Blackjack Articles

The super rare hand

Posted on May 14th, 2010

Do you ever think about super rare blackjack hands? Probably not, and that’s fine. It’s not like it affects card-counting or strategy much, but every once in a while it can be fun to step back and see how crazy the combinations of hands can get in this game.

The rarest of the rare [...]

Shading your winnings? Don’t bother

Posted on May 14th, 2010

As with things in many walks of life, the perception of reality in the world of blackjack often can be more “real” than reality itself. And it’s under this belief that card counters are constantly trying to find ways to deflect suspicion from the pit crew and eye in the sky.

One of the major [...]

Does a CSM affect basic strategy?

Posted on May 7th, 2010

I’ve touched briefly on the implementation of automated shuffling machines (and continuous shuffling machines) in blackjack games, but let’s take a further look into how they really differ from playing from a typical shoe, and whether that affects those players using basic strategy.

To get right to the heart of it, technically speaking, a CSM (continuous [...]

Running count to true count

Posted on May 7th, 2010

Counting cards in blackjack is not an overnight culture change to your gaming habits. It takes studying, learning and and endless amount of practice for it to become second nature. Even to those who’ve made it a regular part of their game, though, there can be questions that arise from time to time on how [...]

Getting paid to tie? Take advantage

Posted on April 30th, 2010

Ever heard of a casino that offers unique, somewhat odd rules to blackjack? They’re out there, and they’re legitimate additions to the game. If you’re a regular player, you should pay attention to the ones that both help and hurt your player advantage, but it’s definitely the ones that help that increase the [...]

When the dealers shift…should you?

Posted on April 28th, 2010

Even the dealer needs to take a break every now and then, right? Yes, he or she does. Rhetorical question. But the question that does need to be answered is what you as a blackjack player do during that time? Do you sit through, take a break and come back yourself [...]

Dear dealer: Thanks for the advice, but…

Posted on April 23rd, 2010

If you go to a record store, you feel comfortable asking the guy behind the counter for advice on music, right? What about a car dealership? Maybe not for buying advice, but you expect them to at least be knowledgeable about the products they’re selling (just don’t ask how they compare to [...]

Hate the eights

Posted on April 22nd, 2010

I should write a blackjack book called “I hate eights.” See, it’s got the rhyming down and everything. I’m sure the blackjack world over could co-author it with me, as seeing this pair of bastards turned up in your hand is one of the worst feelings I get at the table.

Especially if the [...]

Slow down…you’re moving too fast…

Posted on April 19th, 2010

Nope, no Simon and Garfunkle today, but here’s a funny blackjack story I read about recently that got me thinking. What if you’re doing nothing wrong in a casino, not even counting, but somehow making it difficult for the staff to do their job. Can they still just adjust their rules and kick [...]

More on shoe penetration

Posted on April 18th, 2010

Let’s talk about penetration again, breaking it down to the beginner’s level. Why does penetration matter? Is it important for card counters and non-counters alike? How do you tell what “good” penetration is?

To start out, let’s get something clear. Players themselves do not cut cards out of play. A player [...]

Taking even money

Posted on April 12th, 2010

Blackjack is a nice feather in your cap. 3:2, baby. Hook me up with a little extra for my good fortune. All right, you’re ahead of the game. But all the happy feelings are only bound to that moment if you get that 3:2 payoff. Which is generally why regular [...]

What if you knew?

Posted on April 11th, 2010

What if’s are a lot of fun, especially in casino card games. What if the suit of your choice were wild in five card draw? (I’ve tried it). What if roulette’s black and red bets paid 2:1 instead of 1:1? (the game would no longer exist.) And, what if you knew what [...]

Counter’s must watch every move they make

Posted on April 4th, 2010

Much of the stress of counting cards in blackjack doesn’t revolve around keeping track of the count. The hardest thing to do as a card counter is convince the casino that you’re just another shlub there to try your luck at a game of chance. And it’s because of this that you have [...]

CSM a counter’s worst enemy

Posted on April 1st, 2010

We’re not necessarily fans of the blackjack dealer. Sure, when you’re winning he might be your friend. But when you’re losing, the dealer often accepts the brunt of your negative emotion and frustration. However, if you were to look at the situation as a lesser of two evils, you might be singing [...]

10’s…stand or split

Posted on March 28th, 2010

Two of the same 10-value cards in blackjack is like putting a double-fudge, super-scoop ice cream sunday in from of a fat guy. It taunts you with its delicious options, even though you know you’re not supposed to touch it – but somehow against all logic and reason, you just can’t help yourself. [...]

Does it matter where you cut the shoe?

Posted on March 24th, 2010

For newer blackjack players, there are a lot of questions to be answered. Aside from how to bet and how to play each hand (you know, the big ones), anything from getting into card counting to shuffling draws curiosity for those who’ve gotten a taste for the game. In this article, I’d like [...]

Don’t hate the player’s card

Posted on March 21st, 2010

“Excuse me, sir. Would you like a player’s card?”
If you’ve been asked this question, a few things are likely. First, you play enough to warrant attention (hope you’ve been watching your trail!), and second, the person asking you is likely a somewhat attractive woman. Of course, neither of those things will speak [...]

