What I know and how I came to know it. Being a daughter of a big wig in Casino City meant that things worked differently for me. I was destined to play the tables. And I was destined to work the tables. And before I had even said my first words, well, Daddy-dear had decided that Blackjack would be my game. I had a black Labrador called Blackjack. I had two fish: a black one named Black and an orange named Jack... It was Daddy’s dream to have a great player (me) as his ally – we all know that alliance went South... By 3 I could play Blackjack (not very well) and by 4 I’d learned some kind of technique. Daddy used to let me play with real money against the servants (they lost on purpose, I’m sure). But, by the time I was 6, they had no hope... At 7, I had a rough mastery of card counting and I had received an A for every Math test in school. Has the pressure that my father applied in order to have me be the Blackjack Queen that I am today left me somewhat scarred? Almost certainly. Nonetheless, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my dear-ol’Daddy’s obsessive, confining, overbearing and compulsive behaviour... But, what my Dad has made me is the best teacher you’re gonna find so if you wanna learn the game, listen up and listen close...
Learning to Count Forget what you know. One billion is no longer a large number. The key number is 21. Always 21. It’s not about the suits, it’s about the numbers – what is the sum of your cards? This gives you the value of your hand. The goal: don’t bust (your hand must not have a value that is higher than 21) and have a hand as close to 21 (if not a 21) as possible that is higher than the dealer’s. It’s all about 21. As I said, forget the numerical system you know: 10 + 11 = BLACKJACK. And, if you land a 21, you get paid at 3:2 odds. Any other winning hand pays even money, except for insurance.
Card Values • Kings, Queens, Jacks (known as face cards) and 10s are all valued at 10. • Aces can be valued at 1 or 11, depending on which value advantages the player. • Cards from 2 through 9 are all valued at their face value. Now, Aces can make learning to count rather tricky: they have two values, 1 and 11. As the player, you get to choose which value it holds – which is more advantageous to you. A hand with an Ace can either be referred to as a ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ hand. In a ‘soft’ hand the Ace holds the 11 value and another card can always be drawn without fear of busting. Whereas, in a ‘hard’ hand, the Ace holds a 1 value and, should the player choose to ‘hit’ (see later) – there is a chance that he will bust. Mastering the use of the Ace card is of utmost importance when learning to count to Blackjack.
Mastering your Universe The casino can be somewhat of a daunting place filled with countless flashing stars. But, keep your wits about you; sitting at the wrong Blackjack table might just be the worst mistake you make...
Positioning yourself at the right table On each table, there is a sign indicating maximum and minimum bets, you’ll find these signs are colour-coded to match the minimum bets posted on them. It is important that you play at a table that suits your bet sizes. Now, once you’ve narrowed down some tables that suit your betting sizes, don’t settle in too quickly, there’s something
The Blackjack Queen At 7 I pretty much knew my way around the tables. But, Daddy had to test me – I had to play and win 75% of the time, for 6 months, with some of the dealers from his casinos before he would let me play on the illegal circuit. Mostly in privately owned casinos in the back of local dives – the very places that were a threat to Daddy’s casinos’ existences. But, he pushed me and pushed me. I didn’t mind: school never took up much of my time (Daddy always told me I was too smart for school) and I was allowed to keep all my winnings with a fairly large bank roll. So, when six months was up, I told Daddy I was ready... I remember my first real game – the room was so smoky and poorly lit. I was surrounded by older men, mostly Asian. (In hindsight, I think the game was set in China Town.) I took my seat at the table. I remember asking the waiter for chocolate milk – they all laughed... The waiter organized me milk. The men at the table thought I was a joke... until play began. That was the only night Daddy came to support me. But, it was the last time I would need it. After that night, I was dubbed the Blackjack Queen.
else you have to look out for: what kind of game you want to be dealt... As a beginner, I’d look out for a ‘shoe’ game in which 6-8 decks are used. This game is ideal for the beginner in that the cards are dealt face-up, in front of each player, and the dealer can help with questions and decisions. Although the casino’s advantage is higher in such a game, I would really recommend it if you want to get to know the game. And when you’ve got a handle on the game, well then I recommend to a game where there are fewer decks and the casino’s advantage is lower and you can start turning a much greater profit, although these games are getting fewer and farther between, but if you can find one – go for it.
