Blackjack Lucky 8
Blackjack Lucky 8 Average ratng: 3,8/5 4702 reviews
- Firstly you may be awarded instant wins of up to 88x your total-bet, whilst 3-5 lucky 8's will also trigger the Free Games Feature of 8 Free Games. Once awarded the Free Games Feature you will also be asked to bang a gong to reveal the Bonus Multiplier which will either be 2x, 3x, 5x, or 8x.
- Are you a fan of table games? Lucky8 puts you to the test on Blackjack! Try to get the 777 combination and get an exceptional cash prize.
- Blackjack Lucky Ladies
- Blackjack Lucky 8 Ball
- Blackjack Lucky Lucky
- Blackjack Lucky Ladies Payout
- Blackjack Lucky Lucky Odds
Lucky Lucky is a side bet that adds an exciting twist to the players existing blackjack game. Winning the side bet is based on a combination of the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up card to form a three card hand of 6-7-8, 7-7-7 (suited or unsuited), or a three card total of 19, 20, or 21 (suited or unsuited).
Thread Rating:
AB21
A couple of years ago I decided to take on a new AP strategy by counting the lucky lucky side bet in blackjack. It didn't take long to figure out most of what I needed to know after searching Eliot's website.
At first I was hoping to figure out a way to beat the side bet as well as the main game (I use hi lo) simultaneously. Keeping a side count of 6,7,8,A was ideal but too difficult so I concentrated on the 2 most valuable cards - 7 & 8. I found tracking these with the clock/chip method to be quite doable. I would then make the lucky lucky bet when the shoe was rich in 7's and/or 8's. The problem was I wasn't smart enough to figure out at what richness level to start making the bet. Obviously I should have the advantage when the shoe was very rich, but what about when the 8's were rich and 7's neutral or various other combinations? What about the 6's and A's I wasn't tracking? I may have bet at times without an advantage but most likely I was probably missing 80% of the opportunities. So after about 20 hours fooling around with these side counts I decided to learn a new count.
Interestingly, this would be the first time I tried a new count (and a level 2 count at that) in my 30 year love affair with the game.
Count is as follow:
2,3,10 - plus 1,
6,A - minus 1
7,8 - minus 2
4,5,9 - zero
I was quite surprised how quickly I picked it up. I stood behind a table and practiced for an hour before jumping in. The first few hours were mentally taxing, but after a while you begin to memorize the groupings and off setting pairs/groups that makes counting so much easier than non counters think it is.
The game is decent - 6 decks, blackjack pays 3 to 2 (isn't it a sad state of affairs that I even have to mention that?) H17, DAS, ES10, re split aces, and good pen. Unfortunately most of the games in my area have a $25 max on the lucky lucky ($5 min on the regular game) that will limit my EV to about $20 /hr (at 100 hands/hr). Certainly not going to get rich on this, but for the last decade or so I have been playing mainly for fun at relatively low stakes - something to do while my wife is out of town on business.
My betting strategy is to bet 5 or 10 bucks at a true count of plus 2 and bet the max on higher counts. At plus 5 or higher I will try to get more money on the table by betting multiple spots or by betting on other player's squares. Betting on other player's squares certainly has its pitfalls which I won't get into here. I also employ shuffle tracking techniques to increase betting frequency - again, I'm not smart enough to figure out how much extra EV this provides.
If I feel up to it, for the first few rounds after a shuffle I will keep both the hi lo count and the lucky lucky count (this is kind of similar to back counting 2 tables at once) if one of the counts quickly goes negative or positive I will abandon one for the other. If nothing extreme happens after a few rounds I drop the hi lo, as keeping 2 counts for an extended period is too hard on the head.
I quickly discovered that this game has huge variance, but after 32 years of playing blackjack, variance is no stranger to me. After the first 10 hours I am down almost a thousand bucks. But the positive variance in this game is absolutely thrilling as I discovered after hitting a suited 678 on a $25 bet for a $2500 payout.
So how am I doing?
After 162 hours of play I am up $4535 which should be close to my expected win (not sure of my actual EV due to the shuffle tracking effect and not tracking the extra money I try to put in play at higher counts)
Big hits:
1) I have hit the suited 678 that pays 100 to 1 five times - 3 times with a max bet, 1 time with 5 bucks, and thankfully only once without a bet. At 100 hands/hr you should make this hit every 58 hours or so, so I guess you could say I have been lucky lucky :).
