High Rollers: When Only Even Numbers Remain – Game Strategy

High Rollers: When Only Even Numbers Remain – Game Strategy

Introduction

In the famous game show High Rollers, which aired from 1975-1980, hosted by Alex Trebek and then again from 1987-1988 hosted by Wink Martindale. The main objective of the game is to eliminate numbers 1 through 9 by rolling dice.

On the game show, there are two rounds*. On the main game, two opponents play against each other. The winner goes on to the Big Numbers where the winner tries to clear all the numbers.

* There were variants, but this was prevailing game modes.

For detailed information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Rollers

Just Even Numbers Left: 2, 4, 6, and 8

From this point, only rolls with even sums are valid. The strategy changes depending on what round is being played.

In a two-player game: You either win by either rolling the last number off the board or getting your opponent to roll an unplayable number. As the game goes on, the chance of rolling an unplayable number increase.

In the Big Numbers bonus round: To win the big prize, typically a $ 10,000 cash jackpot, the only you win is to clear all the numbers.

Ways to roll even numbers:

2: 1,1

4: 1,3; 2,2; 3,1

6: 1,5; 2,4; 3,3; 4,2; 5,1

8: 2,6; 3,5; 4,4; 5,3; 6,2

10: 4,6; 5,5; 6,4

12: 6,6

If both dice has the same number, i.e. 2,2, it is considered a double and it wins the player an Insurance card, which counts as a free roll. At worst, rolling doubles acts as a “roll again”.

With a board consisting of the even numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8, the best way

Roll	Main Game: Against an Opponent	During the Big Numbers Bonus Round
2	Only one move: remove the 2	Only one move: remove the 2
4	Only one move: remove the 4. 4 becomes an unplayable roll.	Only one move: remove the 4. 4 becomes an unplayable roll.
6	Remove the 2 and 4. This eliminates 2, 4, 10, and 12 as valid rolls, leaving only the 6 and 8.	Remove the 6. This leaves 2, 4, and 8. All even rolls are still good. A roll of 6 can eliminate the 2 and 4 the next roll.
8	Remove the 2 and 6. This eliminates the 2, 6, and 10, leaving only the 4, 8, and 12 (12 wins the game).	Remove the 8. This leaves 2, 4, and 6. All even rolls are still good. A roll of 8 can eliminate the 2 and 6 the next roll.
10	Remove the 4 and 6. This leaves 2, 8, and 10 as valid rolls on the next turn (10 wins the game). The chance of rolling a 2, 8, or 10 is 1/6 (≈ 16.7%).	Remove 2 and 8. This leaves 4, 6, and 10 as valid rolls on the next turn (10 wins the game). The chance of rolling a 4, 6, or 10 is 2/9 (≈ 22.2%).
12	Remove on 2, 4, and 6. This leaves only the 8. Chance of rolling 8 is 5/36 (≈ 13.9%).	Remove the 4 and 8. This leaves the 2 and 6. A roll of 8 can eliminate both the 2 and 6 on the next roll. The chance of rolling a 2, 6, and 8 is 11/36 (≈ 30.6%).

Source

“High Rollers” Wikipedia. Edited November 10, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Rollers

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2026. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

Casio fx-9750GIII and fx-CG 50: Playing Games with the Probability Simulation Mode

Casio fx-9750GIII and fx-CG 50: Playing Games with the Probability Simulation Mode

The Probability Simulation add-in has six types of probability simulations:

* Coin Toss

* Dice Roll

* Spinner

* Marble Grab

* Card Draw

* Random Numbers

The add-in application is available for the following calculators:

* Casio fx-9750GIII and fx-9860GIII (and Graph 75/85/95 series, Graph 35+ E II)

* Casio fx-CG 10/20 and fx-CG 50 (and Graph 90+E)

* Casio fx-9860G

I believe on the fx-9750GIII and fx-9860GIII, the Probability Simulation Add-In is available out of the box. For others, the add-in can be downloaded through Casio’s Worldwide Education Website: https://edu.casio.com/download/index.php.

Let’s look at three ways we can use the Probability Simulation add-in in games of chance. This is a great app when you don’t have a pair of dice, playing cards, or a bag of marbles around.

In the Set Up menu, there is an option for seed from 1 to 99999.

Screen shots are from the fx-CG 50.

