Card Counting

How is it that card counting is still crucial to your game even though the casinos use several decks and reshuffle before even getting near the end of the set of cards.

How is it that card counting is still crucial to your game even though the casinos use several decks and reshuffle before even getting near the end of the set of cards.

First of all, there still exists single and double deck games. Ignoring the 6/5 abominations, single deck games can be found in downtown Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Mesquite, and few maybe a few venues outside Nevada. Double decks are common most places. In any case, multiple deck games are beatable by counting.

The most common misconception is that a counter memorizes the entire deck. That would be difficult in single deck, let alone 6 decks. In reality all we do is keep track of the difference between high and low cards. If the remaining cards are rich in high cards, that is advantageous to the player. In these situations we bet more.

The difference between counting single and multiple decks is that the removal of a single card is more pronounce in single deck. The player has an sizable advantage with the removal a one 5 in single deck. In 6 decks, you would need to remove six 5's to get the same effect. The result is that high counts are less frequent. To compensate, a counter playing 6 decks will use a larger bet spread or avoid playing when the count is to his disadvantage.

One advantage for a counter playing 6 decks over single or double decks is that they usually receive less scrutiny from the casino. This is particularly important for those betting large quantities.

Another misconception is that counters can predict the cards coming out and therefore know when to hit/stand. While it is true that a counter may vary his strategy based on the count, he has no way of knowing which of the remaining cards is going to come out next.

The second part of your question deals with deck/shoe penetration. Deeper penetration helps a counter because it increases the frequency of higher positive counts. While it is true that penetration is not as deep as in days past, most games have adequate penetration to be beatable. A casino does not want to shuffle too often, otherwise too much time is wasted that would be better spent taking money from players.

All in all, I guess the answer to your question is that blackjack is still beatable by counting, but not as good as it used to be. Outside of exploiting weaknesses in casino procedures, card counting (including techniques that incorporate counting, such as shuffle tracking) remains as the best probable method of beating blackjack.

If you are interested in finding out more details, follow the BJ School link below.

The information was helpful.
Would the smaller establishments be easier to beat in general? And what about video blackjack, are those payouts worthwhile and can you get spotted winning at that? Thanks for your help

We will continue to fight for a small edge in any way shape and form. Counting is one method, tracking slugs if possible is another in multi deck. It boils down to a small edge and comps for all your hard work. It can be disenchanting to know even with that small edge, you could still lose enough to make you quit before you realize your advantage, and break even plus a few units 12 months into the next year.

"he has no way of knowing which of the remaining cards is going to come out next."

This is true for the counter. A sequencer may have the ability to know approximately where a certain card may fall do to fact that the house does not shuffle the decks enough to put the cards into a random order.

Still there is no guarantee for all of your mental gymnastics. You track an Ace and bet large infront of it and it misses your hands by one, or you get it, get another one, split them, draw 2s to go with them, double both against a 6 up and the dealer flips a face and hits with a 5 to shut you down. Can you handle that without feeling like you are falling into Alice's Wonderland?

I could handle things objectively, I just need to know that there is a place that gives me an edge in the long run. But why don't all casinos use 6 decks rather than just 2? Why do some places use rules that give you more of an advantage?

Would the smaller establishments be easier to beat in general?

Although a small casino may have better than average conditions, it is less likely to tolerate advantage play with big action.

And what about video blackjack, are those payouts worthwhile and can you get spotted winning at that?

I don't much about video blackjack, but I would think those machine shuffle after every hand. I think there are some machines that allow you to play multiple hands, where you might be able to obtain a small advantage by changing your play based on cards played. Also, you might be able to gain an advantage with cash back comps, particularly if the casino is running 2X or 3X promotion.

Even if beatable, I don't think most casino would care much, simply because you probably won't be making much money. This is the case with beatable video poker machines, such as Deuces Wild, where you can obtain a +0.76% advantage. If you play very quickly on a 25c machine, you might be able to earn $6-7/hour + $1-2/hours in cash back. It's simply not worth it for the casino to pay someone to watch your play. It's also good publicity for the casino in that they can advertise that they have 100%+ slots. In fact, the Palms casino in Las Vegas has 100% signs on top of their beatable machines.

If you are interested about video poker strategy and where to find beatable machines, go to yahoo and search for vpfree.

playable six deck remains all over the place.

Is this a common rule Rob? Are you talking on-line or on-land? Or just making up an example in a hurry?

Grand Traverse resort in Mi. offers this feature and they have good 6d BJ. They also have a great hotel there with alot of nice features that appeal to the feminine gender or the feminine counter. So if you go take the wife or a date.

Good cards,
Iggy.