Understanding Chips
the
Universal
Currency:
To buy in, place cash on the table when there is a break in the game. Don’t try to hand money to the dealer, for security reasons he cannot accept it. And you’ll get what you paid for – don’t expect change. The dealer will exchange the entire amount placed on the table for chips and then push the amount across the table to you and finally drop the cash into a slot on the table top. And if you have any questions regarding chip values, ask the dealer. It’s part of his job to help players learn the game.
Placing a Bet So now you’ve found the right seat at the right table – you’ve bought in, but you don’t know how to place a bet: it’s like buying a brand new spaceship but not knowing how to take off. To master your universe you must have an understanding of how all the tools available to you work. In front of your place at the table, you will find a box or a circle for your bets. Before each hand, place your bet into this allocated area in one stack. If you are betting with chips of different values, those with a higher value go at the bottom of the stack. Once the cards are dealt, you may not touch your bet. If you need to know how much you have bet for doubling or splitting (explained later) the dealer will count them down for you. Once the hand is over, the dealer will move around the table paying winners and collecting chips from losing hands. After the dealer has paid out, you may collect your chips from the circle and place your next bet. If you want to let your winnings ride, organize them into one stack and wait for the next hand to be dealt…
Playing by the Rules Pre-deal Once the deck has been shuffled, the dealer will cut it and then place the cards in a shoe from which the cards will ultimately be dealt. Finally the dealer removes the top card and either places it face-up at the bottom of the pack or places it face down in the discard tray. This is known as burning the card and it emphasizes the randomness of the cards. The Difference between Dealing and Playing There were never many women playing the tables in Casino City. There were a lot more dealing: always attractive, always smart and boy, did the men flock to them. And Daddy had set his sights for me to become one at his top casino. I didn’t mind really, I’d been smoking the illegal circuit since age seven and a half. In Casino City, legal gambling age was 18, but legal dealing age was 21. So, at 18, Daddy did two things for me: he opened up a small, private (illegal) casino for me, which I could deal at and run (and learn about the casino business) AND he started to take me to the main casinos to gamble where I could observe dealer and player behaviour. I cleared the floor at those tables every night I played. My counting technique was so refined. Daddy explained to me what an advantage I’d be: they couldn’t spot me – I’d be the only dealer that could spot players like me. “I’ll pay you handsomely,” he promised. And he did. Now, being a dealer is nothing like being a player. But, my heart will always be in playing the tables...
Dealing the Cards The dealer begins at his left and makes two passes, dealing one card on each pass so that the players and dealer have two cards each. The dealer will then flip one of his cards over, exposing its value. In shoe games, the cards are dealt face-up and players are not allowed to touch them. As a beginner, this is usually recommended as you won’t have to worry about handling the cards. In hand-held games, cards are dealt face-down and players pick up the cards. You may only touch the cards with one hand, you must keep them over the table and any cards that the dealer subsequently deals to your hand must be left on the table. These sorts of games are now quite rare and, from what I understand, I speak for Casino City only, they can only be found in little back-alley dives. Once the cards have been dealt, play proceeds around the table. This begins at the first seat to the dealer’s left, also known as first base. Each player then indicates to the dealer how he wishes to play the hand. Once each player has finished his hand, the dealer will complete his hand and then pay or collect player bets.
The Dealer’s Play The beauty of Blackjack is that the dealer may not act on instinct or gut or strategy or skill or emotion. A dealer is limited to two sets of guidelines – he either follows the one or the other. Either the ‘Dealer stands on all 17s’ or ‘Dealer hits soft 17’ – you will find it written on the Blackjack table top so look out for it.
• The rule ‘Dealer stands on all 17s’ dictates that the dealer must continue to take cards i.e. ‘hit’ until his total is 17 or greater. • ‘Dealer hits soft 17’ is an identical rule except he hits on soft 17s. This slightly increases the house’s advantage. But, simple guidelines of when to hit or stand are not all that limit a dealer. A dealer is bound by very specific rules and regulations. He cannot split pairs, double down or surrender. If the dealer and the player have the same total, it is called a ‘push’ and no money changes hands. And yet, despite the obvious lack of choices made available to the dealer, the house maintains an edge. So what does a player have to his advantage? Strategy.