Interaction with Other Modes

* Data can be stored into global lists 1-26. Lists in these Casio calculators contain only numerical information. Numerical codes are used for card suits and face cards.

* There are no commands from the Add-In that can be used in programming. The simulation is mean to be a stand-alone app.

Drawing a Poker Hand

From the main screen, press F5 for Card Draw. To simulate poker, go into set up by pressing [SHIFT] {SET UP}. We can set either a 52 playing card deck, which is the standard deck without Jokers, or a reduced deck of 32 cards (sevens through Aces only). We don’t want Replacement, so turn that off. Press [ EXIT ] to go back to the simulation.

To draw a single card, press [ F1 ]. To draw multiple cards, press [ F2 ] for { +n }. At the prompt, press [AC/ON] and enter the number of cards.

We will have to memorize the cards or note the down on paper or another writing device.

To save the cards drawn, select [ F3 ] (STORE). There are three lists:

Draw: Draw number

Value: Card value. 1 = Ace, 11 = Jack, 12 = Queen, 13 = King

Suit: 1 = Heart, 2 = Club, 3 = Spade, 4 = Diamond

Lists can be allocated to the global list variables List 1 to List 26. Press [ F6 ] { EXE } to store the cards. Storing results works similarly in other applications.

Rolling Dice in Adventure Games

In adventure and fantasy games such as Dungeon and Dragons, sometimes dice beyond the standard six-sided die is needed. The Dice Roll (F2 from the Main Menu) has dice that are four-sided, six-sided, eight-sided, twelve-sided, and twenty-sided. Up to three dice can be thrown at once.

A Simple Lottery

Random integers from 0 to 99 can be drawn with the Random Numbers. Again, the set up menu is the key. For the lottery, turn the Repeat option off. Above are four draws from a simple lottery from 63 numbers.

This has been a look at Casio’s Probability Simulation Add-In. Until next time,

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2024. Edward Shore. Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author.

Python: Five-Letter Scramble Game

Python:   Five-Letter Scramble Game

Scripts

scramble.py:  

Python 3

Calculators:

Numworks

TI-83 Premium CE Python Edition

TI-84 Plus CE Python

Python Scramble App:

HP Prime

Download the files here:   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wDTGv40HMGnaVoB_00Z9_YM1SQu_mItH/view?usp=sharing

Nuwmorks Page:

https://my.numworks.com/python/ews31415/scramble

Object

The object of the game is to unscramble five-letter words.  You only get one chance, but there is no time limit.   Try to get a high score!  

Note:  I did my best to include to include only words that have one correct permutation, that is you can only rearrange the letters one way.  There are no proper names.   (Hence words like heart/earth, diver/drive, sleet/steel, input/print, scare/cares, etc. are eliminated).   

If you want to know how the code was put together, please let me know.   

Have fun,

Eddie 

All original content copyright, © 2011-2023.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

HP Prime: Drawing a Balance Scale and an Updated High Low Game

HP Prime:   Drawing a Balance Scale and an Updated High Low Game

Introduction

The program DSCALE draws a balance scale given two weights:  one placed on the left side (A) and one on the right side.  The length of the bar, which is measured from the center to one of the weights can be set by the user.   Assume that the length is equal on both sides.

The scale in this program is not meant to bend more than 45°.   The program will not draw the scale if the bend is greater than 45°.  

The program is made to simulate balancing the scales.   

Note that the HP Prime PPL  (Prime Programming Language) does not have goto and label commands.  To allow for the user to draw more than one scale, a while loop and a seeding value are used.

HP Prime Program:  dscale

EXPORT dscale()

BEGIN

STARTAPP("Function");

HAngle:=1;  // degrees

W:=4;

K:=1;

INPUT(L,"Balance Scale","L:",

"Length-Center");

 

  

WHILE K==1 DO

INPUT({A,B},"Balance-Scale",

{"<-","->"},{"Left Weight","Right

Weight"});

D:=(B-A)/2;

θ:=ABS(ATAN((B-A)/L));

S:=W*(B-A)/L;

IF θ>45 THEN

MSGBOX("CANNOT DRAW");

CONTINUE;

END;

Function.Xmin:=−W-1;

Function.Xmax:=W+1;

Function.Xtick:=1;

Function.Ymin:=−W-1;

Function.Ymax:=W+1;

Function.Ytick:=1;

RECT(#FFFFFFh);

LINE(0,W,0,−W,#DAA520h);

