| Atlantic City or Las Vegas? If you’re
looking at the choices from a gambler’s perspective - and not which place has the
best Gentleman’s Clubs – the choice isn’t an easy one. Each city comes with its own set of casino rules that can help or
hurt players; especially when it comes to the universally popular game of blackjack.
Isn’t blackjack a simple game you say? Maybe to the
casual player who wagers their lunch money. But to the aspiring casino pro, blackjack can
be as complicated as any casino game.
So which city is more player friendly when it comes to
blackjack? We take a look at some of the Sin City/Atlantic City rules and give you our
verdict.
Vegas Hits, Atlantic City Stands
Does the dealer hit or stand on soft 17? Knowing that can make or break the way
you attack the dealer at the tables.
In Atlantic City, you'll find that at most tables the
dealer will usually stand on soft 17. Meaning even if the dealer has an ace and a six
(which could equal seven or 17) he has to stand. This decreases the house edge to an
average of less than .50 percent.
In Vegas, however, you're going to find that the dealers go
both ways. (Dealers at the $25 minimums and up tables tend to stand on soft 17.) A new
player may think that dealers who hit on soft 17 would help them, increasing the chances
of the dealer busting. But keep in mind "soft 17" means the dealer has an ace,
and can use it as 11 or 1 when trying to make 21. On average the house edge using this
rule with optimal blackjack strategy hovers above .50 percent.
Vegas or Atlantic City? Which One Does the
"Splits" Better?
Splitting a hand can be very advantageous to the seasoned blackjack player. In a
game using four decks or more, it’s best to split 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s, as it decreases
the house edge and opens the opportunity to create a much better hand overall.
So which city does it better?
Once again the advantage has to go to Atlantic City. In
Vegas, you can split up to two hands, but in Atlantic City you can split to four which
increases your edge against the house even more.
Player Advantage Goes To...
In the end - while Vegas boasts the biggest, baddest casinos, and some of the best
nightlife in America - if you're looking to make some extra money at the tables, check out
the only reason to ever step foot in New Jersey... Atlantic City, of course. |