Your Play Hit/Stand
These are the most common decisions a player will make during a game. Hit: to draw another card. Stand: to stop at the current total. To indicate you want to hit, tap your fingers behind your cards in a face-up shoe game. To stand, wave your hand over your cards in a horizontal motion. If you go over 21 and you bust, the dealer will collect your bet and remove your cards immediately. Now although face-down games are rare, it’s worth knowing your way around them. If you want to hit, scrape your cards (held in one hand) across the table felt lightly. When you’ve decided to stand, you should tuck the two cards you are holding face-down under the chips that you have bet. But, don’t touch your chips! Surrendering to the Game
Surrender
I suppose no-one gets to choose their destiny. Some people just have it forced upon them. Of course at three years old I didn’t want a Blackjack-themed room – I wanted it pink, dusted with fairies. I wanted to be playing with My Little Ponies and Barbie Dolls. But, those were not the cards I had been dealt.
Surrendering offers you the opportunity to fold your hand (provided you’re willing to lose half of your bet). Should surrender be offered early, a player can surrender before the dealer checks his cards. Early surrender is rarely offered as it advantages the player. Instead, most players are commonly faced with a late surrender; here the
Continues....
This may not be a very common decision in Blackjack, but when you’re stuck, it can be advantageous. Think of it as quitting while you’re ahead. Not every game offers surrender, but those that do offer it fall into two categories: early or late.
I think by seven, when I really understood how good I was at the game, and Daddy wanted to put me on the circuit, I realised that this was my lot in life. And so I made something of it. And I was the best Blackjack player Casino City had seen in a long time. Well, until Jones came along. But, I guess everything changed then too. I guess destinies can change their course after all...
dealer will only allow players to surrender if he is holding a blackjack.
When he Split
Split
When I had said that I had been the best Blackjack player Casino City had ever seen: that didn’t last long. Jones flew into town and took it by storm. And if you’re wondering, yes, I did fall in love with him. Daddy, being the head honcho of the casino business in Casino City, was on Jones’ tail. This created a rift in what had become an already strained relationship. Jones split. I rode out of town after him. In fact, I’m still on the run – yet to catch up. It’s kind of hard to explain how I feel about the whole situation. My whole life I’ve had no-one but gambling ‘friends’, servants and Daddy. Now they are all gone. I’m left with some vague hope I’ve invested into a fleeting romance. Oh dear, Vera.
Surrender is useful when you know you have a losing hand i.e. quit while you’re ahead. But, think carefully. If you lose 75% of the time and win only 25% of the time, your net loss is about 50%... which is the SAME AS IF YOU SURRENDER EACH PLAY. So by all means use it (and watch out for that early surrender), but think twice. The goal in playing Blackjack is to turn a profit NOT lose 50% of your pot.
Doubling Down
Doubling down allows you to receive only one more card while you place an additional bet equal to or less than your original bet. You may only double down after the first two cards have been dealt. The additional bet must be placed next to the original bet and, to signal to the dealer you are doubling down, you must point with one finger. You can only decide if you are going to split as your cards are dealt – it is a first decision of a hand. If you hold two cards of the same value, you may split them into two separate playing hands. If you are playing a hand-held game, you must put the cards face up on the table in front of your bet (just like in a double down). If you are to split your cards you have to match your original bet and place it in the allocated betting circle. The dealer will then separate the two cards and treat them as two independent hands and hit you with a further card on each of the splits. Most casinos will then allow you to double down on either of these hands. This is known as a ‘double after split’. If you get additional pairs, most casinos will allow you to resplit. In most casinos, a player can split up to three times, making four separate hands, with 4 separate bets. If double after split is allowed you can have up to eight times your initial bet on the table! Keep in mind, you can split any 10-valued cards e.g. a Jack and a 10, but this is usually a bad play… Keep the 20. Splitting Aces is a very strong player move thus, players are only allowed to hit once on each Ace (once split). Also, if you draw a 10-valued card on one of your split aces, the hand is not considered Blackjack but a normal 21, and therefore you do not collect 3:2 odds. Some casinos allow for the resplitting of Aces. Why is it worth splitting Aces? As 10-valued cards have the highest occurrence in Blackjack, you should ALWAYS split Aces.