LINE(−.5,W,.5,W,#FF8000h);

LINE(−1,−W,1,−W,#FF8000h);

LINE(−.5,W,−W,S,#AAAAAAh);

LINE(.5,W,W,−S,#AAAAAAh);

LINE(−W,S,W,−S,0);

WAIT(0);

CHOOSE(K,"Again?","Yes","No"); 

END;

STARTVIEW(−1);

 

END;

The Hi-Low Game Comes to the HP Prime

The program HILODS is the classic high-low guessing game, but instead of text, it draws a balance scale to indicate whether you are higher and lower from the target number.  You work with the left weight (A), with the goal of balancing with the right weight (B).  The right weight is set with a random integer from 10 to 99.  

The game has three difficulty levels:  easy (25 guesses), medium (15 guesses), and hard (10 guesses).

HP Prime Program:  hilods

lose()

BEGIN

STARTVIEW(−1);

MSGBOX("The number is "+STRING(B)+".\n

"+STRING(ABS(A-B))+" away.\n

Better luck next time.");

// backslash n: new line

END;

win() 

BEGIN

STARTVIEW(−1);

MSGBOX("You win! \n

# Guesses: "+STRING(N-C));

END;

 

EXPORT hilods()

BEGIN

// in progress

 

  

STARTAPP("Function");

HAngle:=1;  // degrees

W:=4;

L:=100;

B:=RANDINT(10,99);

Function.Xmin:=−W-1;

Function.Xmax:=W+1;

Function.Xtick:=1;

Function.Ymin:=−W-1;

Function.Ymax:=W+1;

Function.Ytick:=1;

CHOOSE(I,"Different Levels",

"Easy","Medium","Hard");

C:=2.5*I^2-17.5*I+40;

N:=C;

A:=0; // starting seed

WHILE A≠B DO

INPUT(A,

"Guesses left: "+STRING(C),

"Guess? ",

"From 10 to 99");

D:=(B-A)/2;

S:=W*(B-A)/L;

RECT(#FFFFFFh);

LINE(0,W,0,−W,#DAA520h);

LINE(−.5,W,.5,W,#FF8000h);

LINE(−1,−W,1,−W,#FF8000h);

LINE(−.5,W,−W,S,#AAAAAAh);

LINE(.5,W,W,−S,#AAAAAAh);

LINE(−W,S,W,−S,0);

WAIT(0);

C:=C-1;

IF A==B THEN

win();

END;

IF C==0 THEN

lose(); B:=A; // to exit loop

END;

// while end

END;

// main end

END;

This a slightly different approach to the same program than I gave last week.  

Eddie 

All original content copyright, © 2011-2023.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

TI-84 Plus CE: Drawing a Balance Scale and an Updated High Low Game

TI-84 Plus CE:   Drawing a Balance Scale and an Updated High Low Game

Drawing a Scale

The program DSCALE draws a balance scale given two weights:  one placed on the left side (A) and one on the right side.  The length of the bar, which is measured from the center to one of the weights can be set by the user.   Assume that the length is equal on both sides.

The scale in this program is not meant to bend more than 45°.   The program will not draw the scale if the bend is greater than 45°.  

DSCALE was programmed with a TI-84 Plus CE, but can be programmed on a monochrome calculator with the color commands taken out.

The program repeats for different weights at the user's choice.  

TI-84 Plus CE Program:   DSCALE

Degree:Func:FnOff 

Disp "BALANCE SCALE"

Disp "LENGTH-CENTER?"

Prompt L

4→W

Lbl 1

ClrHome

Disp "LENGTH-CENTER:",L,""

Input "LEFT WEIGHT? ",A

Input "RIGHT WEIGHT? ",B

(B-A)/2→D

abs(tan^-1((B-A)/L))→θ

W*(B-A)/L→S

If θ>45:Then:Disp "CANNOT DRAW":Goto 2:End

­-W-1→Xmin:W+1→Xmax:1→Xscl

­-W-1→Ymin:W+1→Ymax:1→Yscl

AxesOff:LabelOff

ClrDraw

Line(0,W,0,-­W,ORANGE)

Line(-­.5,W,.5,W,BROWN)

Line(­-1,­-W,1,­-W,BROWN)

Line(­-.5,W,-­W,S,LTGRAY)

Line(.5,W,W,­-S,LTGRAY)

Line(­-W,S,W,­-S,BLACK)

Lbl 2

Pause 

Menu("AGAIN?","YES",1,"NO",0)

Lbl 0

Disp "THANK YOU"

Updating a Game

The program HILODS is the classic high-low guessing game, but instead of text, it draws a balance scale to indicate whether you are higher and lower from the target number.  You work with the left weight (A), with the goal of balancing with the right weight (B).  The right weight is set with a random integer from 10 to 99.  

