The Free Card
A cousin of the swing bet is taking The Free Card. This special circumstance calls for a non basic strategy play when busting your hand is not worse than standing with a useless total. You are able to take a free card in an attempt to make a winning hand with a targeted total.
EXAMPLE - Hand 30 @ 25,000 max/ 500 min
You 57,500 chips - bets 9,000 - draws 10+7 / hit to target of 19,20,21
Seat 2 65,000 chips - bets 18,000 - draws Q+8 / stands (Button)
Dealer shows 6/?
Your opponent has taken the high with a bet of 18,000 chips. This covers you if you make a maximum 25,000 chip bet and you both win. However, knowing this you have taken the low and bet 9,000 chips which gives you the win if you both lose. You opponent draws a hard 18 and stands while you draw a total of 17.
Notice that if the dealer makes a hand total of 19,20, or 21 you win the round. If the dealer makes any other total you lose the round. However if the dealer makes a total of 18 and pushes with your opponent it opens a window for you to win. You should hit your hand until you total 19, 20, or 21. Even if you bust, it is no worse than standing on your 17. Take your free card and shoot for the win.
Being able to recognize these types of situations is a real advantage. Although they may seem complicated, now you know the pattern to look for. Think about other scenarios where you can make non basic strategy decisions and you'll be more prepared when they appear.
