Blackjack

[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.