Can AI Help You Conquer Blackjack? It’s Debatable

Artificial intelligence is clearly the most hyped technology of the 2020s. It is currently propping up global stock markets as investors bet that the technology transforms every facet of our lives in the coming years. Of course, we are already seeing that starting to happen. Sometimes that’s seen as a positive, such as AI models being used to develop medicines, whereas other times it can be viewed as a negative, such as the large number of tech industry layoffs. 

But if we assume AI will impact everything, can we also theorize that it can help with games like blackjack? Already, we have seen examples of bespoke AI models geared toward conquering the game, though one should remain skeptical about just how effective they are. But we can provide some thoughts on the debate, looking at where AI can help and where it would be either ineffective or fanciful to say it would provide an advantage. 

The blackjack skill vs. luck debate 

The first thing to discuss is the debate over how much skill and how much luck are involved in blackjack. It’s widely accepted that it is a bit of both, yet the argument lies in how much of each. Obviously, AI won’t help you become luckier with the turn of the cards, but it can advise on optimum strategies. That’s really what you are looking for with AI – advice on what the best move is during any particular situation. 

AI will likely be banned from physical casinos 

The movies have probably made it seem that casinos are tougher than they are in reality on card sharps, as stuff like card counting is perfectly legitimate, but they will probably draw the line on, say, someone using a pair of AI-enabled smartglasses to beat the dealer at their tables. Again, it’s not illegal as such, more like a breach of house rules and what the casinos perceive as the spirit of the game. 

AI can help online: but only up to a point 

There’s nothing to say that you can use AI to help you play online blackjack games, especially games where you don’t have a time limit. Even software-based blackjack games state that the games should be played at optimum strategy for the best return rates (the operator still retains an advantage, though). Live dealer blackjack games online basically put you in the same position as a real casino, with real cards used, etc., so AI could help with strategy. However, the games usually require fast decision-making for bet placement. 

AI-proof systems are already in place 

If it is single-deck blackjack, AI will have no problem counting cards and making a stab at what comes next from the deck – humans can do that with relative ease, too. Yet, casinos are well aware of that, and have been for decades. Now, it is more common to see multiple decks used, as well as continuous shufflers working away after each round or deal. It makes it all the more difficult to gain an advantage, regardless if you are using AI. 

AI’s best role is to help you learn the game 

Nevertheless, whatever systems casinos have in place, experienced players are always better placed than novice ones. As such, AI should be used as an aide, helping you learn elements like probabilities in given situations. Even consumer-facing AI like ChatGPT can act like a tutor, helping you develop a strategy based on the math of the game. There is no silver bullet to guarantee success, but the tech can be used to make you a better player.