A few casino games allow for advantage play, meaning they are mathematically beatable, provided you use the right strategies.
You may be asking, “But, aren’t all casino games based on luck?”
Yes, this is true; however, some games are designed in a way that allows you to mitigate some of the randomnesses by using effective techniques.
For example, there are many myths surrounding card counting, with a lot of people suggesting that it is a form of cheating in blackjack. However, this isn’t true. Quite simply, you are working with probabilities and making more educated decisions.
The strategy is banned in casinos because the house likes to play with fools instead of players who actually know what they’re doing.
Below we look at casino games that are mathematically beatable that you will find in most casinos.
Blackjack
There are two ways to mitigate the odds in blackjack by the use of gameplay techniques. We already mentioned card counting, but the other way is through simply using basic strategy.
By using either of these two strategies, you are calculating the probabilities of a certain outcome occurring. As such, you reduce your chances of getting surprised by an unexpected result.
Baccarat
Baccarat is often seen as a game that is not affected by card counting, but this is not entirely true. Sure, the strategy isn’t as effective in baccarat as it is blackjack, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t influence the odds at all.
Weighted values on cards can actually give you an indication of when the best time to make bonus bets is. Many players have made a lot of money off of card counting with bonus bet opportunities in mind. Also, it doesn’t matter whether you count cards in baccarat or blackjack; casinos hate it.
Pai Gow Poker
You can beat Pai Gow Poker by counting how many Jokers are left in the shoe or by looking at how other players arrange their cards. By watching them arrange their cards, sometimes you can assess whether they have Aces or not. (Most players will always want to put it in their second hand to give themselves the highest chance of winning.)
Overall, some of these techniques work sometimes. Although you try to calculate some probabilities, outcomes are still very reliant on chance. So, we wouldn’t rush to play pai gow poker if you are looking for a game that math gives you a good chance of beating.
Should You Play Mathematically Beatable Casino Games?
We have always believed you should play blackjack if you want to give yourself the best chance of winning a casino game by using an effective strategy. Baccarat and pai gow poker are slightly more chance-based but still provide you with a good chance of winning.
But, really, you should be playing games you want to play. So, if you like slots play slots – mathematical edge be damned!
The truth is, if you really want to look for some exploits, you have to play new games that have only just been released. Often, developers make mistakes with probabilities in these games, and you may find yourself getting lucky before the game receives a patch.
Note that we don’t mean game errors or hacks. We are referring to situations in which developers messed up with weighting when creating a new game.
