Choosing A Beatable Blackjack Game

You can beat online blackjack then you know where to play in addition have the discipline to walk away from the table scarcely you are showing a profit. Unlike other games, and blackjack it isnt a matter of can you win, however will you win in addition then walk away and your profits?

The best online games of blackjack are not necessarily found in the online casinos which offer a variety of casino-type games, however are often in the sportsbooks which also offer an online casino facility.

When you play online, you must watch for the quickly dealt safekeeping which are stabbing to flop a dealer blackjack two alternatively three times in a row. When you see this happen, you need to take your money somewhere else. You are likely to lose each and every penny you have deposited into your account in a casino which doesnt study to random cards being dealt.

You should also keep a look out for casinos which offer player incentives in addition will provide information about these different offers upfront. If the casino has in place an active rewards programme, they are likely to have hardcore customers who have initiated it. The casinos which are eager to deal and you information on these programs are usually fine to deal and on a regular basis, simply as a consequence of they are proving to be customer-oriented. There are of course, exceptions to this rule.

Just as and any other offshore gambling, it is important to keep an eye on what you are doing. Make sure you know where your money is at every times in addition pay close attention to the kind of customer service you receive scarcely you withdraw your money alternatively have any other queries alternatively questions. Do you receive the same respect alternatively assistance scarcely you take your money out of their book as you did scarcely you put your money in?

There are countless good games of blackjack in the virtual world however knowing where to play is often entirely up to the player. Take your time in addition find digit you feel comfortable to conduct business and on a daily, weekly, alternatively monthly basis. Find digit (alternatively perhaps more than digit) that suits your needs based on your style of casino play. Just as and the traditional brick in addition mortar casinos, sometimes you have to move around to find a player-friendly, alternatively more to the point a highly profitable, game.

Anyone using a winning blakjack strategy can play for a living ( its easy to do ) in addition you know that longer constituent the edge is in your favor not the casinos, so you will win in addition you can play blackjack for a living.

You need to have the correct blackjack strategy to win in addition the correct mindset in addition this is what this article is every about - having a blackjack strategy to win, even then you have never played before.

1. Learn the Basic Strategy

Mathematically, there only digit correct action a player can do, for any of the safekeeping the player is dealt, against the cards the dealer holds.

This way of playing is known as blackjack Basic strategy, in addition every winning blackjack card counting strategies are based upon it.

It soon is committed to a gambler module however until then you can ingest strategy cards available free on the net.

2. Learn to Card Count

Most people who ingest a blackjack strategy dont go beyond the above, however you must as you ease play and a small disadvantage to the house, to get the odds in your favor you must learn to card count then the odds longer constituent are in your favor.

Card counting systems can be simple alternatively complicated, however simple ones tend to work very well in addition you can learn these in under a day.

The reason card counting is so effective in addition are the basis of your winning blackjack strategy is that mathematically its proven that it works for the following reason:

When a blackjack hand is dealt you have choices you the player can make, the dealer has no choices he simply plays by the house rules.

As some cards favor the player in addition some the dealer, scarcely you have the advantage your choices can give you an edge in addition allow you to up your bet size, ias the odds come in your favor.

3. Manage Your Money Correctly

All blackjack gambler will have losing periods in addition bad runs in addition so need to manage their bankroll in addition this means looking at the longer constituent not short constituent periods in your pursuit of profits.

A money management rule that is effective is to bet and 1% of your bankroll.

For example, then you have a bankroll of $1000, your betting size is 1%, alternatively $10. If you are playing and a 1.5% advantage over the house, (and a card counting strategy), the chances of losing your entire bankroll are only 5%.

It’s a mathematical certainty that you will hit a losing run as card counting is simply a probability theory not a predictive theory, so you need to be able to stay in the game in these periods of losses.

You will lose more safekeeping then you will win, so in order to make money longer constituent, you need to up your bet size scarcely the odds are favorable top make sure your winners cover your losers in addition make you long constituent profits.

