How to win at blackjack: (Strategy,
plan, tactics, method, system, technique.)
Unlike most other casino games, blackjack
is a game whose outcome is greatly influenced
by the player, right from the moment the
player cuts the deck of cards. The dealer
is practically like a robot. He follows set
rules and makes no decisions of his own.
There are three different approaches to
the game a player can take using three different
strategies:
1. Play blackjack as a game of luck using
money management only. Determine when to
call a card and when to stand irrespective
of what the dealer shows, apply a suitable
money management system like the Paroli system
and set appropriate profit and loss limits
for when to quit.
2. Use basic strategy. Follow the game
and take into account the dealers card to
determine whether to call a card or stand.
Apply a suitable money management system
like the D'Alenbert system and set appropriate
profit and loss limits for when to quit.
3. Card counting. This is not easy to
do and some casinos don't like it. If you
choose to play blackjack this way, it is
best to learn from the experts. There are
several books on sale that should teach you
how to go about it.
A note on card counting
The principle behind card counting is
that a deck of cards rich in tens and Aces
is favorable to the player, a deck rich in
small cards is favorable to the dealer. A
deck rich in tens and Aces, is likely to
bust the dealer more often.
To gauge the richness of the deck in high
cards or lack of them, the player needs to
keep track of the cards that are already
played and assign a point value to each card.
The calculation is quite complex, but basically
the card counter will give a plus point each
time the deck of cards becomes more favorable
and a minus point each time it becomes less
favorable. Basically, the high cards have
a -1 point and the low cards a +1 point and
the in between 0 point.
The counter then counts by adding and
subtracting points according to the cards
played and keeps a running total of the count
called 'running count'. Then he also needs
to divide the running count by the proportion
of the size of the deck of cards left to
get the 'true count'. Now he knows the relative
richness of high cards in the remaining deck.
A positive count is good and a high positive
count is best and the card counter will assess
his hand, the dealer's up card, weigh up
his options and intensify his betting accordingly.
To be a successful card counter you need
to have a powerful memory and fast reaction
while amassing information as you play. And
for what? If everything works out well, you
will be looking at a slow and tedious 1%
average profit. If you wager large sums of
money to make the 1% worthwhile, you are
likely to be noticed by the pit boss and
prompt frequent shuffling of the cards. Card
counting is hard, not liked by the casinos
and is not as rewarding as it may seem.
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