EZ
Blackjack by LDW
Software, Price: $14.95
Reviewed April 2003
There are quite a few casino games available
on PDAs including blackjack games, but EZ Blackjack is the
only one I found that actually teaches you how to play against
the odds. Developed by LDW Software, EZ Blackjack promises
you two things. One is that you will never beat the casino,
and two is to help you learn how to minimize the damage over
the course of a long period of time.
The game is designed to be fast and easy
to play, but with tools and depth that intermediate to advanced
blackjack players will appreciate. In addition to the regular
blackjack game, EZ Blackjack adds an in-game tutorial that
you can access anytime for advice. For example, you can get
advice on whether you should double, split, surrender, stand
or hit anytime during a hand. There is also a Passive Learning
function, which will give you warnings on basic strategy
errors. The basic strategy used in EZ Blackjack is optimized
for 4 decks or more and there is a strategy table where you
can check the odds corresponding the current cards in hand.
For more advanced players, EZ Blackjack also provides tools
for card counting. The game also offers other blackjack options
such as Dealer Hits on Soft 17, Surrender, Insurance as well
as choice of Number of Decks (1-8) and Penetration (50%-80%).
While the features of the EZ Blackjack
game and tutorial are quite extensive, the graphics are very
simple with easy access to all necessary options. The blackjack
table is very standard with simple animations of cards being
dealt and bets split. There are buttons below the card table
for you to make moves in the game. The strategy table and
card peek can be accessed by clicking on the shortcut buttons
on the top covers of the table.
There are some basic sound bites accompanying
card animations. You can turn the sounds on or off. EZ Blackjack
will support any Palm OS 3.1 or higher devices, including
color and grayscale.
For a blackjack game beginner, this would
be a good game with which to learn the basic strategy. If
you are a veteran player and have the strategy table memorized,
playing EZ Blackjack would be a good discipline drill. As
the game strategy teaches you that you will never beat the
house, by following some basic rules and strategy in this
game, I’ve managed to come out even. Even if you loose,
there is always the Get Cash button waiting for you.
Playing Hint and Tips
Really learn the strategy and study the
table for maximum value in this game.
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