Version 1.1 is going to contain a brand new mode, which will combine your knowledge gained from the Basic Strategy utility with your own decision making skills. Just like the previous update, this will be free.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Version 1.0.1 and the next release
1.0.1 is finally live and available as a free update on the App Store. It looks like around 50% of you updated it on the first day of its release, which means a lot to me. That being said, I'm now working even harder on the next update.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
New Features
I just want to let you know that I'm pretty excited about some new features I plan on rolling out in the next week or so. The response has been very positive so far, and I want to continue making it even better.
I don't want to reveal any specific details, but it will stay in line with the main goal of this app: to give you the upper hand in a Blackjack game.
You can see the "leaked" screenshots of version 1.0.1 on the App Store now. Okay, they weren't so much as "leaked" as they were simply approved before Apple approved the actual app update. Hopefully this will be soon, I think the new icon and storing your preferences will be well received.
I don't want to reveal any specific details, but it will stay in line with the main goal of this app: to give you the upper hand in a Blackjack game.
You can see the "leaked" screenshots of version 1.0.1 on the App Store now. Okay, they weren't so much as "leaked" as they were simply approved before Apple approved the actual app update. Hopefully this will be soon, I think the new icon and storing your preferences will be well received.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Update 1.0.1
I've submitted an update to iTunes Connect for you guys. This is just a minor, but in my opinion important, update:
New Features:
-Stores settings as user preferences. If you normally play with 3+ decks or prefer one card counting method over another, it will now store you selection and use that the next time you launch.
UI Improvements:
-New app icon.
-Upper right buttons have been renamed to "Settings" for clarification.
-New label added to Card Counting Settings view for clarification.
I think storing the settings is an obvious improvement. Over the next week or so, I plan on working on even more possible upgrades. If there's anything you'd like to see, just let me know.
New Features:
-Stores settings as user preferences. If you normally play with 3+ decks or prefer one card counting method over another, it will now store you selection and use that the next time you launch.
UI Improvements:
-New app icon.
-Upper right buttons have been renamed to "Settings" for clarification.
-New label added to Card Counting Settings view for clarification.
I think storing the settings is an obvious improvement. Over the next week or so, I plan on working on even more possible upgrades. If there's anything you'd like to see, just let me know.
Friday, August 29, 2008
How do I use this?
The first view you see is the Basic Strategy utility. Using the left slider, you can pick what you currently have in your hand. If you have Aces or pairs, scroll down to find your matching hand, otherwise just select the number that matches the total of your hand. Using the right slider, select what the dealer is currently showing.
Once you select both cards, the app will simply report what you should do. Hit and stand are the most obvious. Split means to split your hand and play two hands, reading up on basic Blackjack rules will explain this. Double means you are doubling the bet, but you can only hit one more time, then you are forced to stand. Sometimes it will say "Double (or Hit)" or "Double (or Stand)". This means if it is not possible to double up, those are your next best options.
The "Decks" button in the upper right lets you select the number of decks in play. This affects the calculation among different hand combinations.
The second view is a Card Counting utility. Card counting is a way of determining if the deck is progressing to your advantage or the dealer's advantage. As cards are dealt out, simply touch the card dealt, and the count will update in real time. As it goes positive (green), this means the deck is in your advantage. As it goes negative (red), this means the deck is to the dealer's advantage.
The "Strategy" button in the upper right lets you select which strategy you want to use. Different strategies change the count differently based on which cards are played, and sometimes increase or decrease the count more dramatically. Not all cards affect the count.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Once you select both cards, the app will simply report what you should do. Hit and stand are the most obvious. Split means to split your hand and play two hands, reading up on basic Blackjack rules will explain this. Double means you are doubling the bet, but you can only hit one more time, then you are forced to stand. Sometimes it will say "Double (or Hit)" or "Double (or Stand)". This means if it is not possible to double up, those are your next best options.
The "Decks" button in the upper right lets you select the number of decks in play. This affects the calculation among different hand combinations.
The second view is a Card Counting utility. Card counting is a way of determining if the deck is progressing to your advantage or the dealer's advantage. As cards are dealt out, simply touch the card dealt, and the count will update in real time. As it goes positive (green), this means the deck is in your advantage. As it goes negative (red), this means the deck is to the dealer's advantage.
The "Strategy" button in the upper right lets you select which strategy you want to use. Different strategies change the count differently based on which cards are played, and sometimes increase or decrease the count more dramatically. Not all cards affect the count.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
How-To
21 Strategy provides two very useful tools when playing Blackjack. The first is the Basic Strategy guide. Using data that has already been mathematically proven to increase your odds, this app will let you select your current hand total and the dealer's current up-card and tell you simply what to do: hit, stand, double or split.
The second is a Card Counting utility. Despite what many believe, card counting is not actually illegal. Card counting is simply a way to determine your odds against the remaining cards in the deck. As the count increases, the deck is to your advantage. If the count decreases and goes negative, it is to the dealer's advantage.
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