Lucky Cat Blackjack

Introduction

Lucky Cat Blackjack is an innovative game created by Geoff Hall. This variation functions like traditional blackjack, but if the dealer draws a 22 (in version 1) or busts out with any total (in version 2), a set of special Lucky Cat dice are rolled to establish the game outcome.

Since June 2019, players can engage in Lucky Cat Blackjack at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and at certain online casinos Genesis Gaming software.

Version 1 Rules

1. Lucky Cat Blackjack adheres closely to the standard rules of blackjack, including all usual variations, with the exception of specific rules noted herein.
2. If the dealer’s total reaches 22, four unique Lucky Cat dice will be rolled.
3. Each of these Lucky Cat dice features an image of a Lucky Cat on one side, with the other five sides remaining blank.
4. All player hands that still remain active, even after splitting, will receive payouts based on the number of Lucky Cats shown on the dice roll, as outlined in one of the provided pay tables.
5. Similar to standard blackjack, if a player achieves a blackjack, they win instantly at the published table odds and are exempt from the Lucky Cat roll, even if the dealer hits 22.

According to an analytical report, two separate pay tables are available at the casino for the outcomes based on the roll of the Lucky Cat dice.

If the rules seem complicated, you might find clarity through this rack card. Click to view a larger version.

Strategy

Below is the fundamental strategy for playing Lucky Cat Blackjack, presuming the use of six or eight decks.

It’s important to highlight that the only distinctions from standard blackjack are:

• Players hit 11 against an ace instead of opting to double down.
• Players will hit 3,3 against a 2 instead of splitting, provided that doubling post-split is allowed.

The following strategy overview pertains to pay table 2. The primary distinction in pay table 1 is that players should stand on soft 19 against a 6 instead of choosing to double.

Version 1 Analysis

The subsequent table details the probabilities for rolling 0 to 4 Lucky Cats under Pay Table 1. The bottom right cell indicates an expected win ratio of 0.964506 to 1, compared to the standard 1 to 1 win in traditional blackjack.

The following table outlines the probabilities for rolling 0 to 4 Lucky Cats under Pay Table 2. The bottom right cell indicates an expected win ratio of 0.810185.

When assessing the overall impact of the Lucky Cat rule regarding a dealer's 22, the analysis indicates that a negative value suggests a decrease in player returns, thereby increasing the house edge.

• Pay Table 1: -0.34%.
• Pay Table 2: -1.44%.

Version 2

In Version 2, whenever the dealer busts on any score, three Lucky Cat dice are rolled. These version 2 dice show a white cat on one side, a gold cat on another, and the remaining four sides are blank. Wins when the dealer busts are determined as follows:

• Three matching cats — 10 to 1
• Three mixed cats — 3 to 1
• Any two cats — 3 to 2
• Any one cat — 1 to 1
• No cats — Push

The table below illustrates the different probabilities associated with each outcome when the dealer draws a 22 on the dice.

The analysis shows that, under identical blackjack rules, following version 2 regulations results in an increase of the house edge by 1.29%. At the Golden Nugget, it is noted that they utilize six decks and do not permit ace re-splitting, leading to an overall house edge of 1.94%.

The basic strategy for version 2 is outlined below. Click the image for an expanded view.

Acknowledgements

I extend my gratitude to Geoff Hall for providing the GLI math report, which reflects my agreement on the house edge within a margin of 0.03%.

External Links

Lucky Cat Blackjack — Engage in discussions on my forum at Wizard of Vegas.

Written by: Michael Shackleford