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TJ12168193

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Dec 11, 2017, 11:01:47 AM

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I have a copy of Professional Blackjack. I notice for some situations the deviation number is zero. The instructions say:

number: Stand (or double or split) at a count per deck equal to or greater than the number, hit (or do not split) at a count per deck less than the number.

An examples in an H17 game would be:

Hard 15 vs A surrender at 0

When I play the first hand of a six deck shoe say I am dealt 87 and the dealer shows an A. I have a running count of -1. Technically the count is now below 0, however the count per deck is still closest to 0. Should I surrender or hit in this situation?

I realize the actual value of either play is probably very close and with a smallish bet on the first hand of the shoe it probably isn't the factor that will determine your success, however I wonder about this every time it comes up.

Thanks to anyone who can offer advice,

TJ.

Gronbog

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Dec 11, 2017, 11:32:06 AM

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Yes, if the index is zero and your running count is less than zero then, technically you are below the index and should hit your 15. This is exactly why basic strategy for this play is to hit. A similar situation is 16 vs T which is a basic strategy hit for the same reason although the index to stand is also zero. 12 vs 4 is a basic strategy stand for the same reason.

Don Schlesinger

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Dec 11, 2017, 1:56:09 PM

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Yes, if the index is zero and your running count is less than zero then, technically you are below the index and should hit your 15. This is exactly why basic strategy for this play is to hit. A similar situation is 16 vs T which is a basic strategy hit for the same reason although the index to stand is also zero. 12 vs 4 is a basic strategy stand for the same reason.

by: Gronbog

For a very thorough discussion of this topic, with, perhaps, a couple of surprising conclusions, see BJA3, bottom of p. 44 and all of p. 45.

Don

TJ12168193

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Dec 21, 2017, 9:54:23 AM

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Thank you both for the replies.

Don, I have an earlier edition of Blackjack Attack. It has a yellow cover with red text. Does this book discuss the topic, or do I need the most recent edition?

Thanks again,

TJ.

Don Schlesinger

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Dec 21, 2017, 11:05:10 PM

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Thank you both for the replies.

Don, I have an earlier edition of Blackjack Attack. It has a yellow cover with red text. Does this book discuss the topic, or do I need the most recent edition?

Thanks again,

TJ.

by: TJ12168193

First, shame on you!

Second, see pp. 49-50 of your ANCIENT edition. And, are you telling me that the yellow cover is actually still on the book??

Finally, you might want to explore the following, to see what your edition has morphed into: https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/shop/products/blackjack-attack-playing-the-pros-way/

Don

ZeeBabar

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Jan 1, 2018, 8:32:26 AM

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Don, be visiting Law Vegas soon, , where can I purchase your book in person? The $18 price is great.

Don Schlesinger

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Jan 1, 2018, 12:01:31 PM

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Don, be visiting Law Vegas soon, , where can I purchase your book in person? The $18 price is great.

by: ZeeBabar

Huntington Press, just west of the Strip (Flamingo), towards I-15. Tell them I sent you and say hello to the proprietor, Anthony Curtis, for me.

Don

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