Gambling Guide
Last Updated: July 15, 2014
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Lucky Blackjack
Introduction
Lucky Blackjack is a blackjack variant at Internet casinos using Playtech software. The game has a single hand only and the player bets on the final outcome, from 17 to a bust.
Rules
- A single 52-card deck is used.
- All cards are valued as in conventional blackjack.
- The player may make bets on any of the following final outcomes: 17 points, 18 points, 19 points, 20 points, 21 points, blackjack, and bust.
- The dealer shall draw cards until he has 17 points or more.
- The dealer shall stand on a soft 17.
- A winning 17-point bet shall pay 5 to 1.
- A winning 18-point bet shall pay 6 to 1.
- A winning 19-point bet shall pay 6 to 1.
- A winning 20-point bet shall pay 4 to 1.
- A winning 21-point bet shall pay 12 to 1.
- A winning blackjack bet shall pay 19 to 1.
- A winning bust bet shall pay 2 to 1.
Analysis
Lucky Blackjack
| Bet | Pays | Probability | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 5 | 0.145830 | -0.125022 |
| 18 | 6 | 0.138063 | -0.033558 |
| 19 | 6 | 0.134820 | -0.056260 |
| 20 | 4 | 0.175806 | -0.120968 |
| 21 | 12 | 0.073630 | -0.042815 |
| Blackjack | 19 | 0.048266 | -0.034690 |
| Bust | 2 | 0.283585 | -0.149244 |
Strategy
With a house edge ranging from 3.36% to 14.92%, I would suggest playing something else. However, if you must play Lucky Blackjack, I would suggest making the 18 bet only, with the lowest house edge at 3.36%. The Blackjack bet is not much worse at a 3.47% house edge.Written by:Michael Shackleford