This is the key to a winning blackjack strategy, that can pile up huge profits.

Many gambler can play well, however they dont adjust bet size enough scarcely the odds are in their favor in addition lose.

4. Play and Favorable House Rules

The house rules dictate how much money you can wait to win in the long run.

You thence need to look for favorable house rules to give you an extra edge.

For example, and card counting scarcely playing and a single deck, your count is more likely to be accurate as there are fewer cards to come from the deck.

5. State of Mind

If you are seriously playing for money, make sure that you are mentally alert in addition focused Don’t play scarcely you have had a row and the wife, alternatively have been drinking alternatively taking drugs

6. Discipline - The Key to Success

If you have a plan, you need discipline to implement it unemotionally, in addition stick and it even scarcely losing.

7. Be Patient

You cannot running your profits and blackjack you can play and the odds in your favor and the correct winning blackjack strategy, however short constituent results vary.

Dont worry though over time you will win in addition thats what it every about.

Blackjack is every about making the right choices (thats your advantage over the dealer), the choices you make in how you play your cards in addition how you bet will enable you to play blackjack for a living.

Keep in mind that the above blackjack strategy is that will put the odds in your favor in addition that means money in your pocket - any player can do it then they take a little time to digest in addition implement the above points.

 If you want to win consistently the way to do it is to ingest a blackjack card counting strategy. Its guaranteed to put the odds in your favor in addition it is NOT difficult anyone can do it

Lets look at why then applied correctly you can win consistently in addition simple method that works.

Why blackjack card counting strategy works

Blackjack card counting strategy is based on the fact that mathematically certain cards are favorable to the player in addition others are favor the dealer.

Depending upon the cards that have been dealt from the deck a player can determine what cards remain in addition this affects how the player should play his hand.

For example, then more cards are mitt that favor the player, the player has the odds on their side in addition can increase the bet size to take advantage of this edge.

Card counting in blackjack helps the player make choices; the dealer does not have choices in addition herein is the reason card counting works The player thence can change strategy scarcely the odds are in their favor

Blackjack Card Counting Strategy Myths

Two common myths on blackjack card counting strategy are.

1. Card counters do not have to remember each and every card that they have seen dealt out of a deck.

2. Card counting also does not allow a player to predict and certainty what card will be dealt out the deck next.

Blackjack card counting strategy is only a probability theory that will put the odds in your favor over the long constituent.

Short-constituent results vary enormously. To win and a blackjack card counting strategy you need to focus on the long haul.

Logic of Card Counting

Many different techniques have been researched in addition practiced. Here we will look at a simple digit any player can use

All card counting is based upon blackjack basic strategy.

It’s easy to learn, in addition is soon committed to module and a little practice. For those who don’t want to rely on module printed charts are available free on the net.

Basic strategy lets you play at just under even odds and the casino, however card counting takes the advantage further in addition allows you to have the edge over the casino.

The method below is easy in addition simple in addition you will be ready to play and the odds in your favor quickly

You can then move on to more complicated strategies that may increase your edge further, however this is a great place to start.

The Lazy Way to Count

Lazy card counting is a way to count that does not require much effort on behalf of the player, so here it is:

In blackjack card counting strategy face cards coming out of the deck are an advantage to the player. All you need to do and this method is notice the cards coming out of the deck.

For example, then you are playing in addition afterwards a few safekeeping, you note that very few face cards alternatively aces were played, then you have an increase in the odds that means the next hand may be good for you the player, in addition you increase your bet size to take advantage of these odds.

Looking for Extremes

The key to success and this method to is ONLY to always look for extremes.

The absence alternatively predominance of broad cards is easy to spot by any player.

You will often play in addition see the intermixture of face cards in addition low value cards are relatively even.

As soon as you see an absence of exposed broad value cards, bet size can be increased

The odds of a face card being dealt are now increased which favors you the player.

It’s simple however effective blackjack card counting strategy for putting the odds in your favor in addition is perfect way to play and an edge over the casino that requires very little effort.