The game has three difficulty levels:  easy (25 guesses), medium (15 guesses), and hard (10 guesses).

TI-84 Plus CE Program:   HILODS

Degree:Func:FnOff 

Disp "HIGH-LOW GAME"

AxesOff:LabelOff

100→L

randInt(10,99)→B

4→W

­-W-1→Xmin:W+1→Xmax:1→Xscl

­-W-1→Ymin:W+1→Ymax:1→Yscl

Menu("DIFFICULTY LEVEL","EASY",10,"MEDIUM",11,"HARD",12)

Lbl 10:25→C:Goto 20

Lbl 11:15→C:Goto 20

Lbl 12:10→C:Goto 20

Lbl 20

Disp toString(C)+" GUESSES"

Disp "BETWEEN 10 AND 99"

C→N

Lbl 1

ClrHome

Disp "GUESSES LEFT: "+toString(C)

Disp "{10,99}"

Input "GUESS? ",A

(B-A)/2→D

W*(B-A)/L→S

ClrDraw

Line(0,W,0,-­W,ORANGE)

Line(-­.5,W,.5,W,BROWN)

Line(­-1,­-W,1,­-W,BROWN)

Line(­-.5,W,-­W,S,LTGRAY)

Line(.5,W,W,­-S,LTGRAY)

Line(­-W,S,W,­-S,BLACK)

Pause 

C-1→C

If A=B:Goto 9

If C=0:Goto 8

Goto 1

Lbl 8

ClrHome

Disp "THE NUMBER IS "+toString(B)

Disp toString(abs(A-B))+" AWAY"

Disp "BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME"

Stop

Lbl 9

ClrHome

Disp "THE NUMBER IS "+toString(A)

Disp "YOU WIN!"

Disp "NUMBER OF GUESSES: "+toString(N-C)

Stop

Download both programs here (as a zip file):  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hJwyqSZJ-aCQ36Wh2cCfMVy6BpAzmmPZ/view?usp=share_link

Enjoy,

Eddie 

All original content copyright, © 2011-2023.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

Casio fx-9750GIII: Spin the Wheel

Casio fx-9750GIII:   Spin the Wheel

Making the Wheel and String Commands

The wheel is comprised of a long string.  Each space has an equal amount of characters, in this case I picked 5.  To make the wheel "spin", I use the StrRotate.

StrRotate(Str n, s):

Str n:  n from 1 to 20

s:  number of spaces to rotate the string.  If s>0 the string rotates left.  If s<0, the string rotates right.   The characters wrap around.  

If Str1 = "TESTBOOKADAM"

StrRotate(Str 1,4) returns "BOOKADAMTEST"

StrRotate(Str 1,-4) returns "ADAMTESTBOOK"

Other commands used:

StrLeft(Str n, s):   takes the left s characters of Str n

StrRight(Str n, s):  takes the right s characters of Str n

StrMid(Str n, p, m):  extracts the string starting at position n at m characters

The wheel used in this program:

BROKE  (it's bankrupt said in five characters)

$ 650

$ 550

$ 900

$ 800

$ 700

PRIZE  (prize space)

$1000

$ 600

$ 750

$ 500

$5000

5 characters per space is used.  

Casio fx-9750GIII Program:  SPIN

"2022-11-23 EWS"

"BROKE$ 650$ 550$ 900$ 800$ 700PRIZE$1000$ 600$ 750$ 500$5000"→Str 1

Lbl 1

RanInt#(20,48)→N

For 1→I To N

StrRotate(Str 1,5)→Str 1

StrLeft(Str 1,5)→Str 2

ClrText

Locate 10,3,"↓"

Locate 2,4,StrRight(Str 1,5)

Locate 8,4,Str 2

Locate 14,4,StrMid(Str 1,6,5)

Next

1DispsMenu "SPIN AGAIN?","YES",1,"NO",0

Lbl 0

ClrText

Locate 4,4,"THANK YOU"

↓ and $ are found in the CHAR menu.  