2) I hit three unsuited 7's (pays 50 to 1) twice, once with 5 bucks bet and once with $0. Still waiting for the elusive suited sevens that pays 200 to 1, but have seen it hit at my table twice. Once was a sweet elderly lady who had a whopping $1 on the bet. I went on to befriend her and now bet on her square when the opportunity presents itself
3) unsuited 678 (pays 30 to 1) - I didn't keep track, but I hit it many times with and without money on it. In the long run this should come up every 4 hours or so.
What I love about this game:
1) the huge variance on the positive side!
What I hate about this game - several things:
1) the high negative variance.
2) the low maximum
3) a big hit with no money on it
4) ploppies and dealers constantly chastising you for not consistently playing the lucky lucky (it is very popular and most people play it).
5) #4 above after getting a big hit with no money on the lucky lucky. (This is one of the very few times I may get snarky with other players or the dealer)
6) the count skyrockets, the table is painted with 6's, 7's, and 8's, but the cards just don't line up for you, or the guy beside you has a huge hit
So am I going to return to the regular game or continue counting the lucky lucky?
It depends which side of the variance curve I'm on when you ask me.
At first I was hoping to figure out a way to beat the side bet as well as the main game (I use hi lo) simultaneously. Keeping a side count of 6,7,8,A was ideal but too difficult so I concentrated on the 2 most valuable cards - 7 & 8. I found tracking these with the clock/chip method to be quite doable. I would then make the lucky lucky bet when the shoe was rich in 7's and/or 8's. The problem was I wasn't smart enough to figure out at what richness level to start making the bet. Obviously I should have the advantage when the shoe was very rich, but what about when the 8's were rich and 7's neutral or various other combinations? What about the 6's and A's I wasn't tracking? I may have bet at times without an advantage but most likely I was probably missing 80% of the opportunities. So after about 20 hours fooling around with these side counts I decided to learn a new count.
Interestingly, this would be the first time I tried a new count (and a level 2 count at that) in my 30 year love affair with the game.
Count is as follow:
2,3,10 - plus 1,
6,A - minus 1
7,8 - minus 2
4,5,9 - zero
I was quite surprised how quickly I picked it up. I stood behind a table and practiced for an hour before jumping in. The first few hours were mentally taxing, but after a while you begin to memorize the groupings and off setting pairs/groups that makes counting so much easier than non counters think it is.
The game is decent - 6 decks, blackjack pays 3 to 2 (isn't it a sad state of affairs that I even have to mention that?) H17, DAS, ES10, re split aces, and good pen. Unfortunately most of the games in my area have a $25 max on the lucky lucky ($5 min on the regular game) that will limit my EV to about $20 /hr (at 100 hands/hr). Certainly not going to get rich on this, but for the last decade or so I have been playing mainly for fun at relatively low stakes - something to do while my wife is out of town on business.
My betting strategy is to bet 5 or 10 bucks at a true count of plus 2 and bet the max on higher counts. At plus 5 or higher I will try to get more money on the table by betting multiple spots or by betting on other player's squares. Betting on other player's squares certainly has its pitfalls which I won't get into here. I also employ shuffle tracking techniques to increase betting frequency - again, I'm not smart enough to figure out how much extra EV this provides.
If I feel up to it, for the first few rounds after a shuffle I will keep both the hi lo count and the lucky lucky count (this is kind of similar to back counting 2 tables at once) if one of the counts quickly goes negative or positive I will abandon one for the other. If nothing extreme happens after a few rounds I drop the hi lo, as keeping 2 counts for an extended period is too hard on the head.
I quickly discovered that this game has huge variance, but after 32 years of playing blackjack, variance is no stranger to me. After the first 10 hours I am down almost a thousand bucks. But the positive variance in this game is absolutely thrilling as I discovered after hitting a suited 678 on a $25 bet for a $2500 payout.
So how am I doing?
After 162 hours of play I am up $4535 which should be close to my expected win (not sure of my actual EV due to the shuffle tracking effect and not tracking the extra money I try to put in play at higher counts)
Big hits:
1) I have hit the suited 678 that pays 100 to 1 five times - 3 times with a max bet, 1 time with 5 bucks, and thankfully only once without a bet. At 100 hands/hr you should make this hit every 58 hours or so, so I guess you could say I have been lucky lucky :).
