No 2 BJ Games Are Created Equal...

While there are several rules in plain sight on the Felt (BJ Pays 3:2, H17/S17, Ins pays, etc), there are many *MANY* which are not that highly dictate how beatable a given game is viz. one's edge.

When it comes to selecting a table to sit down at, and in consideration of those rules which are not displayed, rather than badger the dealer with questions like, "Is Surrender available? Can I double on any 2 cards? How many times can I split? Do you allow splitting of aces? etc etc etc" is there a better way to find out what the full rules are at any given table?

I like the recommendation of calling casinos up and asking what their rules are. Makes sense. But obviously when you're on the go hitting more than one casino (e.g. on the strip) this isn't as feasible.

In my experience the placards showing table minimums/limits never display the full rules, and short of asking dealers or bosses I've not found a good way to easily/passively obtain this info. Suggestions?

Ian

What do you do, Rich, for identifying conditions in your game selection for those tables which do not have the high-speed digital placards?

Ian

On the first 15, 16 vs. 9, 10, I ask the dealer if surrender is available. The first time I get two aces, and I get a third Ace, the dealer will almost automatically split to three hands if more splits are allowed. If he doesn't, I either ask or put out a third bet. Etc., etc., etc.

You seem to have a knack in making things more complicated than they really are.

Your response implies vested time and money to simply derive playing conditions. As you can appreciate I'm not going to drive 30+minutes to a casino (cost of fuel, vehicle wear and tear), and then incur additional costs (playing through a shoe) just to find out the conditions are highly unfavorable. The prudent thing to do would be to mitigate these marginal out-of-pocket costs, especially with respect to the latter most. As with any good operation, knowing the nature of the target is imperative.

Ian

Forget about calling casinos to ask for their exact BJ-rules. The person you get on the phone will hardly ever be qualified to answer your question.
If you don't have a reliable source you need to check it out yourself.Being worried about the cost of driving there and eventually having to play a shoe under suboptimal rules is actually a bit ridiculous.It's normal to spend money for valid information.
Besides the rules, it's just as important to check for good pen.

Francis Salmon

Don't rely on one source of information. Before you make your trip ask about conditions at the casino here on BJ21. Check out the rules in CBJN. Blackjack rules are slow to change at any casino so if you feel CBJN is to expensive just check out the free sample copy on line. The sample copy might be a year old but chances are the games haven't changed much.

By all means call the casino. Ask to be transfered to the pit. They are the most knowledgeable about the rules. Hell, I even ask what the pen is, but leave this for the last question. Just recently I called a large casino to inquire about their games. When I asked how much they deal out the guy spilled the beans about the two deck game, but became very defensive when I asked about their other games and said he had to go and supervise the pit.

"Being worried about the cost of driving there and eventually having to play a shoe under suboptimal rules is actually a bit ridiculous."

Trip/travel expenses add up over time when one makes a living doing this.

"Besides the rules, it's just as important to check for good pen."

Wait, good pen is important? Captain Obvious we salute you.

Ian

EK,

CBJN is about the best advice I've received to this thread. Thank you!

Additionally, your comportance is evident through your experience. Calling and asking to be transferred to the Pit is an incredible suggestion and one that I will surely implement. Thank you again EK.

Ian

Ploppies never care about rules and asking the pit boss over the phone about specific conditions is a clear sign that you're in for the money.
Ian was talking about a half an hour's drive and this is really not too much for checking out an unknown casino.
If you find one gold mine in 10 trials it was worth the expenses.
The problems with tips on internet is that these places get burned out very quickly and tend to be overcrowded.

Francis Salmon

Do you really want to ask the pit boss about pen or may be even how much spread he would allow?
By the way, you don't have to teach me how to make a living at Blackjack.
A like people how come to the forum to answer their own questions.

Francis Salmon

At the casino I most frequent they have a huge sign on a wall stating casino rules-of course it doesn't mention pen or bet spread toleration but it let's you know the basic rules.

You're making a mountain out of a mole-hill.

Regards,
PM