Help Needed! I suspect that one would prefer to play Blackjack with one deck vs multiple decks because it would be easier to keep track of the cards already played. Is this the reason? Also, satistacally speaking, is there a bigger advantage to the player using one deck?? Thanks, Tom Casey

Tom, it sorta doesn't really matter unless you are counting cards. And if you were counting cards, you would research several things such as number of decks, rules, and penetration.

In the simple terms, a single deck is easier to keep track of what cards are in the deck, and what cards have been played already. The downside is that they shuffle more often, which resets your count to zero.

A double deck game with deep penetration before a shuffle MIGHT enable you to get a better knowledge of which cards are in the deck than a single deck game with poor penetration.

And a lot of this counting stuff is used to determine the size of your bet, as well as how to play your hand.

Most downtown casinos use different rules with their single and double deck games than most of the strip uses with their multideck games.

Bottom line, is that you can make it as easy or as difficult as you want. Every little odd that you can put in your favor puts you that much closer to winning. And still, those are long term odds, and you will still have ups and downs.

I suggest getting a beginners book or beginners software, learn basic strategy, and if that seems simple enough, go for more advanced learning techniques.

I'd also like to add, for some, watching the cards took some of the fun out of the game for me. I was too worried about where I was and stoped having fun. It doesn't come natural to me, it becomes a job. I go to Las Vegas to have fun, when it becomes work, I'll pass.
I know there are others that feel this way also. So instead of being a sucker at BJ and not watching the cards, I play very little if at all. Because I feel I'm just giving away my money.
Lee-PA

If the casinos weren't so paranoid about card counters, I would say that the single deck is the best. However, I don't like the single deck because you usually only get two hands per shuffle. If you are card counting and upping your bets on every second hand, the casino is going to ask you to leave the table- very quickly.

I do not like the 6+ games although you can have a good run with this. If the count is bad, you just play your minimum bet. If you get a good positive count, you have plenty of chances to make some serious money.

I like the 2-deck game. It gives you a chance to increase your bet without the house bouncing you.

You can "manipulate" a little better in this game. What I mean by this is sometimes *not* increasing your bet when the count goes up and then *most* of the time increasing your bet when the count goes up.

Never cut down on your bet after a push even if the count gets worse. Cutting down on a bet if you lose one hand when playing two hands. Or upping your bet if you win one hand when playing two hands.

Another words, you have more time to play the way you want and have an "excuse" (if you need one) for any move you make.

Even if you do not count cards but always play basic stradegy, blackjack can be a very enjoyable game.

Gail,
I agree with you that BJ can be a very enjoyable game. I also find that usually and I mean usually even if you lose, your money seems to lasts longer than at other games.
I see we both disagree with Lee. I know he is a VP fan and I'm sure you can win bigger, faster at VP but I'm the conservative type and I think that by playing BJ you can control your betting better.
BTW, how about the satistics of the one or two vs six to eight decks? Tom

I'm with Gail. There is no doubt that theoretically, a one-deck game is better than a two-deck; a two-deck better than an 8-deck.

But my experience is that if you are counting, the pit critters can more easily spot you in a one-deck game. And you get a longer run in a two-deck game when the count is good (sure, you also get longer bad spells when the count is bad, as well).

The key is to get the best penetration possible.

It isn't harder for me to count a 6-deck game than a 1-deck, but it is harder to assess what percentage of the deck is left in a 6-deck game, an important skill in multi-deck games.

Tom,

Based on this question and the Craps question you asked I'm going to say you're a smart gambler. You're trying to learn about the games you like to play. Let me recommend that you take this one step further and read some books on your games of choice. Hopefully this turns out to be only one or two games. It's hard to become an expert player at too many games.
I will tell you that Blackjack will offer better odds to a expert player than craps will. It's not as exciting and you won't hear of as many people having that dream run at Blackjack as often as you will at craps.
The other advantage to a single deck or double deck game is more shuffling if you're interested in maximizing your comps. You'll put in more hours with less money at risk.

jm

Tom, I agree that even if you lose, your money seems to lasts longer than at other games.

I don't play VP too much. I play those stupid keno machines <g>. I'm a little greedy. If I'm playing a quarter VP machine, with 5 coins in, I can only win $1000. On the keno machines with four coins in, I can win $7000. Of course the pay back (if you don't win big) is not as good as the VP.