2) I hit three unsuited 7's (pays 50 to 1) twice, once with 5 bucks bet and once with $0. Still waiting for the elusive suited sevens that pays 200 to 1, but have seen it hit at my table twice. Once was a sweet elderly lady who had a whopping $1 on the bet. I went on to befriend her and now bet on her square when the opportunity presents itself
3) unsuited 678 (pays 30 to 1) - I didn't keep track, but I hit it many times with and without money on it. In the long run this should come up every 4 hours or so.
What I love about this game:
1) the huge variance on the positive side!
What I hate about this game - several things:
1) the high negative variance.
2) the low maximum
3) a big hit with no money on it
4) ploppies and dealers constantly chastising you for not consistently playing the lucky lucky (it is very popular and most people play it).
5) #4 above after getting a big hit with no money on the lucky lucky. (This is one of the very few times I may get snarky with other players or the dealer)
6) the count skyrockets, the table is painted with 6's, 7's, and 8's, but the cards just don't line up for you, or the guy beside you has a huge hit
So am I going to return to the regular game or continue counting the lucky lucky?
It depends which side of the variance curve I'm on when you ask me.
teliot
Nice account, thanks for sharing.
odiousgambit
I will have a chance to play the Lucky Lucky this month, but the casino alters the paytable. Copying and pasting from what I posted before, RG altered the paytable for the 'suited 21' to 10 to 1. I did the math, hopefully correctly, for the alteration [see the link below].
for that one line:
wizard cited: probability=0.005299, pays 15 to one, = +0.079492
RG variation: probability=0.005299, pays 10 to one, = +0.05299
difference =0.026502
Wizard cited return = -0.026556
So the RG HE = -0.053058 (by my calc.)
If Eliot is still reading, sir, you might confirm this kills the idea of counting it.
http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/appendix/8/the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
teliot
I will have a chance to play the Lucky Lucky this month, but the casino alters the paytable. Copying and pasting from what I posted before,
RG altered the paytable for the 'suited 21' to 10 to 1. I did the math, hopefully correctly, for the alteration [see the link below].
for that one line:
wizard cited: probability=0.005299, pays 15 to one, = +0.079492
RG variation: probability=0.005299, pays 10 to one, = +0.05299
difference =0.026502
Wizard cited return = -0.026556
So the RG HE = -0.053058 (by my calc.)
If Eliot is still reading, sir, you might confirm this kills the idea of counting it.
Blackjack Lucky Ladies
I've known about the 5.3% game for a long time, but not analyzed it on my site (at least, not that I recall.) No, it does not kill counting. The big 'kill' is the $25 max bet.Visit my YouTube Channel: @AdvancedAdvantagePlay
Wino
Hi AB21. I loved your report. Do you get any heat playing this way? Do other players or Casino staff ever notice that you get pretty 'lucky' fairly often either on Blackjack the main game, LL, or both? How many different Casinos you do this at? I'm asking because I've been playing another side bet and getting some heat and wanted to change the approach.Wanda Wilcox: “I can’t stand people. I hate them.” Chinaski: “Oh, yeah?” Wanda: “You hate them?” Chinaski: “No, but I seem to feel better when they’re not around.” Barfly, starring Mickey Rourke
AB21
Hey Wino,
I haven't received any heat yet although penetration has gotten worse at my favourite casino. I am pretty sure the pit knows what I am up to but they tolerate me due to the relatively low stakes I play at. You would think other players would catch on, but they either don't, or don't want to ask me about it. I spread my play around to 3 different casinos. Only playing a few hours/week could be another reason for an absence of heat.
I haven't received any heat yet although penetration has gotten worse at my favourite casino. I am pretty sure the pit knows what I am up to but they tolerate me due to the relatively low stakes I play at. You would think other players would catch on, but they either don't, or don't want to ask me about it. I spread my play around to 3 different casinos. Only playing a few hours/week could be another reason for an absence of heat.
umbrellaman
Couldn't you double your win rate by simply spreading to two hands whenever you have the advantage?
On This Page
Introduction
Introduction
I first saw Lucky 8's in June 2016 at the Venetian. It is an innovative new table game, which is something I don't often say any more, in this era of copycat games. The betting structure of the game is similar to Three Card Poker, in that there is a raise or fold decision, and the dealer must have a certain hand to qualify. However, the scoring is based on the number of 8-point groupings that can be made with eight cards.
Rules
Here are the rules to Lucky 8's.
- The game is played with two modified decks of cards. Each deck uses only the aces to eights and one joker. The total cards is thus 66.