By every means try more blackjack card counting strategies afterwards you have tried this digit however this gives you an edge in addition the perfect introduction.

This system can be relied upon to produce regular winners at reasonable prices.

Choose one race a day. It doesn’t actually matter which race.

There are two different systems depending upon whether the race is a handicap or non handicap. If the race is a non handicap the bet is as follows:-

One point to win on the unnamed favourite and one point on the named favourite. It will sometimes occur that in reality you are placing both stakes on the same horse, more often than not in non handicap races this will not be the case, however either way stick to the bets as explained here as this will give a good safety margin when betting on the specific race each day.

If the race is a handicap race the bet is slightly different as follows:-

One point to win on the forecast second favourite and one point to win on the forecast third favourite.

As you can see the bet each day be it on a handicap or non handicap race uses two points from your betting bank.

As an extra measure to increase profits you may wish to use two separate betting banks and utilise two different races each day.

Either way it is entirely up to you which race you use and for the more adventurous punters who wish to increase profits this plan is so consistent that any reasonable staking plan can be used.

This method relies on a staking plan and its success depends upon following the instructions exactly!

Your aim will be for target profit, T, of 5 points per race. I use a bank of £200 and give each ‘point’ a 50p or £1 value. Once you have decided the amount you wish to nominate for each ‘point’, this should never be altered during a racing sequence.

It is only a matter of time before you have a win even if you know nothing about racing. The reason you have to settle for a relatively low cash value for each point is that this amount multiplies on each loser. Lets imagine you had ten losers in a row, if you had given each point a value of £1 per point then your stake for the 11^th bet would be to recover £55. If you had given each point a value of 25p then you would be aiming to recover £10.25. Consider the risks you are taking and compare this with the profit you wish to make!

This system has been used for many years by those who do not believe in gambling. They believe in racing as a business. Now the secrets of the methods are yours!

T =Points target for race

T+L = Target + Loss (if losing)

OR Target - Gain (if winning)

S = Stake

R = Result

W = Points won that race

L = Points lost that race

AWS + Running total of accumulated WINS and LOSSES

Target profit reached, start sequence again

As you can see, in race 8, the target profit of 40 points was reached and exceeded. At this point all the profit is withdrawn and the sequence started again with 5 points as the target.

To calculate the race stake, divide by T+L by 3 to the nearest whole number. Then to win at 3-1 or over will clear ALL outstanding losses AND give the expected profit.

Many professionals advise against using odds-on prices or anything below evens, and I would say that if you follow the instructions you should not need to bet on anything less than evens.

You could, if you wish, pay the betting tax on each race by adding it to the target for the next race. In this way the method would pay your tax as well.

You do not need to bet on each race however many Professionals bet on every race at any given meeting every day. For example there may be 6 races at a meeting and six days racing, therefore a total of 36 bets in a week.

My advice is select your races carefully or better still subscribe to an advice service. Beware of newspaper tips and naps. One ‘expert’ gave over thirty losers on the trot. Although this is rare, it can happen, and if the target is too high, this run can be uncomfortable.

Alternate your bets with three or four bookmakers as no bookmaker will absorb winning bets over a lengthy period.

Whatever stake you use remember that a single win of 3-1 or over will clear ALL outstanding losses AND give the EXPECTED PROFIT!

