Much easier to beat these days
> This book referenced above says that it is impossible these days
> to card count due to deck cut penetration, Machine shuffling, and
> unknown number of burn cards. Is this true? Did the casino's make
> card counting impossibe these days?
Nope. In fact, the game is more profitable now than it ever was before. The game certainly has changed over the past decade, and many smart people have gotten rich from those changes. Let�s take a look back at the past few decades of the game:
-Multi-deck games gave rise to techniques like shuffle tracking, sequencing, cutting/steering, backcounting and team play, all of which are much stronger than straight counting.
-CSMs were invented, beaten (BADLY!), redesigned, and beaten again.
-Side bets like Over/Under 13, Lucky Ladies, Royal Twenties and Royal Match have all been severely exploited by smart players. Several of those bets have disappeared as a result, but more are popping up everyday.
-Variations like Blackjack Switch, SuperFun 21, Double Exposure and Multi-Action BJ have all filled the pockets of smart players.
-Casino promotions like Free Ride, Monopoly 21, BJ matchplay coupons, free ace coupons, special payouts (BJ pays 2:1, 3:1 suited BJs, Five Card Charlie, etc.) progressive jackpots, and generous comp policies have all been fully exploited.
-Faster computers and stronger software have aided in the development of very simple and very powerful systems. These new systems make advantage play available to just about anyone who wants to learn. The days of level-3 systems with ace side counts, half-deck TC estimations and 180 indices are long gone. These days you just need Hi-Lo with the Illustrious 18 or KO Preferred to get most of the power of the advanced systems.
-The internet has brought together countless professional-level players (and billions of hacks, but they�re easy to spot) to share experiences and techniques. There is also a wealth of good knowledge and information published on the internet as well as most public libraries. There is also an abundance of practice software to help you master the craft in your home. Learning how to play BJ is easier than ever, especially now that online mentoring and training is available.
Yup, the game sure has changed and it is more profitable now than it has ever been. Plus, thanks to court cases by Michael Russo, James Grosjean, Mark Estes and others, you won�t get your knees broken for winning!
-Sonny-