- Aces count as one point and jokers count as 8 points. All other cards are scored according to pip value.
- Play begins with the player making an Ante bet and optional Lucky 8 side bet.
- The dealer shall then give the player and himself eight cards each.
- The player shall examine his cards for the maximum number of sets of eight points he can created. A set can be of any number of cards, including one. If there are mutliple ways to create the same number of sets, then the player should go with the way using the greatest number of cards.
- The player must either fold or raise with an In to Win bet. The In to Win bet must be equal exactly to the Ante bet.
- If the player raised, then he should set his cards into two groups — One consisting of cards that are part of a group of eight and the other of the leftover cards, which are called the Side Cards. Otherwise, the dealer will collect the Ante bet.
- After the players have made their decisions, unless all of them folded, then the dealer shall check his hand for at least one natural eight card or a joker. The dealer needs at least one eight or joker to qualify. If the dealer does not qualify, then the Ante is paid 1 to 1 and the In to Win bet shall push.
- If the dealer does qualify, then he shall set his hand. As with the player, the dealer's objective is to maximize the number of sets of eight points. If this can be accomplished multiple ways, then the dealer will strive to minimize the number of Side Cards while still maximizing the number of sets.
- The player and dealer hands shall then be compared, the one with the great number of sets of eight points shall win. In the event the number of sets is the same, then the one with the fewest Side Cards shall win.
- If the player wins, then the Ante and In to Win bets shall pay 1 to 1.
- If the dealer wins or ties, then the Ante and In to Win bets shall lose.
- The Lucky 8's bet is adjudicated according to the number of natural 8's in the player's hand (eights or jokers). The dealer's hand does not matter and the Lucky 8's bet is adjudicated whether or not the player raises or folds.
Blackjack Lucky 8 Ball
Lucky 8's Pay Table
| Natural 8's | Pays |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1000 |
| 7 | 500 |
| 6 | 250 |
| 5 | 40 |
| 4 | 5 |
| 3 | 2 |
| 2 | 1 |
| 1 | Loss |
| 0 | Loss |
Here is the rack card. Click on either image for a larger version.
Strategy
The strategy is based on the number of 8-point sets the player can make and Side Cards, as follows:
- 1 or less sets: Always fold.
- 2 sets: Raise with two or less Side Cards, otherwise fold.
- 3 or more sets: Always raise.
Analysis
Blackjack Lucky Lucky
The following table shows the probability and return of all possible outcomes of the Ante bet. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 2.03%.
Ante Analysis
| Event | Pays | Probability | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Player wins | 2 | 0.292848 | 0.585696 |
| Dealer doesn't qualify | 1 | 0.205732 | 0.205732 |
| Player folds | -1 | 0.191118 | -0.191118 |
| Tie | -2 | 0.064209 | -0.128419 |
| Dealer wins | -2 | 0.246093 | -0.492186 |
| Total | 1.000000 | -0.020294 |
Under optimal strategy, the player will raise 80.9% of the time, for a total average bet of 1.809 units. That makes the Element of Risk, the ratio of the expected loss to average total bet, 2.03%/1.809 = 1.12%.
Blackjack Lucky Ladies Payout
The next table shows the probability and contribution to the return for all possible outcomes of the Lucky 8 bet. The lower right cell shows a house edge of 10.66%.
Lucky 8's Analysis
| Natural 8's | Pays | Combinations | Probability | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1000 | 45 | 0.000000 | 0.000008 |
| 7 | 500 | 6,720 | 0.000001 | 0.000585 |
| 6 | 250 | 323,400 | 0.000056 | 0.014077 |
| 5 | 40 | 6,985,440 | 0.001216 | 0.048649 |
| 4 | 5 | 77,130,900 | 0.013429 | 0.067145 |
| 3 | 2 | 458,377,920 | 0.079807 | 0.159614 |
| 2 | 1 | 1,461,079,620 | 0.254385 | 0.254385 |
| 1 | -1 | 2,319,174,000 | 0.403786 | -0.403786 |
| 0 | -1 | 1,420,494,075 | 0.247319 | -0.247319 |
| Total | 0 | 5,743,572,120 | 1.000000 | -0.106642 |
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank Score Gaming for their cooperation in the making of this page by supplying to me the math report by GLI. This saved me a lot of time analyzing it myself.
External Links
Discussion of Lucky 8 in my forum at Wizard of Vegas.