...I know that I should remember this because it's so simple, but can someone tell me whether it's myth or reality that a new deck of cards is harmful to a cardcounter. If if it is, for how long. Thanks for any help.
Cheers,
Burnt Card
Assuming the shoe game:
IF, and this is an important IF, the cards are thoroughly washed, then new cards are no different than old cards; sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. On the other hand if a "weak" wash is performed, it might be better to wait for a couple of shuffles before playing the cards. Just take a careful look at the wash being performed. You'll know quite readily IF the cards are being mixed well. IF they are, go ahead and play. Don't worry about it. If you have any concerns about how well the cards are mixed, then come back after a couple of shuffles have been performed.
This is strictly my opinion on this subject. I have played new
cards often and have generally mixed and inconclusive results. In short, sometimes I have won and sometimes I have lost.
best of luck
-- oms --
Anything that smells like that, they will dismiss with the magic word:Woodoo!
Francis Salmon
It means they have got rid of all the old cards with all their familar nicks, bends, and marks that let you know what is coming next.
can theoretically lower your edge by as much as three tenths of a %.
You are unlikely to ever encounter a shuffle which noticeably changes the house edge, but if you observe new deck sequences coming out then don't take the risk.
Note this is nothing to do with bogus clumping theory: indeed, this finding emerged from studies which disproved TARGET and other fallacious systems.
you're playing at the Western or any Coast property and they are changing the cards because you are winning too much. Its always a good sign when the opponent believes in voodoo and ignores mathematical facts.
Shotkaller
I agree that blackjack players should be completely free of superstition(Salmon) but I must confess that deep down in my heart I still cling to the belief that inadequate shuffling of new decks can result in temporary biases against the skilled player.
I play exclusively single deck and I will often wait 10 minutes after the introduction of a new deck before I begin increasing my bets. If the game looks like a being a killer I may go to a different table.
I would like to believe 100% that you math guys are right in your condemnation of the card clumping theory but something in me refuses to dismiss the concept.
Maybe in time I can lay this ghost to rest.
SD Player.