Have fun,

Eddie 

All original content copyright, © 2011-2023.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

Nuwmorks: Three Doors Game

Nuwmorks: Three Doors Game

Happy Monday!

Introduction

In the popular game show Let's Make a Deal, there is a final round called the Big Deal.  In the Big Deal, one or two contestants picked from one of three doors.   One door had the "Big Deal" containing the biggest prize.  

This game simulates a modified round of the Big Deal.  You are tasked of choosing one of three doors, and the doors contain:

*  $5,000 (not a real contest, this is for gaming purposes)

*  A car

*  A goat 

Numworks Python Script: thedoorgame.py

https://my.numworks.com/python/ews31415/thedoorgame

Required modules:  math, random, kandinsky, ion

# 2021-08-05 EWS

# Three Door Game

# based on Lets Make A Deal

from math import *

from random import *

from kandinsky import *

from ion import *

# set up the key function

def key():

  while True:

    if keydown(KEY_ONE):

      return 1

    if keydown(KEY_TWO):

      return 2

    if keydown(KEY_THREE):

      return 3

# initial doors: indigo, fir green, orange

fill_rect(40,15,100,75,color(43,43,95))

fill_rect(140,15,200,75,color(34,139,34))

fill_rect(240,15,300,75,color(255,127,0))

# text, wheat

draw_string("1",70,45,color(245,222,179),color(43,43,95))

draw_string("2",170,45,color(245,222,179),color(34,139,34))

draw_string("3",270,45,color(245,222,179),color(255,127,0))

# prize setup

p=["\u0024 5,000","CAR","GOAT"]

l=[0,1,2]

w=[]

for i in range(3):

  a=choice(l)

  w.append(a)

  l.remove(a)

# ask for a door

draw_string("Which door do you want?",40,120,color(0,0,0))

k=key()

if k==1:

  ps=p[w[0]]

if k==2:

  ps=p[w[1]]

if k==3:

  ps=p[w[2]]

# the reveal

fill_rect(40,15,100,75,color(0,0,0))

fill_rect(140,15,200,75,color(0,0,0))

fill_rect(240,15,300,75,color(0,0,0))

# text, wheat

draw_string(p[w[0]],45,45,color(245,222,179),color(0,0,0))

draw_string(p[w[1]],145,45,color(245,222,179),color(0,0,0))

draw_string(p[w[2]],245,45,color(245,222,179),color(0,0,0))

draw_string("You win: "+ps,40,160,color(0,0,0))

Download the Python file here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yR8bBqmFwOeKZqBSgCVnoQkUcqDZzvu6/view?usp=sharing

Good luck!

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2021.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

Numworks: Finding a Numeric Target Game

Numworks:  Finding a Numeric Target Game

Happy Monday!

Introduction

The Python script target.py is a game where the player is tasked to guess a mystery number.   The game has four levels:

Level 0:  Easy.  Range of 50, number between 100 and 999.

Level 1:  Medium.  Range of 100, number is between 1,000 and 9,999.

Level 2:  Difficult.  Range of 250, number is between 10,000 and 99,999. 

Level 3:  Challenge.  Range of 500, numbers if between 100,000 and 999,999.

After each guess you will be told whether the target is higher or lower than your guess.   At the beginning you are given a range where your target number is.

Trick:  I fit a quartic curve to the points (0,50), (1,100), (2,250), and (3,500) and Numworks came up with y = 50*x^2 + 50.   

The script page on my Numwork's account is here:  https://my.numworks.com/python/ews31415/target

Numworks Python Script: target.py

from math import *

from random import *

# 2021-08-03 EWS

# target finding game

# set up

print("**** TARGET ****")

print(" EWS 2021")

print(" ")

print("SELECT MODE")

print("0. EASY")

print("1. MEDIUM")

print("2. DIFFICULT")

print("3. CHALLENGE")

c=int(input())

# variables

# range

r=50*c**2+50

# lower limit

x=10**(c+2)

# upper limit

y=10**(c+3)-1

# score

s=0

# target, limits

t=randint(x+r,y-r)

lx=t-r

ly=t+r

# the game

g=-1

print("The target is between")

print(str(lx)+" and "+str(ly)+".")

while g!=t:

  s+=1

  g=int(input("Guess "+str(s)+"? "))

  if g>t:

    print("LOWER")

  else:

    print("HIGHER")

  

print(str(g)+" is the target!")

print("Your score is: "+str(s))

Good luck!  