Insurance
When the dealer shows an up-card that is an Ace, he offers the players insurance. Insurance is generally limited to half of the original bet. If the dealer does have Blackjack, your winning insurance bet will be paid at odds of 2:1… However, you will lose your original bet (unless you have Blackjack). Ultimately, you will break even. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose your insurance bet and have your original bet to play out with. And if both you and the dealer have Blackjack? Your insurance will win 2:1.
Even Money
Even Money is made available to the player when the player is holding a Blackjack and the dealer has an Ace up. All you have to do is state you want ‘even money’ and you are guaranteed a profit even if the dealer does have a Blackjack. But, remember, you could win at 2:1 odds if you don’t take the even money bet. Life Lacks Strategy You try to have a plan. You try to know where you’re going. But, you don’t. I’ve found, in my life, someone always seems to have a plan for you... Of course, there’s my Dad. He was going to train his little girl to be his ally to catch all the Blackjack crooks. Who knows, maybe I would move on to poker next. I certainly know how to play the game. Then there was Jack (a cop) who helped me keep the illegal casino under wraps: he was sure to marry me. There was Maria, the cook; she planned to get me out of all the illegal activity. Finally, there was Jones. I don’t think he had a plan for me at all. I probably would have liked it if he had. He would have been the only one. Either way, Jones helped me make a plan for myself : to get out of Casino City. Continues...
Blackjack Strategies Unlike some casino games (like Roulette), Blackjack involves an element of skill. Blackjack, being a game of skill, allows for an element of strategy and strategy will be an important companion when you are looking to turn a profit. Some speculate that if you play with no strategy whatsoever the house will have an advantage of as much as 6-10%. A good strategy can reduce this to as little as less than 1%. To have a good strategy, one must be aware of a number of things: 1. The dealer always has the edge because the players go first 2. The way to win is to get a better hand than the dealer 3. There are two ways to win. You can hold a higher hand than the dealer OR you can stand when you believe it is likely for the dealer to bust. Dealer's Faceup Card
2
Chance of busting
35% 37% 40% 42% 42% 26% 24% 23% 23% 17%
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Ace
But, I have approached my life with no strategy, sure, sometimes I might think it’s going as planned but then, something or someone throws a spanner in the works. Blackjack is in no way so haphazard. Blackjack has rules, guidelines, and a fixed set of options. STRATEGY.
4. The dealer must follow the house rules. If he has a winning hand of 16, he must draw another card Soft hands also dictate a certain type of behaviour. The basic strategy with a soft hand is to double down when the dealer has a high probability of busting. Soft Total
Dealer Showing
Action
19, 20, 21
All
Stand
3, 4, 5, or 6
Double Down
9, 10 or Ace
Hit
2, 7 or 8
Stand
3, 4, 5 or 6
Double Down
2, 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace
Hit
4, 5 or 6
Double Down
2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace
Hit
5 or 6
Double Down
2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace
Hit
18 17 15, 16 13, 14 Soft hand 7 or 17 (Soft 17)
Soft hand draws a 10 and becomes a Hard Hand (Hard 17)
Biting the Hand that Feeds Sure, Daddy gave me a lot. But, he took a lot away from me too, for instance, my childhood. That’s a pretty big thing to take away from someone! I know leaving was the worst thing I could do to him. But, I need to work thing out for myself. I don’t need his money. I don’t need him to provide. I have ample savings. Yes, it is thanks to a skill he taught me. But, that is not good enough. It never was.
