Is there a source that ranks casinos by average penetration levels? Does it change that often? It takes up quite a bit of playing time to observe for yourself if you go infrequently. How much penetration is given in the DD games where there is a cut in the plastic holder that is used?
CBJN, available at this site, lists penetration by casino. Yes, pen levels do change often. There is no standard for DD games cutting to a slot on the shoe. Depends on where the casino puts the slot on their shoes.
Walk up to a table right after a shuffle and observe where the dealer puts the card cut. Numerically count the cards until the cut card appears. Watch where the dealer puts the cut card on the next shuffle. If it is close to the same point, you can now sit down knowing what pen level you are getting.
Is there a source that ranks casinos by average penetration levels?
There are several. Current Blackjack News, which may be ordered from this site (click on "Subscriptions" at left.
Blackjack Forum lists penetration levels.
A new online service, TrackJack is a searchable database that includes penetration ratings. At the moment, TrackJack is free.
Info on both Trackjack and Blackjack Forum can be found at:
Does it change that often?
Yes, constantly. It also may vary from dealer to dealer at a given casino, and even some individual dealers are inconsistant when they place the cut card.
It takes up quite a bit of playing time to observe for yourself if you go infrequently.
Indeed. It does not take any less time if you go frequently.
How much penetration is given in the DD games where there is a cut in the plastic holder that is used?
It varies - there is no standard. Some variation has been observed, even among the different trays at the same casino. All that being said, around 60%-65% is common.
