it's more like I'll do it if the cards are red hot. I definitely wouldn't do it at a cold table.

[caruso]

2s and 3s splits are almost always defensive, ie. designed to lose less. Against only 5 and 6 is expectation positive.

Originally Posted by beaston

Although, I do have to retract my statement about "always" splitting 2/3....it's more like I'll do it if the cards are red hot. I definitely wouldn't do it at a cold table.

Bear in mind that cards are only "hot" and "cold" in retrospect; never make playing decisions based on what you've observed in terms of results, it has no bearing on the future. If you've just lost ten straight hands, still split your 2s and 3s against a a 7. If you've won ten, still don't split them against 8. Even when everything seems to go wrong, still play correctly. You'll lose less.

I did an article on the general subject of the fallacy of "hot" and "cold" and suchlike:

http://www.hundredpercentgambling.com/progressions.htm