Sometimes, you will draw a card that will convert your hand to a hard hand. Hard hands are hands that don’t have an Ace in them or an Ace valued at 1. Players Total
Dealer Showing
Action
17, 18, 19, 20 or 21
All
Stand
2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
Stand
12, 13, 14, 15 or 16
7, 8, 9, 10 or Ace
Hit
9 or less
All
Hit
Doubling down allows you to increase your wager; this is recommended when your chances of winning are high. Nevertheless, there are different strategies for soft and hard hands…
Soft Hands - when to double down: Player's Hand
Dealer Showing
(Ace & 6) or (Ace & 7)
3, 4, 5 or 6
(Ace & 2) or (Ace & 3)
5 or 6
(Ace & 4) or (Ace & 5)
4, 5 or 6
Hard Hands – when to double down: Player's Hand
Dealer Showing
9
3, 4, 5 or 6
10
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9
11
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10
Never split a pair of 5s or 10s. Two 10s gives you a 20 and two 5s a 10, which you shouldn’t split because the most likely card you are to draw in Blackjack is a 10. Think about it – there are four different cards that are valued at 10. On that note (that you are likely to draw a 10 – or higher), always split Aces and 8s (and never split 4s). This way, if you draw a 10, you’ll end up with 18 and 21. Both of these are very difficult for the dealer to beat. Other splitting decisions depend on what the dealer is showing. Player Pair
Dealer Showing
2, 3 or 7
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7
4
5 or 6
6
2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
9
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or 9
Surrendering is only recommended when you have a hard 16 and the dealer is showing a 9, 10 or Ace. OR when you have a hard 15 and the dealer is showing a 10. I generally don’t recommend taking on insurance. Insurance is a bet that is full of promise to the uninformed, but in reality holds nothing but loss or no gain. I’m sure neither of which seem particularly promising to a player looking to win. Unless you’re a card counter (see below), it is pretty difficult to tell when insurance will work to your advantage. But fear not, these are not the only strategies: there are more advanced strategies you can apply to get your A-game on. How much I’m willing to lose This is probably the only Blackjack strategy that you can translate to life. Continues...
Money Management Never forget to manage your money. Know how much you’re willing to lose. When you’ll be ready to walk away – before you
Consider the worst possible consequences that may happen before you act on something – if you’re comfortable with them, go ahead. By going after Jones, I may have lost Daddy forever as well as all my friends. I may never even go back to Casino City. I may never even find Jones. I’ve made peace with that. This is much the same as deciding how much you’re willing to lose in Blackjack. And you walk away when you’re done.
sit down at the table. And while, as a hobbyist, you might get away with poor money management – when you make the shift to professional, it is vital to add to your repertoire. A professional plays with his livelihood. Once you know how much you’re willing to lose, divide it into units and bet that amount (an easy way is to bet 1% of the total amount you are willing to lose). And when you have won or lost your predetermined limit – quit for the day. It’s always important to be able to quit while you’re ahead.
Blackjack Betting Systems Blackjack betting systems enable you to use betting as a strategy. There is a variety of different kinds of systems. The best available system would be to vary your bet according to card count, to do this you would have to be proficient at card counting (see below). Other systems include:
The Paroli Betting System The Paroli Betting system is a positive progression system. You start with one unit. If you win that bet, you increase your next bet. If you lose, you decrease your bet. If you are going to use this system, you should begin with an overall betting plan. You should know by how much you’re willing to increase your bets before returning to one unit.
The Parlay Betting System A.K.A. the ‘Let it Ride’ system, the Parlay Betting system is a positive progression betting strategy similar to the Paroli system. To use this system, you simply start by making a bet of any size, decide on a size that fits with your bankroll. If you win this initial bet, you use the original bet and profit (or some of it) to place your next bet. Should you lose a bet, you return to your original bet.
1-3-2-6 Blackjack Betting System It’s all in the name: the system is based on a betting pattern of 1 unit, 3 units, 2 units and 6 units. This is a positive progression system. With this system you are risking a small amount to win a much larger amount, if you complete the betting cycle. When you complete the betting cycle, you return to the original bet size.
On Progressing Negatively Negative progression is easy to solve in Blackjack but, in life, it is somewhat more challenging. Sometimes I feel like I just can’t get ahead. But, last night, I found a Blackjack table at the back of the motel I’m staying at and finally I found myself moving forward. Aunt Neeta (one of our cleaning ladies) used to always say to me, “If you gonna walk backwards, you might as well do it facing forward.” I had finally understood what she meant!
The Martingale Betting System This is a system that goes by negative progression. It is one of the simplest and oldest betting systems. The betting system is usually applied to even-money-type bets. You will start by betting one unit, and when you win, you will return to betting one unit. However, should you lose; you will double your bet until you win a hand. Once you have won a bet, you will return to betting one unit. This system guarantees a profit of one unit when you win a bet. This system will always turn a small profit unless you lose an infinite number of times.
The Labouchère Betting System This is a negative progression system. Before playing, you decide how much money you want to win and write down a list of positive numbers that add up to that amount. The list does not have to be in sequence or any specific length. To determine your bet, you add the first and last numbers and place a bet equal to the total of the numbers. If you win the bet, cross out the first and last numbers in the series and move along to the new first and last numbers. If you lose the bet, the amount lost is added to the end of the list and so it becomes the new number at the end of the list. The process continues until the list is completely crossed out when the desired amount of money has been won, or when you have run out of money to bet. Once the cycle is finished, you may begin the system again. BUT, you will (without doubt) have the best advantage if you learn how to card count and bet accordingly.
