Blackjack / Golden-Palace/ Single or Multi-handed for EV+ ?

[automaton_22]

Hi there.
I am looking at joining Golden Palace to whore their $300 startup bonus. Have referred to http://www.beatingbonuses.com/tables_surrender.htm for optimum strategy.

My question is:
Should I be playing multiple hands against the dealer's hand? [The site allows a maximum of 5 handed play].
Or is EV maximised by single handed play?

[Manchild84]

Im pretty sure it doesnt make much difference. Just affects variance.

[automaton_22]

[ QUOTE ]
Im pretty sure it doesnt make much difference. Just affects variance.

[/ QUOTE ]

To what extent? Obviously I need this to be as risk free as possible [within reason]. Why would variance be any different if I play 5 hands v the dealers 1, than if I play 1 hand v the dealer's 1? There must be some accepted wisdom on this?

Those of you who have cleared Casino bonuses playing blackjack: did you play single or multi-handed?

[aka23]

Variance differs because the 5 hands are not independent. Instead, there is a strong correlation between the 5 hands. If the dealer gets a BJ, you will likely lose all 5 hands. If the dealer busts, you have a good chance of winning all 5 hands.

1 SD range of returns with several low betting options are a below. Note that $2 bets on a single hand has a similar variance to $1 bets with 3 hands. So if you can complete 3 single-hands (3x2 wagered) before 2 rounds of 3-hand (2x3 wagered) single-hand is likely the better choice. I believe this the case with Playtech SW.

$5 bets with a single hand -- 55 to 490
$3 bets with a single hand -- 105 to 440
$1 bets with 5 hands -- 120 to 425
$2 bets with a single hand -- 135 to 410
$1 bets with 3 hands -- 145 to 400
$1 bets with a single hand -- 175 to 370

[automaton_22]

Thanks this is exactly what I was after

[Lessu]

since you were at beatingbonuses I suggest you research the site some more. there is a return/variance calculator that you can use to come up with a correct bet size/# of hands within your risk range.