A card counter by any other name…

Posted on March 17th, 2010

Counting cards could be a tricky proposition. Your goal is to get a leg up on the house odds and turn the cards in your favor, in theory raking in the cash in the process. But like going to war in 1975, there’s a minefield to crawl through to get to your destination. [...]

Watch out for that short con

Posted on March 13th, 2010

Ever been conned at the blackjack table? I’m not talking about being conned by the casino, that happens to millions of people, everyday, right before their eyes. I’m talking about being approached by a regular person who presents an “offer” or a “request.” You know you should tell them to “piss off,” [...]

Does basic strategy count on counters?

Posted on March 12th, 2010

Basic strategy in blackjack. You hear so much about it as a new player or a stable veteran. Gotta go with basic strategy, gotta follow basic strategy. As if you didn’t already know that. But don’t worry if you forget…there’s always someone at the tables to remind you. But does [...]

Blackjack? There’s an app for that

Posted on March 6th, 2010

I recently upgraded my cell phone to a smart phone for the first time. Not the iPhone (no thanks, AT&T network), but the Motorola Droid through Verizon. Great phone, love it. Why? Free apps. One of first I put on my phone and set on my home page was blackjack.

The [...]

10 value of intimidation

Posted on March 4th, 2010

There are a few intimidating sights in the gambling world. Staring down someone else’s full house. A jam-packed craps table all looking at you with the dice in your hands. The 9 p.m. line at the dessert buffet. When talking about blackjack, though, the one that comes to mind for me [...]

What’s a quarter chip?

Posted on February 28th, 2010

Casinos are there to make money. Yeah, thanks for the news flash. But my point is, every little thing they do, down – literally – to the quarter, is based off making money. And it’s for this reason that it surprises me whenever they make a rule or policy that’s to the [...]

The 12 dilemma

Posted on February 26th, 2010

12. The flip-side of 21, the unsure spot to be for many newcomers to the game of blackjack. Basic strategy tells you to hit against low dealer up-cards like a 2 or 3, but should that always be the case? Basic strategy? We don’t need no basic strategy. Well, actually, [...]

Indian casinos, cruises…legit?

Posted on February 19th, 2010

I’ve talked before about the validity of online cards, mostly poker, but you could certainly include black jack in that mix, as well. But there are plenty of other gambling entities that deserve scrutiny and questioning as to whether they’re not only valid as games, but valid as a fair option for gambling.

The biggest [...]

Watch the dealer

Posted on February 17th, 2010

We’re all paranoid. We have to be. We play cards in casinos that are designed to take our money and kick us out just for winning whenever they get suspicious. Of course, sometimes they have good reason. But other times, we’re the ones with the skeptical, accusatory eye. This relates [...]

It’s all about personality

Posted on February 12th, 2010

We all know we’re going to have to deal with annoying personalities at the blackjack table. These people think they’re God’s gift to the game (even though they’re playing the $5 minimum table), and are not about to sit back and let you hit that 14 when “you shouldn’t.” Of course, you probably [...]

But I wasn’t counting…

Posted on February 10th, 2010

I count cards. I learned 2 years ago, and while I don’t consider my skills to be as sharp as they could be in this area, I’m always looking to improve through practice. The best practice, of course, consists of taking your game to the casinos. And as the rest of you [...]

In blackjack, avoid the black (chips)

Posted on February 5th, 2010

If you’re counting cards in blackjack, I mean seriously there to win money with counting a significant part of your strategy, you know as well as anyone the last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself. Hell, counters will employ all measure from losing on purpose to following what the pack [...]

Boxed cards

Posted on February 2nd, 2010

Blackjack terms are fairly easy to follow. Hit, stand, split, double…they’re all pretty straightforward (they mean what you think they mean). The only confusion usually comes in when people start talking to each other online in abbreviations. If you haven’t been part of those circles, the quick description of the rules of [...]

Hitting on 16

Posted on January 29th, 2010

Everyone likes giving advice, and some people even like receiving it – especially when it’s good, and even more so when it’s solicited. And there’s no shortage of advice in blackjack. Even if you’re following the strategy card as a beginner, you’re inevitably going to have times where you think you should stray [...]

Give yourself that extra “boost” to be successful

Posted on January 26th, 2010

Grinding out a profit in blackjack, much like in other games, takes discipline, patience and passion. That’s no surprise, and professionals and aspiring professional study as much as they can and take all appropriate measures to set themselves up for the long haul. By long haul, I’m talking specifically about lengthy single sessions, [...]

The blame game

Posted on January 22nd, 2010

When frustration builds, you’re not thinking clearly. Losing clouds your emotions more than a fight with a loved one or a blow call during the playoffs. You should be winning, but you’re not, and it kills you. And you’re looking for someone to blame.

Anyone but yourself, right? Or common sense. [...]

Split these Aces?

Posted on January 18th, 2010

What won’t the casinos do to entice you just a little bit more to come play their game rather than the other guy’s game – or no game at all. Sometimes it’s a free meal, others it’s a show and dance, blah blah blah you know the drill. But just as often, they’re [...]

