Blackjack

[giono2]

Here's the deal. As I posted elsewhere I will be going to Vegas in a few months. When I go to Vegas I love playing craps. I have no concerns about knowing the rules, the different bets, the odds, etc.. In fact I've actually had to correct the dealer a few times on the payouts. Essentially, when it comes to craps I will step to any table anywhere and feel totally comfortable.

Then there is blackjack. I'm totally afraid of blackjack. It stems from the notion that my play can "ruin the hand" for the rest of the table. On several occasions at the local Indian casino I have been accused of taking the dealers bust card. I personally don't believe this. I think taking the dealers bust card is an excuse other players at the table use.

I think I need to play the best hand I can regardless of what the others at the table are showing. I'm not talking about being reckless, but I have to play to win.

Here's what I want to know; what is your level of play and what are your thoughts on one player being able to turn the table?

[MedicCook]

When I was in Vegas one of the guys I was with wanted to play two hands at a time. Each time he asked the others at the table if they minded. One table another player objected so he just played his single hand. Everyone has their own little habits at the table. I prefer to play BJ over the other games personally.

[chippewastud79]

I am sorry, I know you play for yourself but there is plenty of cases when one player can ruin the hand for the rest of the table. If you have a 13 but the dealer is showing a 6 and you hit and get an 8, congratulations you have a 21, but the dealer then turns over 16 and draws a 4 making 20, yeah you would win, but most of the other players would not because you did take the dealers bust card. The odds of blackjack are greatly increased if everyone at the table plays by basic strategy and makes the correct move(s). The hands in blackjack directly effect the hands that will be played after that, so one bad move or a number of bad moves can change the entire shoe. I know you are out to just win for yourself, but if everyone at the table is winning, then so are you.

If you are confused about what you should do, ask the dealer, anyone that has been doing it for a while or knows the game should be glad to share with you what you should do for any given hand. They are giving away the casino's money if they lose, not their own. More wins for the players means more potential tips for them.

Get yourself a basic strategy card from the casino and follow that. Another basic rule that I like to follow is "Always or never", this applies to some of the hands where strategy can go either way, like a 12 against a dealer 2. Strategy says you can hit it or stay, which ever you choose, do the same thing all the time always hit it or never hit it. Same thing with splitting, doubling or insurance, just play consistent. If you chose to play against the strategies, make sure the table knows it and be consistent with it, don't change your mind on gut feelings or reactions.

[shvictor]

Go to "thewizardofodds.com." Everything you want to know about Blackjack you can find there. I could give you a basic rundown of strategy but it would probably be easier if you went there.

[AAlmeter]

Play basic. Most every casino will allow you a card as they (the casinos) make several percentage points when people are playing basic, but for the novice it will cut your losses in the long haul. The dealer will also inform you of basic strategy.

That being said, those who ***** about your play generally don't realize that it often gives them an added advantage, so don't pay much attention. I'm semi retired, but the average novice will get wrapped up in the game and will hit, say, a 16 in the hopes of bettering his position. That's gambling. Rarely will he stay, regardless of what the dealer is showing. A good player will recognize this as an extra card on the table, and will take it into account (is that a pun?).

The cards in the shoe are in the shoe. The pattern in which they are dealt is in no way ultimately affected by your play, regardless of your adherence to basic strategy. Your play will certainly effect whats left in the shoe, but it will have no effect on whether the dealer gets a "good" or a "bad" card, at most, you will slightly effect the probability of the dealer getting a good or bad card. In the above example, it is equally likely that you would draw a 4 and the dealer an 8, making you the "lucky" hero. (In no way to discredit Chippewa's or anyone's playing style, just my take)

A good player will adapt to your play and will love the distraction that a novice will often cause. Let anyone else walk away, its your money. Set a limit for yourself and have fun. If you're into making money at it, there are countless resources now available online, but its always been tough as a solo and ever since certain novels and movies have hit the mainstream, anything other than solo has been a tough route.

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by AAlmeter

In the above example, it is equally likely that you would draw a 4 and the dealer an 8, making you the "lucky" hero. (In no way to discredit Chippewa's or anyone's playing style, just my take)

I feel the exact same way. Probability wise, you would have just as good as a chance to help me as you would to hurt me. Of course you would be no doubt hurting yourself (in the long run) but you can do whatever you want with your money!

As for how to play, yes, play basic strategy. "The book" I read has no either/or scenarios. Over the course of thousands and thousands of hands, one play is better than another. For example, in chippewa's example, my "book" says to always hit a 12 against a dealers 2 or 3. There is no either/or. Some people play that differently, but I'm playing it that way EVERY TIME.

IMO the most important thing to do when playing, aside from hitting when you're suppose to and staying when you're suppose to, is to double down and split when you are suppose to. When you have the opportunity to increase your wager with the additional information provided ( knowing your cards and one of the dealers), you must maximize your opportunity. If I have 9 and the dealer is showing a 6, I double down. If I didn't I'd be minimizing my percentage chance of winning.

