Questions concerning Generic vs. Deck-Specific BS...

On page 36 of BASIC BLACKJACK, Wong states that he uses generic BS (i.e., multiple-deck S17) regardless of the number of decks. He states that "it is possible to make strategy adjustments based on the precise number of decks shuffled together, but doing so is an intellectual exercise only and does not result in significantly increased win rates." By how much does the house edge increase if one uses generic BS for DD-S17 games? for SD-S17 games?

Also, on page 37, he states that he has "found it easier to use generic basic strategy no matter what the dealer does on soft seventeen." By how much does the house edge increase if one uses generic (multiple-deck S17) strategy for multiple-deck H17 games?

If one were to always use generic BS, I would assume that the largest error would result from using it in a SD-H17 game; by how much would the house edge increase in that scenario?

I can't be of much help, because I'm accustomed to knowing the edges for playing correctly, rather than incorrectly, and have never seen sims for using wrong BS. All I can do is offer some general guidelines.

"By how much does the house edge increase if one uses generic BS for DD-S17 games? for SD-S17 games?"

DD BS is very close to multi-deck BS; there are few changes. SD BS differs more, but it is true that using multi-deck BS in SD casuses less harm than using SD BS in multi-deck, so, when using "one-size-fits-all" BS, we usually opt for the multi-deck s17 variety as being the most universally applicable.

"Also, on page 37, he states that he has "found it easier to use generic basic strategy no matter what the dealer does on soft seventeen." By how much does the house edge increase if one uses generic (multiple-deck S17) strategy for multiple-deck H17 games?"

Short answer: I don't know. but, if I wanted to figure it out, I'd look at those plays for which the BS varies, take the penalties for making the wrong play, multiply by the respective frequencies, and sum. You could actually accomplish this by using Wong's tables in his Appendixes, or perhaps those in chapter 8 of BJA..

"If one were to always use generic BS, I would assume that the largest error would result from using it in a SD-H17 game;"

Yes, I believe that would be true.

"by how much would the house edge increase in that scenario?"

Don't know. Have never given it a thought. Sorry.

Don

Am I correct in concluding that you think learning the precise rule/deck-specific basic strategies is worthwhile?

I also think learning BS is just a beginning and that, sooner or later, I'd learn the indices to make the plays, as well.

Don