Card Counting Card counting is based on the principle that high cards, particularly Aces and 10s, are better for the player while it is more advantageous for the player should the dealer be dealt lower-valued cards, namely 4s, 5s and 6s. A high concentration of Aces and 10-valued cards increase the chances of a Blackjack and 10s improve the value of doubling. A high number of ten or ten-valued cards also make the insurance bet more profitable. Low cards are good for the dealer: he must hit stiff hands (hard hands totalling 12 through 16), unlike the player who can hit or stand according to strategy… Tens will bust
all stiff hands and increase the chances of the dealer losing. It is a myth that one has to be a genius to card count. Counters simply assign a point score to each card that estimates the value of the card while they track only the sum of these values, they do not track and memorize specific cards. The Ups and Downs of Being on the Road There’s no doubt that I miss my city. Casino City has been my home for as long as I can remember, but it is exhilarating being away for it. Being on the hunt for love. I do miss the tables though. I miss playing. Some people would say I’m unemployed – that I don’t have a life. But, that is not the case. I am a professional – a Blackjack professional – I suppose you can be one one day too, if you take my advice to heart. I played on the circuit almost every night for 21 years. And I ran a casino for 10. I know the gambling business. The ‘down’ of being on the road is that I have lost my career. I have lost my home. I have lost everything I’ve known. The ‘up’ is, well, I’ve created a whole new life. And they don’t know how I operate out here – when I play, I have the advantage. Levelling the Playing Field My Dad’s always controlled me. He said left – I went left; right and I went right... until the day I stood up to him as an equal. Well, it wasn’t really all in one day and it wasn’t your standard form of teenage rebellion – I was already working nights in an illegal casino! Continues...
Systems The High-Low system is a level-one count, because the count never increases or decreases by more than one predetermined unit. The Zen Count or Wong Halves, on the other hand, are multilevel counts and make more fine distinctions between card values. Rather than all cards having a value of +1, 0, or -1, an advanced count might include card ranks that are counted as +2 and -2. In addition, advanced players might hold a side count of certain cards, such as Aces, to deal with situations where the best count for betting accuracy differs from the best count for playing accuracy. Higher-level counts have one disadvantage: they can take away the player’s ability to act quickly and accurately. More hands played per hour, played with a simple count, can often turn a greater profit. Below are some of the more popular ranking systems for card counting: Many others exist. Card Strategy Hi-Lo
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10, J, Q, K
A
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
0
0
0
-1
-1
Hi-Opt I
0
+1
+1
+1
+1
0
0
0
-1
0
Hi-Opt II
+1
+1
+2
+2
+1
+1
0
0
2
0
KO (‘All Sevens’)
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
+1
0
0
-1
-1
Omega II
+1
+1
+2
+2
+2
+1
0
-1
-2
0
Zen Count
+1
+1
+2
+2
+2
+1
0
0
-2
-1
Wonging Wonging (also known as back-counting) gets its name from its namesake, Stanford Wong. Players ‘Wong in’ (enter the game) when it is to their advantage and bet accordingly. Some players ‘Wong out’ (exit the game) when it is no longer to their advantage, while others when the deck is shuffled. Wonging is usually done on shoe games of 4, 6, or 8 decks. Back-counting provides a certain advantage over card counting in that the ‘Wonger’ does not play every hand he sees; he can play far more strategically than the card counter.
But, never mind that, I’d spent a long time levelling the playing field before I left Casino City. I remember the first time I’d said no to my father: (that was worth remarking) it was on my 11th birthday. He wanted me to play in some tournament, but I was having None of it – I was to have a Horror Movie themed party. I was going as the Zombie Queen. Needless to say, I got my way. And so the tables began to turn... The acts remained small – voicing my defiance here, eating breakfast for dinner there (that was one of my favourites), until one day when I cracked. I knew how much he hated Jones, yet I pursued him and then I followed him out of Casino City. I’m not saying that Jones was only about my Dad but, well, there was a certain element. Either way, the playing field is now levelled. I finally have authority over my own life.
