21 Bet

Introduction

21 Bet is a variation with a modified decks and fixed drawing rules between the players. I read it is also known as Russian Blackjack and Ochko. I first heard of the game at TvBet, supplier of live dealer games to Internet casinos. Below is how the game is played at TvBet.

Rules

1. A 36-card deck is used, containing only ranks six to ace, four suits per rank.
2. Cards are valued as follows:
   • 6 to 10 — Pip value
   • Ace — 1 point
   • Jack — 2 points
   • Queen — 3 points
   • King — 4 points
3. The highest possible hand is a "Golden Point," which consists of two aces.
4. Otherwise, as in blackjack, the hand with more points, without going over 21, wins.
5. As in blackjack, a busted hand loses.
6. There are two hands, both of which have fixed drawing rules.
7. The dealer shall give each hand two cards initially.
8. If either hand has a Golden Point, that hand shall automatically win. In the unlikely event both have a Golden Point, the game shall result in a push. Otherwise, if neither hand has a Golden Point, go onto the rule 9.
9. If Hand 1 has less than 17 points, the dealer shall give that hand a card. If that card causes Hand 1 to bust, then Hand 2 shall win. Otherwise, go onto the rule 10.
10. If Hand 2 has less than 17 points, the dealer shall give that hand a card. If that card causes Hand 2 to bust, then Hand 1 shall win. Otherwise, go onto the rule 11.
11. If at least one hand has under 17 points and four or less cards, then go back rule 9.

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In the version of of 21 Bet by TvBet, the player makes bets at each stage of the game on who will win or a draw, number of cards in the winnings hand, number of points in the winning hand, or whether either player would bust.

Following are the initial odds offered by TvBet, before any cards are dealt. All pays are on a "for one" basis:

Winning player:

• Player 1 — 2.184
• Player 2 — 2.043
• Tie — 9.5

Number of cards in winning hand (all bets lose on tie):

• 2 — 4.332
• 3 — 2.215
• 4 — 4.563
• 5 — 18

Total points in winning hand (all bets lose on tie):

• 17 — 11
• 18 — 7.469
• 19 — 6.012
• 20 — 6.048
• 21 — 6.885
• Golden Point — 50

Does either player bust:

• Yes — 2.069
• No — 1.756

Analysis

Although the game allows mid-state betting, I shall analyze the starting state only, before any cards are dealt. My probabilities are by a random simulation of over two billion games.

The following table is on the winning player bets. The right column shows the best bet is on player 1 at a return of 95.68%.

The following table is on the number of cards in the winning hand. In the event of a tie, all bets in this category lose. The right column shows the best bet is on 3 cards at a return of 96.69%.

The following table is on the number of points in the winning hand. In the event of a tie, all bets in this category lose. The right column shows the best bet is on a Golden Point at a return of 95.07%.

The following table is on whether or not either player will bust. The right column shows the best bet is no bust at a return of 95.07%.

External Links

 

• Watch 21 Bet in demo mode at TvBet.
• Discussion about 21 Bet in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.

 

Internal Links

TVBET has a similar game, based on a 52-card deck, I call TVBET Blackjack.

Written by: Michael Shackleford