Blackjack is one of the most exhilarating casino games of all time. The name involves a right bet, and big money for the winner. But can someone really make a living playing blackjack? Is it possible to make a living consistently betting on sports, horse racing, craps, etc. Yes, it is, but it’s not easy.
The house has the advantage over the players when the deck is shuffled. Even the best card counting system can’t overcome this playing the odds. The player has to play within the confines of the casino rules regarding dealers. When the deck is shuffled, the odds dramatically favor the house. The casino can’t have one of the few remaining decks be better than the other.
A card counter plays blackjack betting the table minimum and keeping all the cards they’ve been dealt. This way, they have less of an edge than the player in the game. The best bet in blackjack, then, is the bet on the dealer. Even though the deck is Rams, the dealer still has good cards. You win more money when the dealer has less cards, more than when he has a lot. This is known as making a proposition bet, or a running count. The proposition bet is the one time bet on the table that can give the player a dramatic advantage over the house.
Players who are good at blackjack can count cards without even seeing them. They know when the deck is rich in face cards (asers and face cards), and they shift their bets accordingly. Counting cards is really the only way to combat the house edge. Otherwise, the player is just playing his or her bet size, running the risk that the dealer will have a better hand.
Players can get an edge over the house by keeping track of the cards for as long as possible before leaving the shoe. For most people, this is too much hassle. But, for serious gamblers, the conditions can be perfect. By keeping a precise, meticulous track of the cards already dealt, the player can more accurately anticipation what cards remain. When they know the odds of getting certain types of cards (known as card values), the player can make better decisions in terms of when to stay and when to exit.
Card counting is completely legal, but it requires that the player perform basic counting in blackjack, which is a difficult task. Most players aren’t very good at this, though they can get fairly close. Counting is not as easy as one, so it’s best to practice first. Practice with paper money, and don’t over the course of a session. This is particularly important to beginners since they may be naturally more prone to make mistakes.
The best way to practice counting is to play at least one deck of cards, and then practice your skill at making the same exacting movements from hand to hand. Use this to build up your memory as to what the proper movements are for the various stages of the game. Once you are able to shuffle and deal accurately under pressure, then you are ready to try out the card counting.
The good thing about card counting is that it’s legal, but casino smoking rooms and casinos don’t want you to try it. If you live in Las Vegas or Atlantic City and you want the edge on that nice win, you’ll have to go to the track. card counting requires that the player be able to determine when there are more high cards than low cards. High cards are better for the player because the player gets paid more when he gets a blackjack (the ace and nine, king, and ten card). When the deck is rich in face cards, the dealer usually has a higher chance of busting the player.
Counting also requires that the player keep his emotions in check. If you let your emotions get the better of you, you’ll be at a greater disadvantage than if you can’t control your excitement. Counting becomes most difficult around the holidays, when everybody is exaggerating their holiday impressions, and the memory is short.
While counting cards is certainly one of the best strategies for beating blackjack at any casino, the player must remember that it’s still gambling. Nothing is guaranteed. Handicapping the outcomes is the best the player can do. When you learn the count, know when to hold a hand, and know when to fold, that’s the secret to winning big at Dewavegas.