Tom >>by playing BJ you can control your betting better. <<

I agree.


>>BTW, how about the satistics of the one or two vs six to eight decks?<<

I'm sure I have the statistics somewhere in my books. But for me, 6-8 decks is only for me when I'm sitting at a blackjack table with friends or family to "pass the time."

One deck is too fast. Two decks is my favorite. Sam's Town used to have 4 decks but don't know if they still do.

Dave >>It isn't harder for me to count a 6-deck game than a 1-deck<<

Dave, Same with me. I've been doing this so long that I couldn't "not count" if I tried- no matter how many decks.

I'm not drawn to this game like I used to be. I think only because I'm tired from working so much. This is the type of game where you shouldn't play if you can't concentrate and take advantage of the count- FOR counters.

I do want to say that non-counters can win at this game using basic strategy. AND it can be very enjoyable. So I wouldn't want anyone trying to take up card counting and then getting thrown off the game. This is not fun- TRUST ME <lol>!

Card counters do not make what they used to years ago. If you enjoy the game, use basic strategy and you will enjoy the game more than just guessing or playing a hunch.

I'll add my preference for two-deck games
here also. Two deck games strike a good balance between frequent shuffles in single
deck and poor card distribution in a six deck shoe.

I also agree that Blackjack helps to slow down the process of losing (or winning) money. Although I like to play video poker,
with its immediate payback, you can also go
thru a bunch of $$$ quicker if the machine isn't cooperating. When that starts happening, I shift to Blackjack.

You don't have to be a card counter to attract the watchful eye of the Pit Boss.
One time I was playing BJ in Treasure Island
and through simple dumb luck began to hit
the right cards and run my stake up about
$400 in a short period of time. The Pit Boss
"took up residence" at our table, until she
convinced herself this guy didn't have
a clue about counting cards. I left the table soon thereafter, and the Pit Boss was
still sure I was doing something, but just
didn't know what. Truth is, I don't know
HOW to "Do" anything, other than to double
down when appropriate.

Dick 8/2/99

Dick, I'd like to add something to your story. Usually if the pit suspects someone of card counting, they will get on the phone and ask the "eye in the sky" to watch the player/s.

However, I have seen the pit at Sam's Town stop the dealer and make him shuffle right after the first hand when one guy upped his bet from $25 to $200 on the second hand.

The guy got mad and left. But that's exactly what the pit wanted him to do.

The count was not positive so I suspect the pit did not want this guy's action no matter what.

Also regarding your streak of good luck, imo, most pit bosses (it's a loneyly job), pit workers, and most blackjack dealers are very unhappy people and don't like to see anyone get a good streak- unless they know the player and know they are going to get a good tip.

Gail,

I never thought of it that way (Pit Bosses
being unhappy people), but you're probably
right. It's their job to make sure the house
retains the edge at those games, and their
bosses can probably get a little testy if they're not vigilant. Right?

Dick 8/2/99

Dick, I probably first heard about the pit bosses being unhappy from my reading. But then I played a lot of blackjack and saw this firsthand.

Pit bosses intimidate most players. So normally when someone intimidates you, you don't talk with them. So here they are walking in circles for hours with no one talking to them. I would think it's human nature to feel "lonely" knowing that everyone wants nothing to do with the PIT BOSS <lol>!

So what I used to do is take advantage of this. When the pit boss gives you that first glare and mentally asks, "So, who are you?" I nod and say hi.

Then I think of some question for the pit boss. Any general question will do. "Is there a Chinese restaurant in the casino?"

Believe me, they perk up. A real person asking them a question that has nothing to do with a mistake, problem or decision <g>!

Get to know the pit boss, lightly chat with him. (I don't get along with the women as well <lol>!) Let them talk. Show an interest in them. Then they usually don't watch your play. And if you hit it off with them they will even hope you win. Receiving comps get easier too. Of course you have to give them some play at the table but once you've made friends with the pit boss, it becomes easier on you.

Haven't done this in so long. Think I might go have some fun at this again soon <s>.



[This message has been edited by gailsacco (edited August 03, 1999).]

Gail, you're quite right. The Pit Boss can
be a friendly person if people just don't
regard them as an adversary. It tends to
reduce tension among players and the staff
as well.

Oh, by the way....would you tell whoever
manages that clock on th home page that it's
three minutes slow? [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

Dick 8/2/99