Blackjack Rules
Blackjack has a dealer and one to three players (as described above). The dealer
deals from a shoe containing four decks of playing cards. Before the deal, the players
place their bets by clicking on either the $1 chip, $5 chip, $25 chip or the $100 chip,
to reach the desired bet. After deciding on the desired bet the player must click the
“Deal” button to proceed with the hand. The round begins after all participants have
bet and clicked “Deal”. In Public and Group Tables, the game will proceed once the
one minute default time limit has expired.
Once the deal begins the bets may not be changed. During the course of the hand
players may add to their bets through Double Downs, Splits, and Insurance. After
the cards are dealt, you will be offered the appropriate option. Buttons located on
the lower left side of the screen will appear in order to facilitate the player’s desired
action. For example, if it is possible to split two cards a button will appear to allow
the player to split the cards. The player simply clicks on the “Split” button in order to
split.
The minimum bet is $1 and the maximum bet is $500. Each player receives two
cards, face up, and the dealer receives one card, face up. The player may request as
many additional cards as desired, until they either chooses to “Stand” or Busting. If a
player is dealt BlackJack, which is a 10 or face card along with an Ace, they are
immediately paid 1.5 times the placed bet, unless the dealer also has BlackJack, in
which case it is a “Push” (the player’s bet left on the table).
After all players’ bets have been completed, the dealer completes their hand. If the
dealer has sixteen or less, they must draw a card (Hit), until they reach seventeen or
more. If the dealer’s card total exceeds 21 (Bust), they must pay all players
remaining in the hand.
“Double Down”: A player may select the “Double” option after being dealt two
cards. The Double option automatically doubles the player’s bet and deals one
additional card, face up. The player cannot draw any additional cards. The player
may double down on any first dealt two cards or after splitting a pair.
“Split”: If the player is dealt any pair of cards, on the first two cards (i.e., two
Fives, two Jacks, etc.), they may split the cards into two separate hands. The split
option automatically places an additional bet, equal to the original wager. Each hand
is then played independently, and the player may take as many Hits as desired on
each hand (with the exception of Aces, which receive one additional card only, per
hand). In the case of split Aces, a player’s BlackJack is not possible and is considered
as a regular 21. In this case, a dealer’s BlackJack wins, and a dealer’s 21 becomes a
“Push”.
“Insurance”: If the dealer shows an Ace, the player has the option of making an
“Insurance Bet”. This equals half the original bet, and ensures that the player will not
lose their wager should the dealer be concealing a 10 or face card under their Ace.
If, in fact, the dealer’s down card is equal to 10, the player wins the Insurance Bet. At odds
of 2-1. If the dealer’s down card has a value of less than 10, the player loses
the Insurance Bet and continues normally with the hand.
 
“Push”: A Push refers to when the dealer and the player have the same numerical
count in their hands. In this event the play is a draw, and the players bet remains on
the table.
Notes:
o Should a player fail to place a bet within the set default time limit, the hand
will continue without their participation.
o Should a player place a bet, but fail to click the “Deal” button within the set
default time limit, they will automatically be dealt two cards and the hand will
continue.
o In the event that the player is unable to click the “Deal” button due to a
disconnection, the disconnection rules shall apply.
o The cards are reshuffled after each hand

Compailson of
Professional Level Blackjack Systems
Table 8-2 compares the major systems from several standpoints. The first ten lines (under Line A-Card Values) show the card values that each system assigns to each card denomination. The four one- level counts (to the right of the vertical line) are obviously the simplest-the cards have values of +1 or -1.
Hi Opt II constitutes what we call a two-level count-the card denominations are assigned values of ± 1 and ± 2. The Uston APC is a three-level count, with values of 1, 2 and 3. The Revere APC is a four level count, since the 5 is assigned a value of +4.
Griffin’s (27) studies have indicated that once a system progresses beyond the third level, there are minor amounts to be gained in efficiency. He discovered that the optimum five-level count is actually less powerful than the optimum four-level count (which, interestingly, is not the Revere APC). The optimum four-level count is only minutely more powerful than the optimum three-level count (which is the Uston APC).
Five of the seven systems require that the ace be counted separately and for a calculation to be made prior to betting: the number of aces (rich or poor) times the “ace adjustment factor” must be added to or subtracted from the running count prior to calculation of the true count. The ace adjustment factors range from one through four, depending upon the system (indicated on Line B).
As shown on Line C, to derive the true count, the two Hi Opt counts and the Braun count adjust the running count by dividing the number of full decks remaining to be played. The Uston, Revere and Advanced Plus/Minus adjust to the nearest half-deck. While this factor is not critical, players seem to prefer a half-deck true count since, in multiple deck games, the running count is always divided by a whole number, an easier calculation. For example, when one half-deck has been played from a four deck shoe, we divide by 7 (7 half-decks remain in 31/% full decks). Hi Opt and DHM players must divide by 31/2, which can foster inaccuracy.
Line D rates the five systems for ease of learning. The Advanced Plus/Minus and Braun Systems are the easiest to learn since they are one-level counts with no side count of aces. Next in difficulty are the Hi Opt I and DHM systems, one-level counts with a side count of aces. The Revere APC is the most difficult. The Uston Advanced Point count and Hi Opt II systems fall in between, in complexity.