On the other hand, players are generally not very accepting of a player sitting down mid-game and a player who hops in and out of games is also quite likely to get the attention of the casino personnel.
Working, or should we say Wonging, as a Team
Card counting is often used by teams of players to maximize the advantage against the casinos. Spotters are team-members who will sit at a table and play, betting the minimum while keeping a count. They are essentially the back-counters. When the table is sufficiently hot, one of the spotters will signal a big player who will then ‘Wong in’ and bet very large amounts while the count is high. When the count cools off or the shoe is shuffled, the big player will ‘Wong out’ and look for other spotters signalling high count.
Bringing the House Down on Card Counting Casinos have and do go to great effort to disrupt, prevent or ban counters from counting in their casinos. Here are some of the countermeasures you can expect to find yourself up against if you decide to take up card counting: • Harassment whilst playing by casino staff – this may be as simple as engaging in a conversation while you’re trying to play • Decreasing the amount of cards dealt before a shuffle. This reduces the counter’s ability to take advantage of a high count that has developed • ‘Blacklisting’ counters with facial recognition systems • Computerized scanners that can identify card counting systems when in use like the scanner, MindPlay, which was discontinued in 2007.
Where was my Mind? Where was my mind the day that I signed the dotted line on this whole wretched existence? Sure, I found a game that I love and a man that I love. Although, I may have lost him... Perhaps Aunt Neeta was right, “Keep the man that you love and you done more than good in this life.” Continues...
o Tables using MindPlay use marked chips and cards. Using MindPlay, casinos knew exactly how much you played, your average bet and skill level. By marking every card, the casino can determine when the shoe is turning in your favour, and can use this information to reshuffle. • Heuristic systems keep a count and track players' bets looking for patterns that match the count. • Computer systems used by surveillance staff to target suspected players (and quantify them as a threat to the house). • Shuffling when a player increases their bet.
And well, you all know Daddy and I aren’t on such good terms right now. But, he gave me my game and I happened to have a gift for it and those two ingredients make for a wicked combination. Maybe I’ve had some untapped part of my brain at work all along and, on loop, it’s saying, “Everything’s gonna be okay. You got a Blackjack after all.”
• Changing the table’s rules and stakes. • Flat betting a player or making it so they cannot change the amount they bet during a shoe. Card counters are detected by trends that are common amongst counters but not amongst other players. These include large buy ins and bet sizes, great bet variation especially with larger bets being placed towards the end of the shoe, refusal to play rated, table hopping and playing multiple hands. Although serious countermeasures may be put in place in the hope that you don’t succeed that you don’t succeed as a counter, if you do, odds are in your favour. Look at the MIT team. You could go home rich AND in the Blackjack Hall of Fame!
What it takes to be a Professional Blackjack Player
Nerves of Steel Life is sometimes like a game of Blackjack – you need nerves of steel. Being a counter, I can’t lose count. No matter what. No matter who tries to distract you. No matter what complimentary drink or foodstuff or medicinal item you have received. Focus, at all costs, on the task at hand: keep count and win as many hands as possible. Turn a profit. In life you also need to focus. Too many people afford themselves the luxury of distractions. Keep focus. Keep cool. And achieve your goals.
When you’re on the circuit you will need perseverance, drive and patience to stay there. Especially to stay away from the casino surveillance. You have to constantly move around and not regularly frequent the central hubs of gambling: if you get banned, you can’t come back. Be humble: bet what you can afford to lose and only start taking greater risks once your bankroll gets bigger. A professional blackjack player never wins all of the time. Skills and assets required for a professional Blackjack player: • Flexible, adaptable and resilient • A passion to master the mathematics involved in the game • A good memory and keen observation • The ability to card count is a serious help • Nerves of steel: a professional must be able to make big decisions in high-stake games under pressure • A bankroll that will support you in high-stake games • A professional must be a good listener – this is advantageous in that it allows relationships to be formed with other players and casino staff • Charm • Highly observant and alert • Slow to anger • Self-confident
Jones There had been other men before Jones, but none of them had taken my breath away in such a way - none of them could play better than me. I had watched Jones as I’d dealt to him. I had known he’d been counting and I’d hinted as much, but it’s like he’d known I was no rat. We’d quietly catch each other’s eyes and smile. On the third night I found him in the alley where I came out after my shift. “Smoke?” he asked. And the deal was sealed...
