hb@pixar.UUCP (H. B. Siegel) (09/23/88)
* Is this line-eater stuff really meaningful anymore?* Does anyway have a blackjack program written that is good for analysing hands? I suspect myriad flaws in some of the decision analysis from various books, but it would be interesting to grind them through a comprehensive program. Ideally, I would like to be able to set up a player/dealer strategy with an FSA then test combinations of dealer variations (multi-deck, hit/stand on soft 17, etc), versus player strategies (never break, follow the dealer, optimum basis strategy, point counts,optimum computer "look-ahead"). It should be able to answer questions like: Does it help or hurt if the other players are "good"? How effective is counting if you make a small mistake? Are there non-counting ways to allow basic strategy to make a profit? etc. I enjoy playing a bit in casinos, and armed with a standard "basic strategy" my losses are extremely minor, (unfortunately so are the wins!). In any case, this is more than I can say for the high-rollers next to me. (Amazing the way people will toss away money!). H.B. ucbvax!pixar!hb disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this letter represent only me.