Feeling charitable? Think again

Posted on January 15th, 2010

Strategy cards. The golden crutch of the uninitiated blackjack hopefuls. The magic ticket for the disillusioned. The backup plan for the masses. Everyone who’s ever been in a casino knows you can always rely on trusty strategy cards to help you through the tough situations – even if you foolishly choose [...]

Always walk away on a “low” note

Posted on January 13th, 2010

Card counting can be a tricky proposition. Learning how to count cards is just the beginning. The real challenge comes from understanding that just because you’ve learned this ability doesn’t guarantee returns on a regular basis. That can lead to feelings of frustration and defeat – meaning either an exit from the [...]

Not even the dealer is perfect

Posted on January 8th, 2010

It’s never fun when you screw up playing a game like blackjack. It’s frustrating, you get down on yourself and generally sink into a nasty mood for a few hours. But what about when the dealer screws up? It puts you in a very difficult situation.

First, and I know from experience, [...]

Good game…or is it?

Posted on January 4th, 2010

What defines a “good game” in blackjack? Because it’s certainly not losing $500, your shirt and self-respect to the dealer on duty, getting up, brushing the peanut crumbs off your chest, shaking the hand of the guy who was shaking his head after every one of your moves and telling the group “good game” [...]

Shifty shuffling?

Posted on January 1st, 2010

Is there ever a time where you should be suspicious of a blackjack dealer in terms of how he or she is shuffling the cards? This is a question that was part of a discussion I was in recently, as we were talking about games and both player and dealer advantages. Blackjack is [...]

Not five-card Charlie, but Perfect Charlie!

Posted on December 29th, 2009

This is the last side-bet for the time being that I have to offer you, and it just so happens that it’s by far and away the worst odds of any side-bet I’ve talked about thus far. Perhaps that in and of itself is the best illustration for why you should approach these additions [...]

Embrace the big loss

Posted on December 25th, 2009

It hurts to lose, everyone knows that. Tanking it to the tune of a grand or more feels worse than a punch in the stomach, and it gets your mind swirling in ways it otherwise wouldn’t dare. Negative emotions flood into the brain. Revenge comes first, accompanied by frustration, determination and just [...]

Super split

Posted on December 23rd, 2009

Sometimes, the side bets available to you during blackjack are a stretch, and as such are ridiculous in rules and in the house advantage. They require no extra skill or decision-making, they aren’t fun and they severely kill your chances of making any money off your regular bets. So why are they there? [...]

Dealer Busts Side Bet

Posted on December 18th, 2009

It’s always fun to bet on the dealer busting. After all, that’s what we hope happens every hand. So it’s an added bonus when a side bet comes along that allows up to directly bet on that happening on top of our normal blackjack bet.

Here’s how it works. You put your side [...]

Double down double trouble?

Posted on December 16th, 2009

It’s easy to take a player for granted if they make a move that goes against what the strategy charts tell you. You assume they’re an amateur, of course, and even consider moving to a different table so their decisions don’t affect your ability to win your hand. The last part is ridiculous, [...]

Situational play

Posted on December 13th, 2009

It’s generally accepted you double down on 11. Especially for those who aren’t counting cards, almost any strategy card you bring into the casino across the world will tell you to double down on 11. But like in all games, blackjack can sometimes be a beast of gut feelings, and if you get [...]

21 to the River

Posted on December 11th, 2009

A great side-bet also found mostly at Las Vegas casinos, 21 to the River is my favorite side bet of all, probably because it so heavily involves the game of poker, as well. Here’s how it goes. A player makes a standard blackjack bet and, in addition, a standard poker bet separately. [...]

MIT Blackjack Team

Posted on December 10th, 2009

The MIT Blackjack Team is the oldest organized team of blackjack players and the players were students and graduated students from some of the top schools in the United States including Harvard University, Harvard Business School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The team consisted of very educated individuals who used every technique available to [...]

Doubling Questions

Posted on December 4th, 2009

OK, so the rulebook states that you split 10s against a five when the true count is five. And you split 10s against a six when the true count is four. My apologies for those who aren’t counters, but stick with me here.

So what do you do if you get an [...]

Winner’s Option

Posted on December 4th, 2009

We’ve all received a nice dose of blackjack side bets by now, but it’s important to know all the ones being offered currently, and how they stack up against each other if you’re going to try them, and intend to maximize your opportunity to profit from all aspects of the game.

So, with Winner’s Option (commonly [...]

Edward Thorp Biography

Posted on November 20th, 2009

Edward Thorp was born August 14th 1932 in Chicago and is one of the most successful blackjack players in the world. Edward Thorp is a mathematics professor, hedge fund manager and also one of the best professional blackjack players in history. Edward gained most of his popularity from his book which is called “Beat the [...]

Ken Uston Biography

Posted on October 15th, 2009

Ken Uston whose birth name is Kenneth Senzo Usui is one of the most famous blackjack players in the world who has won millions at the blackjack tables in a variety of different and unique ways. Ken was born in New York City and at the age of only sixteen he started attending Yale University [...]