Now if you think you fit the profile, get practicing. In fact, try a hand at one of the Casino Jones affiliates and see what you’ve got. If you’re still not sure of where your skills may best be put to use, consider the following…
Online vs. Land-Based Casinos Both online and land-based casinos have their advantages and while they do share some similarities, they are, in fact, very different entities. While online casinos can never replicate the atmosphere of a land-based casino, they certainly seem to go to greater lengths to improve your chances of winning. And this is where the land-based casino falls short.
Comps There is such an abundance of online casinos competing to get, and maintain, your business, many online casinos offer no-depositrequired comps, percentage bonuses, match bonuses and existing player bonuses – much more than the land-based casinos ever do. Although, there’s usually a catch – i.e. bonuses must be played several times over. But, you can make that money go a long way: one writer describes how he used his $100 bankroll (which included his bonus of $50) to walk away with $2 800. But, you do have to ask yourself, is he one of the lucky few? In a hotel casino you have to spend hundreds of dollars to even be considered for a comp. There is one thing you’ll get though, and that’s free drinks. But, before you gratuitously accept, maybe give some thought as to why alcohol is referred to as a ‘chip remover’ by some experts.
Variety In reality there are only a handful of casinos in Casino City, where online the world is your oyster with over 1 000 online casinos just a click away. More choice means more control over where you play.
Strategy There is no place for a hurried decision when playing online. You will not feel the discerning looks of the dealer and the other players
when playing. You can even refer to a source: a program or one of the volumes of data that have been produced about situational moves. Thus, it could be said that the more time you have, the more money you can make. When playing online, you can be secure in your play, knowing you’ve put some thought into it, without having played as a result of impulse or peer pressure.
Real Money Money loses its value when it is in the form of a plastic chip. Your sense of money management is hindered when your money is represented by a colour-coded piece of plastic (and your case isn’t helped when you’ve been consuming alcohol all night). Online gambling has a software clearly shows you have left in real attention to the rate at and thus, making more
solution to this. When you play online, the how much you are wagering and how much dollars. This results in you paying closer which you are either losing or making money educated decisions.
Environment Land-based casinos draw the public with their romance and drama, their gilts and their glamour. There is something to be said for the roaring crowds, the shows and the waitresses, but as you take your favourite seat, at your favourite table, you should ask yourself: is there really any better place from which to place your bets than your favourite chair? Because when you take that seat, the crowds all fade away anyway. And, when they do come back into focus you may experience the thought “Oh [insert word of choice]! I have to drive home now!”. At a land-based casino, it is generally frowned upon to sip on a mug of cocoa in your boxer shorts while mulling over whether you are going to hit or stand. And you can no longer light up anywhere, nor do you want to enter a cancer cage just to play a game if you are a non-smoker. Just think: when was the last time you noticed a clock in a casino? Casino operators don’t want people to take notice of the time, the more consumed they get, the higher their chances of losing money. Comfort is important and does influence your chances of producing positive results: rather tend to the tiniest details to improve your odds than not at all.
Cost Going to a land-based casino costs money. Travelling costs. Often you have to stay in a hotel. Food. Tips. You’re lucky if your winnings cover your expenses. And as much as those free drinks seem like such a great perk, they are not looking so perky anymore. At home, you only have to concern yourself with what you win, or what you lose.
Pressure Online games enable you to stay away from advice or jeers from peers at the table. This is why most experts will tell you to stay away from multi-chat games online.
Ease of Access You can spend hours waiting for a seat to open up at a Blackjack table at a land-based casino. But, this is not the only problem you will have at a land-based casino: online operators have created games and machines that offer better odds than those found at a land-based casino. End Game Well, the game never ends right? You just move on to a new stage, you either upgrade or downgrade. You either made it or you didn’t. I don’t know if I’ll make it. But, I’m focussing. I’ve got my mind on the task at hand. I’m playing the game in every sense of the word. I’m gonna hit that metaphorical Blackjack one of these days and, until then, I have the number 21 to rely on: so do you.
The Final Ruling While land-based casinos cater to a niche market (people seeking an experience), if you want to increase your odds of winning, if you want to decrease the number of distractions in your environment, if you want to give yourself more time to make a decision, online gambling is for you. And, if you have appreciated and understood this guide, Blackjack is your game.