Watching a table

[DMS]

Do you always watch a table to start counting before you sit down? Here are a couple scenarios, which would you say is the best method?

1) Start counting on a table that is just starting (i.e., first dealt hand), sit down when the count is positive.

2) Start counting randomly at a table that is mid-game, sit down when the count is positive.

3) Sit down at a table that just started and start counting and playing

4) Sit down at a random table that is in mid-play and start counting and playing

Also, do you have a max. number of players that you'll play at a table with?

 

[ChefJJ]

1 or 3...

1 is what you would call "backcounting" and is often a good technique for shoe games.

3 seems to be the way to go in single or double-deck games, but I rarely get to any good ones of those...so that's mostly something I've learned here.

Someone will elaborate more, I'm sure of that.

good luck

 

[Sonny]

1) Start counting on a table that is just starting (i.e., first dealt hand), sit down when the count is positive.

This is the best option. You are only playing when you have an advantage and you should be able to find enough opportunities to make some money.

2) Start counting randomly at a table that is mid-game, sit down when the count is positive.

This is not very good. Since you missed some of the cards then you will not be able to count as many cards before they shuffle. You will not find as many positive counts this way, and you will be missing out on some that you aren’t aware of because you missed some of the cards.

3) Sit down at a table that just started and start counting and playing

This is probably second-best of the four options. Some casinos don’t allow mid-shoe entry so you might have to play this way. Or if the casino is too crowded then you can’t always get a seat when the count turns positive. It is always better to avoid as many negative counts as possible, but that isn’t always an option. This strategy is a good back-up plan.

4) Sit down at a random table that is in mid-play and start counting and playing

This is the worst. You will miss a lot of opportunities and you will be losing money.

Also, do you have a max. number of players that you'll play at a table with?

Generally you want to play at an uncrowded table, but when you are backcounting it doesn’t make much of a difference because you will only play a few hands (if any) at that table. As long as you can get enough hands per hour you should be fine. Things like counting two tables at a time and knowing when to walk away from a hopelessly negative table will help.

-Sonny-

 

[DMS]

Great! Thanks for the feedback