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BlackJack EV

BlackJack EV

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Can You Beat the Casino? BlackJack Simulations in C#

Ever wondered if you can outsmart the casino at BlackJack? Card counting has long been touted as a way to gain an edge, but does it hold up under scrutiny? I decided to test it by creating a C# simulation, and the results were both fascinating and educational.

Testing Strategies: From Basic to Advanced

The simulation began with Basic Strategy, the foundational approach for playing BlackJack without any knowledge of unseen cards. Building on that, I integrated advanced methods like the Illustrious 18 and Fabulous 4, which adjust decisions based on the “True Count”—a measure of deck composition central to card counting.

The data confirmed what seasoned players know: when applied correctly, these strategies tilt the odds just enough to put the player ahead.

AI and Visualization: A Deeper Dive into Strategy

To push the boundaries, I implemented Q-Learning, a reinforcement learning algorithm that allowed the AI to evolve its own strategies. By simulating thousands of hands, the AI learned optimal plays dynamically, often finding unconventional moves that surpassed human-designed strategies.

To make sense of the data, I generated interactive HTML reports using JavaScript-based charts. These visualizations clearly illustrated when traditional strategies excelled and when the AI discovered new, profitable approaches.

The Verdict

Card counting can beat the casino, but it’s not without risks. Casinos actively watch for players using this technique, and success can lead to being "backed off" (asked to stop playing) or even trespassed from the property.

Still, building a BlackJack simulation is a rewarding way to explore probability, strategy, and AI development. Whether you’re testing classic methods or creating your own algorithms, the journey is a thrill in itself.

Are you ready to shuffle the deck and take control?