BlackJack Tricks & Tips
Jun 11th, 2008 by ivnet
1. The Basics: Start with knowing your odds. From here on out, we will assuming that you are playing a no surrender/no double down table. Basically, this step works on any table whether it is a single deck or a show table. That is because it works simply based on odds.
Here is the method. Memorize the chart (click on image). The best way to do this is to get a friend and a deck of cards. Familiarize yourself with it ahead of time. Then practice your brains out until you know every single corner of the table. It looks intimidating but, it’s no harder than learning you times tables and even a 10 year old can do that!
2. Card Counting: Once you have MASTERED step 1, now it’s time to get real good. From here on out, do not play a table with a split shoe (also known as half-cut or the Big C), That means that they shuffle up 8 decks and then take 4 out. It ruins the odds. The more people that are at the table, the better.
Before we discuss betting, let’s look at ‘The Count’. Count in your head (I can see you counting! Knock that off!) starting at zero. Every time a 2 through 7 comes up, subtract one in your head. For an 8 or 9, do nothing. For a 10 through Ace, add one.
Now, every time a new hand is dealt, consult the number in your head. Ready to memorize another table? Consult this table to know how to bet. Your starting bet must be 4 times the table minimum. That means that on a $5 table, you start at $20. Your bets can be anywhere from $5 to $200. If you have to sit out, call someone on your cell phone so you can stay near the table (you will have to get up though) and count cards as they come up. If you have to go away, then you can either choose to stay and bet the table minimum or wait for a new deck to come.
Any time the cards are shuffled, start all over.
3. Dependant Play: Think your hot stuff? If you follow step 2 and you aren’t a good actor, you will get nailed and banned from the casinos. They will probably catch you if you are winning too. Here’s how to do it then.
Player 1: Play the table minimum. Follow the chart from table 1 to the T. Bet the table minimum or 2x that. No more, or this won’t work. Keep a good count. When the count gets to 6 or higher, signal the other player to take a seat. Come up with something good so the dealer doesn’t see you and do not let it be known that you know this person for the ENTIRE time that you are in the casino.
Player 2: When you see the signal, take a seat. Bet half the table max or a little more. Do not bet the max or it will alert the pit boss. Keep your bet 100% consistent until the dealer has made his way through the rest of the deck. Then take a walk. This person has a pretty easy roll so it is OK to have a drink with you (not too much though). That calms the dealer because usually card counters won’t drink at all.