Oh, and NEVER take insurance. It really is a sucker's bet.

And one more thing, if you count cards (well) all these rules are out the window as your play would change. And don't get caught!

Good luck!

[AAlmeter]

Originally Posted by yourchoice

IMO the most important thing to do when playing, aside from hitting when you're suppose to and staying when you're suppose to, is to double down and split when you are suppose to. When you have the opportunity to increase your wager with the additional information provided ( knowing your cards and one of the dealers), you must maximize your opportunity. If I have 9 and the dealer is showing a 6, I double down. If I didn't I'd be minimizing my percentage chance of winning.

Oh, and NEVER take insurance. It really is a sucker's bet.

And one more thing, if you count cards (well) all these rules are out the window as your play would change. And don't get caught!

Good luck!

Doubles and splits are a great way to increase your bets without drawing attention.

Counting cards is absolutely great, but as I mentioned earlier about the novels and movies, everyone thinks they can play that game now (though I haven't been to Vegas). Getting caught will land you in no hot water initially, but you will be banned from the casino for life. If you're not good and you don't have the bankroll, it is simply not worth it. And yes, basic goes out the window when you have an accurate count, but understanding the principals behind basic are valuable, even if you are a member of "Mr M's illustrious MIT blackjack team".

Play basic, and pray that the "law of small numbers" is in your favor. Good "luck"

[qwerty1500]

Ran a blackjack game nearly every afternoon after class for four years in college. Even though it was just nickels, dimes and quarters, it more than financed all of my spending and party money. In other words, I was the house. Since Vegas won't let you be the house, I would find a different game.

[AAlmeter]

Originally Posted by qwerty1500

Ran a blackjack game nearly every afternoon after class for four years in college. Even though it was just nickels, dimes and quarters, it more than financed all of my spending and party money. In other words, I was the house. Since Vegas won't let you be the house, I would find a different game.

Yeah, house is the place to be.

But if you're looking to make the house work for its money....blackjack and craps is where you want to be.

[giono2]

All great advice. How do you go from using the card to knowing it. Any tips on that? Also, what is the appropriate bankroll to bring to a $5 table?

[shvictor]

Originally Posted by giono2

All great advice. How do you go from using the card to knowing it. Any tips on that? Also, what is the appropriate bankroll to bring to a $5 table?

To answer your first question: practice practice practice. Watch other players too. After awhile you'll spot the players that are using basic strategy, and the more you see it the faster you will learn it. As far as bankroll goes thats pretty much up to you. I usually sit down with $100 at a 5 dollar table. If you are counting cards I suggest you sit down with at least 100 times the minimum bet to account for big swings you are inevitably going to have. Most of all just have fun. Unless this is going to be your job its all about having fun.

[AAlmeter]

Originally Posted by shvictor

To answer your first question: practice practice practice. Watch other players too. After awhile you'll spot the players that are using basic strategy, and the more you see it the faster you will learn it. As far as bankroll goes thats pretty much up to you. I usually sit down with $100 at a 5 dollar table. If you are counting cards I suggest you sit down with at least 100 times the minimum bet to account for big swings you are inevitably going to have. Most of all just have fun. Unless this is going to be your job its all about having fun.

Sound advice.

Your bankroll should equal the amount of money you are willing to sacrifice for the amount of time you plan on playing. You WILL NOT make money. Well before you start making money, you will know what your bankroll should be.

Again, you will not make money. You'll win some, you'll lose some, but when you average it out over the long haul, you will lose (by playing basic or worse).

Have fun, and play to have fun. Most guys who lose their asses decide to start playing for profit at your level. Its entertainment and leave it at that.

[BigAl_SC]

My advice is to forget playing against the house. Play poker. There is a lot of suckers that play a monthly home game in Vegas. You can sit at a 1/2 table for 5 hours on $100 and have a heck of a lot better chance of coming out a winner than playing against a known disadvantage.

But if you want to play against the house. Get a hint card and use it. You can just leave it on the table as a reference. The casinos are OK with this as it gives them a 1.5% advantage.

[AndyMadera]

Originally Posted by BigAl_SC

My advice is to forget playing against the house. Play poker. There is a lot of suckers that play a monthly home game in Vegas. You can sit at a 1/2 table for 5 hours on $100 and have a heck of a lot better chance of coming out a winner than playing against a known disadvantage.

But if you want to play against the house. Get a hint card and use it. You can just leave it on the table as a reference. The casinos are OK with this as it gives them a 1.5% advantage.

I agree 100%... Play poker against others... not the house. Much better odds. And as to blackjack... Im sorry I too dont believe in that... there was just as much chance as the dealer getting the 4 over the 8 anyway... its all blind you dont know whats next... Play your hand... its not like that are going to tip you for "letting" them win.

I play a pool game called Golf on a huge snooker table... Each person has one ball and go around the table from pocket 1 - 6. Its really complicated game and one bad shot can really screw things up and let someone else win... In that case I would feel bad for everyone else having to pay up as well as myself. Put in vegas against a house... who cares...