Genie's Hi Lo

Introduction

Focus on the cards instead of the enchanting eyes of the Genie in this Playtech card prediction game. To add some complexity, there are two variations of the game that share a similar title. For clarity, I'll refer to them as the 'classic' version and the 'jackpot' version, and I'll describe each one separately.

Classic Version

Rules

Let's outline the rules for the classic version of this game.

1. A single 52-card deck is used.
2. Cards are ranked just like in poker, with aces being the lowest value.
3. After placing a bet, the player will choose one card from the genie’s selection.
4. The player must then wager whether the next card will be higher or lower than the selected card, and/or on the color of that next card.
5. If the player guesses correctly, their new balance will reflect the inverse of their winning probability. For clarification, the calculation for winnings is wager × 0.97 divided by the probability of winning. This amount is rounded down to the nearest cent.
6. When the player wins, they have the option to cash out or attempt to multiply their winnings with the next card.
7. Players can continue playing up to 11 additional rounds, for a total of 12 cards including the original.
8. The cards are drawn without replacement, meaning that once a card has been revealed, it won’t appear again in that session.

Example

For instance, if a player bets $1 and the first card drawn is a red 5, here’s how their balance could change based on different betting options, always rounding down to the nearest cent.

• If they bet lower: The chance of winning here is (16/51), leading to a new balance of $1 × 0.97 / (16/51) = $3.09.
• If they bet higher: The winning probability is (32/51), resulting in a new balance of $1 × 0.97 / (36/51) = $1.54.
• For betting on red: The odds of winning here are (25/51), thus their balance would be $1 × 0.97 / (25/51) = $1.97.
• For betting on black: The probability stands at (26/51), resulting in a balance of $1 × 0.97 / (26/51) = $1.90.
• For lower and red: The chance of winning is (8/51), which gives a new balance of $1 × 0.97 / (8/51) = $6.18.
• For lower and black: The odds are the same as for lower and red.
• For higher and red: The winning probability is (16/51), leading to a balance of $1 × 0.97 / (16/51) = $3.09.
• For higher and black: The odds and outcome mirror those for higher and red.

Strategy

Similar to the dynamics of single-zero roulette, your choice of bet doesn’t alter the house edge, which remains constant. You may prefer a conservative approach or opt for more daring bets; the choice is yours. The rounding aspect is the only slightly significant factor. Players can save a bit with bets that result in less rounding down upon winning. However, if you’re someone who frets over tiny fractions, you may not even be enjoying this game in the first place. Hail Mary It’s pointless to keep track of cards that have already been played, as the Genie does that too. All winnings are determined based on the actual odds linked to the remaining cards at that moment.

Disregarding rounding, the house edge is purposefully set at 3%. If we factor in rounding, it can rise to 3.4%.

Analysis

The gameplay utilizes a 53-card deck, which includes a joker.

Jackpot Version

Rules

1. After wagering, the player picks one card from the Genie’s options.
2. Cards are ranked just like in poker, with aces being the lowest value.
3. They must then predict one of four possible outcomes regarding the rank and color of the next card drawn:
4. When the player guesses correctly, they progress to the next level.
   • Higher or equal and red.
   • Lower or equal and red.
   • Higher or equal and black.
   • Lower or equal and black.
5. If a joker is drawn at any point, the player automatically ascends a level, and a new card will be drawn.
6. Unlike the classic game, cards in this version are dealt with replacement. Essentially, once a card is drawn and deemed 'used', it reenters the deck. For instance, if the first card drawn is the jack of diamonds, the next draw cannot be that same jack until it has been replaced after the next card is revealed. This means there are always 52 potential outcomes, barring the last card drawn from the full deck of 53.
7. Players continue until they either make an incorrect guess or reach the 12th level.
8. Payouts depend on the highest level achieved, following the designated payout table.
9. To qualify for the full jackpot, players must bet a minimum of $5. If a player reaches level 12 with a bet lower than $5, their jackpot winnings will be proportional based on their stake. For example, a $2 bet would net 40% of the jackpot.
10. Here's the payout structure for the Genie’s Hi Lo Jackpot, with winnings shown on a 'for one' basis.

The strategy for gameplay is quite straightforward and includes the following points:

Strategy

If your card ranks six or lower, bet on higher for the next card.

• If your card ranks eight or higher, wager on lower for the next card.
• With a seven, you can choose either higher or lower.
• Always select the opposite color from the one you currently have.
• The subsequent return table demonstrates the calculations from a $5 initial wager, which is the required amount for the full jackpot eligibility. The return column shows returns as a ratio to the original wager.

Analysis

As highlighted in the return table above, fixed wins account for 77.42% of total returns. For each $1,000 in jackpot accumulation, the return rate increases by 0.84%. To reach the break-even point, the jackpot would need to amount to $26,968.06.

Accurate mathematical strategies and insights for casino classics like blackjack, craps, roulette, and numerous other games.

Written by: Michael Shackleford