Counting Edge
In-Between is a simple bet to make at the blackjack table. This makes it attractive to novices at the game. What is most exciting, however, is that some astute blackjack players and card counters are contending that this game might offer a better edge for the player than other side bets.
The History of In-Between
The company AGS is responsible for the development and marketing of In-Between Blackjack. It has been seen in live casinos all over the United States and in other countries as well. The game appears to be especially popular in the United States Gulf Coast region which includes casinos in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The game introduced a special table felt that typically has the word IN written on it. In some cases, the word is spelled InBETween, stressing the word BET. In the tradition of most blackjack variations, this game is specifically designed to increase the house edge. Casinos are always looking for a way to up the house edge on blackjack because it is one of the most favorable games to the player.
At the present time, finding In-Between online is a bit of a challenge. There have been reports, however, that some online casinos have added it to their assortment of games.
How In-Between is Played
It is crucial to remember that In-Between is a side bet like Royal Match or Bet the Set. This means that it stands apart from the game of blackjack itself. In other words, the manner in which blackjack is played at an In-Between table is no different than it is in standard games. Players can still hit, stand, double, or split, and the dealer is still required to hit a total of 16 or less and stand on a total of 17 or above.
The specific rules of In-Between are simple. A player makes an additional wager separate from the bet made on his or her hand. This bet is a gamble that the dealer’s upcard will fall between the player’s two face up cards. As an example, if the player is dealt a 2 and a 10, all dealer upcards from 3-9 will win the side bet. The amount permitted to be wagered on the side bet can vary from casino to casino, but it is normal to expect a minimum wager of $1. In some cases, the minimum bet could be equal to the table minimum.
Payouts on the side bet vary according to the tightness of the spread. In other words, the payout is greater when the player’s hand offers little room for the dealer’s card to fall in between. If the player has a one-card spread—an 8 and a 10 with the dealer showing a 9—the payout is 10-1 on the original wager. As the spread gets wider, the payout is reduced.
There is also a bonus payout of 30-1 when the player’s two cards matches the dealer’s up card. If the player is dealt two 10’s and the dealer also shows a 10, the player receives 30-1 on the original wager. This is an aspect of the game that has attracted some card counters.
Is In-Between a Good Blackjack Side Bet?
When it comes to blackjack side bets, there really are no good or bad ones. All of them are created to reduce the player’s edge. They are promoted in a way that appeals to the gambler. There are, however, some side bets that are safer than others.
In-Between joins the ranks of bets like 21+3 as one of the safer wagers you can make at a blackjack table. But, there may be a way to exploit the side bet further if one is proficient in the art of card counting. It rests in the possibility of making a triple match and claiming the 30-1 payout we mentioned earlier.
The experienced card counter specializes in knowing when the deck is rich or poor in ten-valued cards. It then stands to reason that a deck which is heavy in 10s creates a greater possibility that both the player and the dealer will have 10s in their hand. This is how some players have determined that they will beat the game. They choose to make the side bet when the deck is 10 rich and hope to collect 30-1 for their efforts.
Mathematically, there isn’t much data yet on the specific advantages or disadvantages of the game. This is mostly due to the fact that there hasn’t yet been time to analyze a lot of data. If there is a way to beat this blackjack variation, you can rest assured that there are individuals working on it right now. Until then, players will just have to content themselves with it being a more attractive way to gamble.
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