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Late June: Tropicana and Excalibur each have at least ONE table with 3:2 with $15 min. Was wondering for people who insist on playing at a 6:5 game, is it better to double down a BJ against a dealer 4 or 5 with a positive count rather than taking the 6:5 payout?
The running count is simply an indicator of how many extra high cards or extra low cards remain in the unused decks. The true count normalizes this and becomes the number of extra high or low cards per deck remaining. The next few lessons will show you how to use this information to gain an advantage.
A continuous shuffler is where the dealer is constantly putting the used cards back into the shuffle machine after each hand. Cards can reappear very quickly. Contrast that with a regular shuffle machine where the dealer finishes the entire shoe, and then puts the entire decks into the shuffle machine at once. The latter is just a faster way of shuffling traditionally.
I know this term might seem like form the movie 21, but when is it best to bet high in single deck game? is it when the count is in the (+) or the (-)?
Hi Ken, I just purchased your advanced card pack. Very nice quality and I love the “stealth” versions (after I actually *read* your instructions I figured out the dots. 😉 Two questions:
1. I haven’t tried them in a casino yet. Do you know if they frown upon the “stealth” versions, i.e. are they going to disallow them and force me to use the casino versions without any of your “hints”? ( Maybe I just have to give it a try and report back.)
2. on the back of the cards, in the key, for “D” it says “Double (else ” Is that a typo? Did I get a bad batch? What does it mean? The “DS” says “Double (else stand)” which I understand. Is there a word missing after the “else” in “D”? Thanks again.
I have had no reports of trouble using the stealth version in the casino so far. I will be interested to hear your experiences.
And yes, when preparing the card design I made a last minute font size change that caused the printing omission you describe. Doh! The key for “D” should say “Double (else hit)”. Thanks for reminding me about that so I can be sure to fix it before the next reprint. Noted.
Yes, in that situation, surrender is best. Let me explain for other readers: 88vT is a split in basic strategy, but once the true count reaches +4, you should no longer split, but instead play the hand as 16. If surrender is possible, do it. If not, stand (because the count is 0 or more, which is the index for 16vT.)
Notice that the +4 index for the 88vT play is exactly the opposite of most split index numbers, since you split on low counts but not in high counts. This kind of “reverse” index only happens with a handful of decisions. Because they can be so confusing, I did not include any reverse indexes on my advanced strategy cards.
How to play black jack for the beginner
Understand the rules here, and then visit the Strategy Engine to see the appropriate plays. Practice with the Trainer.
Late June: Tropicana and Excalibur each have at least ONE table with 3:2 with $15 min. Was wondering for people who insist on playing at a 6:5 game, is it better to double down a BJ against a dealer 4 or 5 with a positive count rather than taking the 6:5 payout?
No. Taking the 6:5 is still far better than doubling the blackjack. See this article:
Double Down on a 6:5 Blackjack? Read This First…
Thanks for letting us know about the 3:2 games at Trop and Excalibur.
What does the running count/true count signify?
The running count is simply an indicator of how many extra high cards or extra low cards remain in the unused decks. The true count normalizes this and becomes the number of extra high or low cards per deck remaining. The next few lessons will show you how to use this information to gain an advantage.
What do you mean about Continuous shuffle machines and a regular shuffle machine? whats the difference?
A continuous shuffler is where the dealer is constantly putting the used cards back into the shuffle machine after each hand. Cards can reappear very quickly.
Contrast that with a regular shuffle machine where the dealer finishes the entire shoe, and then puts the entire decks into the shuffle machine at once.
The latter is just a faster way of shuffling traditionally.
I know this term might seem like form the movie 21, but when is it best to bet high in single deck game? is it when the count is in the (+) or the (-)?
Plus counts are good for the player.
Thanks for the help
Hi Ken,
I just purchased your advanced card pack. Very nice quality and I love the “stealth” versions (after I actually *read* your instructions I figured out the dots. 😉 Two questions:
1. I haven’t tried them in a casino yet. Do you know if they frown upon the “stealth” versions, i.e. are they going to disallow them and force me to use the casino versions without any of your “hints”? ( Maybe I just have to give it a try and report back.)
2. on the back of the cards, in the key, for “D” it says “Double (else ” Is that a typo? Did I get a bad batch? What does it mean? The “DS” says “Double (else stand)” which I understand. Is there a word missing after the “else” in “D”? Thanks again.
I have had no reports of trouble using the stealth version in the casino so far. I will be interested to hear your experiences.
And yes, when preparing the card design I made a last minute font size change that caused the printing omission you describe. Doh!
The key for “D” should say “Double (else hit)”. Thanks for reminding me about that so I can be sure to fix it before the next reprint. Noted.
thanks for your help this is a great site well done for making it
Thanks for visiting, and good luck on the tables!
I don’t understand your %’s for A,T. Shouldn’t it be 100% if the dealer already peaked and doesn’t have 21? Am I missing something?
The Monte Carlo had one DD table that was 3:2. Unfortunately it was $25 min 🙁
Is 3:2 on the verge of extinction?
Hello Ken
One question : If I do not have that large amount of money in my bankroll should not play??
Yes, in that situation, surrender is best.
Let me explain for other readers: 88vT is a split in basic strategy, but once the true count reaches +4, you should no longer split, but instead play the hand as 16.
If surrender is possible, do it. If not, stand (because the count is 0 or more, which is the index for 16vT.)
Notice that the +4 index for the 88vT play is exactly the opposite of most split index numbers, since you split on low counts but not in high counts.
This kind of “reverse” index only happens with a handful of decisions. Because they can be so confusing, I did not include any reverse indexes on my advanced strategy cards.
Almost all blackjack tournaments have you start each table with a fresh starting bankroll. You do not carry chips forward.