This chapter provides the material needed by the student interested in becoming a professional level player. The first portion of the chapter, describing the principles behind professional level systems and comparing the major systems, should be of general interest. The second portion of the chapter presents the Uston Advanced Point Count, discusses ways to practice and train, and includes tests our teammates use in determining whether the player is ready for casino play.
As we will see, professional level systems are based on the identical ingredients. Thus, this chapter can be used by the student of Ustot APC, Hi Opt I or II, the Revere APC, or other counts as an assist it preparing for casino play.
Several of the one-level systems, notably the Uston Advanced Plus/Minus and the Braun Count, do not require a side count of aces (the aces are assigned a minus value for betting purposes). For students of these counts, the section pertaining to counting aces and adjusting for them can be disregarded.
Can You Play a MultioLevel Professional Count?
I know many players who use multi-level professional counts. There has been much reluctance among blackjack authors to recommend the use of multi-level counts. With the exception of the late Lawrence Revere, most well-known authors imply that it’s not worth the effort to learn such a count. I believe the primary reason for this is that the authors don’t use these counts themselves and thus, don’t have a personal knowledge of the relative difference in learning and using multi

level counts versus one-level counts.
I know dozens of players, teammates and non-teammates alike, who play counts such as the Revere APC, Hi Opt II and the Uston APC. One player uses an even more complicated 17-count, and another, a 25-count!
The time necessary to thoroughly learn a multi-level count is equivalent to the time needed to become only an average chess, bridge or backgammon player. It takes no longer than the time some people spend in front of their TV sets in a month. Further, once you learn it thoroughly, it stays with you (although brush-up practice is required). Yet I continually hear, “It’s too hard!” “It’s not worth it!” or “You can’t really use it in a casino.”
The obvious answer to the challenge of learning so-called difficult material is to devise methods which facilitate quick learning. Our teams have developed some clever training aids, such as numbers flashcards, ace adjustment tests and true count conversion shortcuts, and have been using them for years. The inclusion of all such material in this and other chapters should help others to learn multi-level counts without difficulty.
I also hear, “You don’t get that much more from the professional counts.” Let me respond to that by citing just one experience:
During the winter of 1979-80, we had nine players in Atlantic City (the episode is described in detail in Chapter 13). All nine of us counted aces separately, adjusted to true counts and were given and passed the tests in this and subsequent chapters. There was another group of players, fully as dedicated and disciplined as we were, who played a one-level count with no side count of aces.
Coincidentally, both of our groups averaged close to 1,000 hours of play, a fairly healthy sample size. Our group averaged $350 per hour; their group averaged $150 per hour.
I’d do a lot of studying to be able to earn an additional $200 per hour.
Logic Flow of Professional Level Card Counting
Most professional level counting systems follow the logic depicted in Table 8-1.
Card Values. Values are assigned to specific card denominations, plus values for the small cards played and minus values for high cards (Box A). The total value of all plus cards equals the total value of all minus cards, so that the value of the completely counted deck(s) will total zero.
Running Count. The card values are kept cumulatively as play progresses through the deck(s)-the total of which is called the “running count” (Box B).

