Asking about the number of decks
- Thread starter Dschddny
- Start date
Sonny
Well-Known Member
> What is the best way to find out how many decks are being used?
> (other than estimating yourself)? I feel that if I ask the dealer,
> then I am flagging myself as a counter (since no one other than
> a counter should care how many decks are played).
If you can estimate a discard tray you should have no problem seeing how many decks are in play in most games. If you have trouble with large piles of cards, just wait until the shuffle - they will break the shoe into two (maybe more) piles and shuffle them together. Once you estimate one pile you can double that to determine the total number of decks being used. That is how I first noticed that one of my favorite casinos started dealing 8 decks instead of six. I had assumed it was the normal 6 decks when I sat down, but when they started to shuffle it just didn't look right. I noticed that both stacks were about 4 decks high. This was what set off the warning bells in my head.
The only time you should have to ask about the number of decks is when they are hidden, like in an automatic shuffler - or CSM (which you should avoid anyway). A good way to deal with this is to walk up and watch the game for a while. After a few minutes the dealer will ask if you want to play (they are required by the casinos to ask. Most of them have what they call a "10-5 rule" that forces dealers to interact with nearby players). Just gesture to the shuffler and say "I don't trust those things. You can't see what goes on in there or anything. You can't even tell how many decks are in there!" At that point the dealer will probably clue you in.
-Sonny-
> (other than estimating yourself)? I feel that if I ask the dealer,
> then I am flagging myself as a counter (since no one other than
> a counter should care how many decks are played).
If you can estimate a discard tray you should have no problem seeing how many decks are in play in most games. If you have trouble with large piles of cards, just wait until the shuffle - they will break the shoe into two (maybe more) piles and shuffle them together. Once you estimate one pile you can double that to determine the total number of decks being used. That is how I first noticed that one of my favorite casinos started dealing 8 decks instead of six. I had assumed it was the normal 6 decks when I sat down, but when they started to shuffle it just didn't look right. I noticed that both stacks were about 4 decks high. This was what set off the warning bells in my head.
The only time you should have to ask about the number of decks is when they are hidden, like in an automatic shuffler - or CSM (which you should avoid anyway). A good way to deal with this is to walk up and watch the game for a while. After a few minutes the dealer will ask if you want to play (they are required by the casinos to ask. Most of them have what they call a "10-5 rule" that forces dealers to interact with nearby players). Just gesture to the shuffler and say "I don't trust those things. You can't see what goes on in there or anything. You can't even tell how many decks are in there!" At that point the dealer will probably clue you in.
-Sonny-
If I'm not sure I will ask. I have been to some casinos where they use really thicks cards and 6 decks will look like 8 decks. Many places will have the number of decks on a sign. I never worry about asking, I don't believe that by asking the question you are giving yourself away as a counter. I believe it is all in the way you carry yourself.
Abraham de Moivre
Well-Known Member
The best way to find out the number of decks is too say in a loud voice (so he is sure to hear you) "Hey, how many decks are you dealing there?"
If you are really worried about it, if they reply "6", then say "Darn, I am always luckier with 8 decks!"
If you are really worried about it, if they reply "6", then say "Darn, I am always luckier with 8 decks!"