Counter-attacking the 6:5 Deck

[bj bob]

Last night, after waking up at 2;30 AM. (I definitely need to lay off of BJ and that stuff Mike sends me homegrown from Bugtussle Ark.) I had a brilliant thought (or so it seems). Let's suppose that one is playing the ever popular single deck 6:5 BJ game. You know, that's the one that takes an extra 1.44% out of your pocket! Now let's suppose that your wife or SO is playing $5 flat playing BS.After chastizing her verbally and emotionally on the first hand of a new deal you notice that the dealer has(e.g) a 4 up, she has a pair of 5's, after you convince her to double down(through a veil of tears at this point) she catches a 7. The dealer flips an 8 down, hits a 4 then a 6... Bust. At this point of the deck the RC is +5 with 45 cards left to play. Can this deck be beaten? and if not, what would it take to attain a pos. EV. I can envision a count/strategy that would overcome the dreaded 6:5 SD game if implemented only after the opening hand and then either backlined with your wife or by yourself with a $50-$250 spread.

 

[zengrifter]

Simple answer, YES. But its a lousy game - second only to CSMs and BJ even-money games. Unless you've located a flashing dealer don't waste your time. zg

 

[Automatic Monkey]

It's rough. I did a bit of work on the 6:5 game and this is what I found out.

1. You need to use a Zen count of some kind, because the value of the ace is significantly lower than in normal BJ.

2. You can forget about playing if there are more than 2 hands in the game! No way, not even worth an attempt.

3. There is almost always a better game to play. I did my sim for the Atlantic City venue and it turns out you can make a 6:5 SD game play about as well as the typical shoe game down there, which isn't saying much. But AC is very crowded and you aren't going to be able to find even a 6:5 game with only one other player.

Conclusion: if you are counting, it isn't worth it. Not that you can't beat the game, but there's always something better around. So why bother?

Some of the 6:5 games are vulnerable to other advanced techniques like holecarding and ace prediction, and the fact that they are 6:5 might take some heat off an advanced AP but that is a bit different than trying to attack them with counting.

 

[bj bob]

Just Wonderig

If deck conditions, such as I've desrcibed, do occur, is there a point at which it becomes favorable? My example was just an "educated estimation", but is there some point (I know somewhat infrequent) where it becomes really favorable? One could say that 10 cards have beeen dealt and still no aces showing. COUNT IS +6. Is there a breakout point?

 

[zengrifter]

COUNT IS +6. Is there a breakout point?

+4 TC and above. zg

 

[Mikeaber]

Last night, after waking up at 2;30 AM. (I definitely need to lay off of BJ and that stuff Mike sends me homegrown from Bugtussle Ark.)

I just harvested a new stash of killer herb...nothing but buds. I'll send you a new baggie and you'll not have those evil dreams any longer. Think "good" thoughts...you know, 3:2, 85%, S17...that kind of stuff.

 

[avs21]

Regarding the heat in 6:5 games I actually played the 6:5 BJ SD right when I was learning to count with Hi-Lo, but didn't feel comfortable yet to use it in a casino. At the time I thought the 6:5 would be just a little worse than a crowded shoe, but more fun to play. I was waiting for a buffet to open so, I decided to put in only 70$ by time I would be done the buffet would be open.. I get really lucky betting 10$ eventually work my way up to 25$ I am up to about 700$ in an hour. I am not counting just using basic strategy. One of the people at the table mentions why do they have five PB's over here? They were looking in our table direction. People come and go this guy sits right next to me. When it is his turn to cut cards he holds the cut card a little different when he cuts them he was able to use his fingers to rub over the dealers hand I thought this was strange the thing that was stranger the dealer and the player didn't even flinch like nothing happened. Time goes on the mentions the PB's mad at me. I am like what?! Excuse me had the dealer stop action until I made sure I understood right! PB didn't like how I put my cards for DD I placed the cards face up then placed the money out when it was my turn... Other people would keep making mistakes of using two hands and things a lot worse. I had enough I left a couple mins later. Next time went back to different pit still 6:5 the PB asked If I wanted a players card I was no thank you. She started to hassle me saying do you have something to hide like an arrest warrant? She wouldn't let me play unless I let her scan my ID! I have never been carded at a casino table before. Keeping in mind I am in my early 20's but, look more like 25. This was a major LV strip casino.

 

[Automatic Monkey]

...She wouldn't let me play unless I let her scan my ID! I have never been carded at a casino table before. Keeping in mind I am in my early 20's but, look more like 25. This was a major strip casino.

Sounds like they thought there was some cheating and that you were part of the team. Well hopefully you got some experience, now keep away from 6:5 and don't get in trouble!

 

[avs21]

Sounds like they thought there was some cheating and that you were part of the team. Well hopefully you got some experience, now keep away from 6:5 and don't get in trouble!

I would never go back to playing 6:5.. I just didnt know enough back then.