Flow Chart of Principles Underlying Professional Level Card Counting
True Count. The impact of a given running count is affected by the number of cards or decks remaining to be played (Box C). As we have mentioned, with a running count of +10 in a typical system, the situation is more favorable or rich to the player with one-half deck remaining to be played, than it is with 51/2 decks remaining to be played. Thus, the running count must be mathematically adjusted for the number of cards or decks remaining, giving what we call the “true count” (Box F). (It’s not necessary to count the number of cards; there are shortcuts as we will see.)
Betting Strategy The stronger professional level systems assign a zero value to the ace, since the ace has a minor effect on playing strategy-it actually works slightly to the advantage of the dealer in

playing situations. Thus, the player must keep a separate count of aces and adjust the true count for ace-richness or ace-poorness to calculate proper bet size. We call this “ace adjustment” (Box E). The simpler professional systems (The Advanced Plus/Minus, Braun) assign a minus value to aces, which thus avoids the necessity of keeping a side count of aces.)
All serious players must first devise a betting strategy, whether playing nickels or black chips. This strategy (Box D) is based on (1) the size of the player’s bankroll, (2) the percentage advantage he has over the house, which is determined by the strength of his play and the rules, and (3) the risk of tapping out or losing the entire bank (the “element of ruin” with which he is willing to live).
The combination of the betting strategy (Box D), ace adjustment (Box E) and the true count (Box F) determines the player’s bet size (Box H).
Playing Strategy. The true count affects not only the betting strategy, but also impacts the playing strategy. For example, Basic Strategy calls for hitting a 15 against a dealer’s 10. Computer analysis shows that with a sufficiently high true count, it is to the player’s advantage to stand, since the deck is disproportionately rich in high cards (the player is thus better off avoiding the risk of hitting and hoping for the dealer to bust). As we have shown with the Simple Plus/Minus, with a “plus” true count, the player will stand more readily, and double-down, split pairs and surrender more frequently.
Similarly, in minus situations, when the deck is rich in low cards, the player will often hit hands contrary to Basic Strategy. For example, with a total of 15 against a dealer’s 2, Basic Strategy calls for the player to stand. However, in sufficiently negative count situations, the player would hit the 15. With a minus true count, the player will hit more readily, and double-down, split pairs and surrender less frequently.
All responsible professional level systems offer a “numbers’ matrix”-that is, a series of numbers reflecting the true count necessary to deviate from Basic Strategy. Although it would be possible to express the data in other ways, such as verbal statements, a matrix is smaller in physical size and lends itself to memorization. For example, in the Uston Advanced Point Count, with a true count of +4 or higher, the player would stand on 15 versus a dealer’s 10. With a true count of -7 or lower, the player would hit 15 versus a dealer’s 2 upcard. There are approximately 150 numbers such as the two examples above that must be memorized by the serious player.
A comparison of the true count (Box F) with the appropriate “number” memorized from the numbers matrix (Box G) determines the player’s correct playing strategy (Box I).
This chapter will discuss each of these functions and take the reader through the steps to learn each function perfectly. We will also include tests that the reader may administer to himself to determine if he is

ready for casino play. The relative efficiency of professional level systems was discussed in Chapter Six and summarized in Table 6-la. If you are not reading this text continuously, you might want to read that section again.

The rules offered at El Casino in Freeport and the Playboy and Resorts casinos on Paradise Island are also unique. The house offers four deck games, permits doubling-down on 9, 10 and 11, and the dealer stands on soft 17. Perfect Basic Strategy will yield the player a .65% negative expectation. The Bahamian Basic Strategy is listed in Table 5-7. Flashcards for use in the Bahamas are on page 62a.
The Basic Strategy player from the Northeast would be well advised to play in Atlantic City rather than in the Bahamas, unless he has an irresistible urge for palm trees and tropical beaches. The urge will cost him about .75% of the total amount bet on the blackjack tables, which is roughly equivalent to about one-half of his average bet, per hour of play. (For example, if your average bet is $50 and you plan to play 20 hours, it will cost you about $25 x 20, or $500 more, on average, to play in the Bahamas than in Atlantic City.)