Testing News

According to their website, numworks.com the Numworks calculator is now permitted for SAT, AP, PSAT, and ACT.  Click here for more information:  https://www.numworks.com/calculator/exams/

Note: Some Python Scripts can be Transferred to Different Calculators as is - Check the modules!  

You can download the Python file here.   I was able to transfer the file to a TI-84 Plus CE Python and it runs fine.  Because of the modules used, it should be able to run on any calculator with Python.  Please be aware that the calculator must have the modules installed before attempting to transfer Python scripts between different kinds of calculators.  

Link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g2JjxkeKbk14Pm-qZR_LdW-0B4_BcZik/view?usp=sharing

Eddie

All original content copyright, © 2011-2021.  Edward Shore.   Unauthorized use and/or unauthorized distribution for commercial purposes without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited.  This blog entry may be distributed for noncommercial purposes, provided that full credit is given to the author. 

Retro Review: Radio Shack EC-21 (Blackjack Calculator)

Retro Review: Radio Shack EC-21 (Blackjack Calculator) 

Welcome to my birthday blog.  44 years today (March 14, 1977).  

Quick Facts:

Models:  EC-21

Company:  Radio Shack

First Manufactured: 1978

Memory Register:  1 independent memory

Battery:  3 AAA

The Calculator and The Game

The Radio Shack EC-21 is a dual-purpose calculator:  a 10-digit calculator and full blackjack game.

The Calculator

The calculator is a 10 digit, four function calculator with something extra:  a parenthesis [ ( ) ] key.   The parenthesis key allows the user to put certain calculations in higher priority.   The calculator operates in chain mode, the order of operations is not taken into consideration.

Example:  

2 x (3 + 9) = 24

Keystrokes:  2 [ x ] [ ( ) ] 3 [ + ] 9 [ ( ) ] [ = ]

The calculator has a square root function, but it does not have a memory register.

The Game:  Blackjack

In GAME mode, the EC-21 is a one player blackjack game.  It is you against the house.  The house stands on 17 - 21.   

Enter a bet and press the [ √ ] (BET) key.   You are not limited in bankroll.  Once you place the bet, the screen shows all zeroes as the calculator shuffles a deck of 52 playing cards.  Kings, queens, jacks, and tens are shown on the display as an F (face card).  Aces, shown by an A, count as either 1 or 11.  The ace is counted to the player's best benefit.  

If you get a blackjack (Ace and a Face card) you automatically win, the payout is 3:2.  

The game keys are:

[ = ] (HIT): Hit: The player takes a hit.  Be careful, going over 21 will cause you to bust and lose the game.

[ - ] (INS):  Insurance:  If the Dealer's up card is an Ace, you can take insurance, which is half of your bet.  If you take Insurance and the Dealer has a blackjack (Ace and a Face card), you lose only half your bet.

[ + ] (STD):  Stand.   Press this key when you decide to take no more cards.

[ ÷ ] (SPL):  Split.  If you are dealt a pair, you can split your cards into two hands.  If you split aces, you only get one more card per ace.   In this case, any 21 pays off at 1:1.  

[ × ] (DBL):  Double Down.  If you have strong starting hand, such as a 10 or 11 against a Dealer's favorable up card, you can double your bet for one more card.  

After each hand, press the total key ( [ ( ) ] (TOL) ) to check your earnings.  

Keyboard

The keyboard has a solid feel.  However, the keys require a firm press to register.  I have the best luck of holding the calculator in my hand.  In my experience, laying the keyboard down flat did not allow me to register all the keys, particular the zero key.  If wish the keys were not hard to press.  It may be the luck of the draw when I made the purchase. 

I love the colors:  green for the number keys, red of the clear keys, blue for the function keys.  

Verdict

The calculator is stored in a beautiful leather case, and the green display is awesome.  I also like the two-in-one calculator/game.  I wish the keyboard is better, but buying it is not expensive, and I am happy to have this in my collection.  

Source:

Flow Simulation, Ltd.  "Radio Shack EC-21 (Blackjack 21)"  Retrieved January 22, 2021.  https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_334462 

National Museum of American History Behring Center.  "Radio Shack EC-21 Handheld Electronic Calculator, Blackjack"  Washington D.C. Retrieved January 23, 2021.  https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_334462

Eddie

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