To maximize your chances of winning, you must absolutely avoid games that carry a massive casino advantage.
The ‘house edge’ dictates exactly how much money the casino expects to keep from every wager over the long term.
Mastering Blackjack for Optimal Odds
No other game allows the player to reduce the casino’s advantage as dramatically as standard 21.
However, this incredibly low edge assumes that you are following a mathematically perfect ‘Basic Strategy’ chart.
- Always check the rules before sitting down; a table that pays 6-to-5 on a blackjack is a terrible trap
- Only play at tables that offer the traditional 3-to-2 payout for a natural blackjack
- The fewer decks used in the shoe, the better the mathematical odds are for the player
Baccarat and Video Poker
James Bond’s favorite game is essentially a coin flip where the casino only takes a microscopic advantage.
Alternatively, certain variations of Video Poker (like 9/6 Jacks or Better) offer an edge of less than 0.5%.
| Casino Game | Optimal House Edge | Skill Required |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (3:2) | ~0.50% | High (Basic Strategy) |
| Baccarat (Banker) | 1.06% | None |
Ultimately, doing a little bit of research before you sit down can save you hundreds of dollars.