Determining Basic Strategy For Other Locations
If you play in Europe, South America, the Orient or elsewhere, it is a simple matter to apply the Basic Strategy charts in this chaper once you have determined the local casinos’ rules. The factors that will effect your correct play are: what is the number of decks; when may the player double, split, or surrender; and whether the dealer will hit soft 17.
Further, using Table 4-1 in Chapter 4, the player may be able to determine the house (or player) advantage for the Basic Strategy player. It is particularly important for the high-roller to take these steps, since many of the games offered abroad (such as in Puerto Rico where the house edge is over 1%) are poor for the player.

Las Vegas Strip-Single Deck. Contrary to popular opinion, a number of single deck games are still available on the Las Vegas Strip. The Basic Strategy player can break even with the house at these games and actually achieve a 0.15% edge at Caesars because of their special rules.
Why would one devote effort merely to breaking even? Many people enjoy playing blackjack. To be able to play “for free” hour after hour, and to enjoy the complimentary drinks and casino environment is appealing to many. Further, high-rollers can get “comped” in Vegas to rooms, shows and dinners, and in some cases, have their airline fares picked up by the casino. If the high roller plays even with the house, he can essentially enjoy an all-expenses paid vacation in Vegas. We will discuss this more fully in Chapter 20, “Living the American Fantasy Without Spending a Dime.” For those interested in progressing to card-counting, a complete prior knowledge of the fundamentals of Basic Strategy is essential.
 
Basic Strategy-Start by Playing Even
Las Vegas Strip single deck Basic Strategy is summarized in Table 5-3, and flashcards are included following page 58. The primary difference from Atlantic City Basic Strategy is the elimination of the surrender option and the tendency to split pairs somewhat less (2’s, 3’s, 4’s and 6’s) since double-on-splits is not generally offered.
Doubling-down occurs in several more cases because single deck requires more doubling than multiple deck(e.g. 11 vs. ace; 9 vs. 2; A,8 vs. 6; A,6 vs. 2; and A,3 and A,2 vs. 4). The hard standing and insurance rules are identical to Atlantic City (and in fact are identical for all games, whether in Northern Nevada, downtown Vegas, in the Bahamas or elsewhere).*
Note that you double-down on two types of “8’s” (5,3 and 4,4) vs. a dealer’s 5 or 6. For simplicity, I’ve omitted these on the flashcards because your edge is increased only slightly. Three other fine points, when you see no cards other than yours and the dealer’s upcard, are these:
- Hit 10,2 versus the dealer’s 4.
- Hit 10,3 vs. the dealer’s 2.
- Stand on 16 vs. the dealer’s 10 if you have 3 or more cards.
These fine points apply only to single deck. One blackjack expert advises against soft doubling for “cover” purposes. I disagree. More and more players are now soft doubling and the bosses are becoming more accustomed to this play than they were in the past.
Downtown Las Vegas-Single Deck. Single deck games are offered at the Horseshoe, 4 Queens, El Cortez, Fremont and several small clubs downtown. At downtown clubs, the dealer hits soft 17. The Basic Strategy for these games is identical to that for the Strip (see Table 5-6) with just one exception; hit A,7 (or other soft 18’s) versus a dealer’s ace. The soft 17 rule costs the player .2%, so perfect Basic Strategy play results in an expectation of -.2% for the player.
Las Vegas Strip Multiple Deck. The next set of flashcards is to be used to practice Basic Strategy for Las Vegas multiple deck games. Table 5-4 lists the differences between single deck and multiple deck Basic Strategy. Notice that in multiple deck games, you tend to double-down and split less. For example, with a total of “9,” you double-down if the dealer’s upcard is 3 through 6, rather than 2 through 6. Remember that, unlike single deck, 7,7 versus a 10 should be hit. The practice objective for these flashcards is three times through the cards in 45 seconds. Then you’ll be ready for casino play.
*There is one exception to this statement in single deck games: the player should stand on 7,7 versus a dealer 10 upcard.