Which factor has a greater influence on card counting: favorable blackjack rules or deep penetration?
When it comes to blackjack, various factors can greatly impact the profitability of card counting. The rules of the table and what card counters call "dealer penetration" are two crucial conditions in the game. To maximize the expected value of your play, you need to find the optimal combination of these two elements while counting cards in blackjack. It's essential to consider both the blackjack rules and the level of dealer penetration in order to make the most profitable moves.
Before we delve into the topic, it is essential to establish clear definitions for the terms "good blackjack rules" and "good dealer penetration." Once we have a solid understanding, we can proceed with a brief examination to determine which factor holds greater significance in maximizing our potential for profits. As a blackjack enthusiast, my primary objective is always to enhance our financial gains.
Good Blackjack Rules
It is our preference for the dealer to stand rather than hitting on Soft 17, denoted by H17 or S17.
DAS, or doubling after splitting, is a crucial aspect of a player's strategy in blackjack. Picture this: you decide to split your pair of 8's, and luck favors you with a 3 to make a total of 11. Now, here's where DAS comes into play - you'd love to have the opportunity to double down on that 11. It's like having an extra chance to increase your potential winnings and turn the tables in your favor. So, having the option to double down after splitting can be a game-changer in blackjack, amplifying your chances of a victorious outcome.
I love when playing blackjack and I have the option to resplit aces, also known as RSA. It's thrilling to split a pair of aces and then receive another ace. In that moment, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to create a third hand by splitting that third ace. Resplitting aces enhances the excitement of the game and increases the potential for big wins.
I can help you with that! LS, which stands for Late Surrender, is a technique where players have the option to surrender their hand. By surrendering, you can give up your hand and receive half of your bet back without completing the round. This strategy is often employed when a player has a hand value of 16 and the dealer is showing a card with a value of 10.
There are many blackjack rule variations out there, and these are just a few of them. Let's assume that you're playing with the standard 3:2 payout for blackjack and that you have the option to double down on any two cards you're dealt at the beginning of the game.
In order to maximize your success in the game, it is advisable to adhere to certain preferred rules. Firstly, it is highly advantageous to play at a table where the dealer stands on Soft 17. This will increase your chances of winning as the dealer will be less likely to improve their hand. Additionally, it is beneficial to have access to the DAS (Double After Split), RSA (Resplit Aces), and LS (Late Surrender) options. These options provide you with more flexibility and strategic opportunities throughout the game. By incorporating these preferred rules into your gameplay, you can enhance your overall blackjack experience and increase your odds of coming out on top.
Good Dealer Penetration
In the world of blackjack, we often refer to "dealer penetration" as a way to describe the depth at which a dealer will deal into a deck or multiple decks before reshuffling. This concept holds great importance for card counters like myself. The level of penetration is determined by where the dealer chooses to place the cut card, and it can vary from one casino to another. When the cut card is deeply placed, it allows us to see a higher percentage of the cards in the shoe, granting us more valuable information to keep track of the count. Moreover, deep penetration leads to high counts occurring more frequently and lasting for a longer duration. While penetration may not hold much significance for players following basic strategy, for us card counters, the deeper the penetration, the more profitable the game becomes.
A casino with "good penetration" is one that shows 5 full decks out of 6 before hitting the shuffle card. On the other hand, a 6-deck game that deals 4 out of 6 decks is generally considered to have "poor penetration". If the dealer manages to deal 4.5 decks out of 6 before shuffling, it would be considered "average penetration".
Assuming the rules of the tables are similar, it is important to note that Casino B would be a much more profitable game for card counting compared to Casino A. This is due to the fact that Casino B deals 5 out of 6 decks before shuffling, while Casino A deals only 4 out of 6 decks before shuffling. It is crucial to consider this factor when deciding which casino to play at, as it can greatly impact the success of card counting strategies. So, if you're looking to maximize your chances of winning through card counting, Casino B is definitely the better choice in this scenario.
Which has a more significant influence: rules or penetration?
Many times, it boils down to this crucial decision: should I venture into a casino where they boast the most favorable rules, yet their penetration is lacking? Conversely, should I opt for a casino with unfavorable rules, but excellent penetration? Ideally, we would desire the perfect blend of both, but what if we find ourselves having to choose between the two? In order to make an informed decision, let's delve deeper into how different rules and levels of penetration can impact our overall performance.
Blackjack Dealer Penetration
In this analysis, we observe the varying profitability of three distinct sets of rules across four different degrees of market saturation. In order to maintain simplicity and consistency, I have deliberately chosen basic parameters for this demonstration. Specifically, I am utilizing a 6-deck game and implementing the widely recognized Hi-Lo card counting system. The rate of play is set at 70 hands per hour, with a total of 4 players seated at the table. Additionally, I have established an optimal betting ramp ranging from 1 to 10 units, and it is important to note that no back counting or backing out of negative counts is permitted. It is crucial to highlight that modifying any of these aforementioned parameters will inevitably have an impact on the resulting chart. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that the chart's appearance would also be altered if we were to analyze a single deck, double deck, or 8-deck game as opposed to the current 6-deck game.
Conclusion
Knowing the importance of game rules, it becomes crucial to assess the dealer penetration if you want to maximize your profits. When the rules are favorable, you can afford to be more lenient when it comes to the shuffle point. On the other hand, if the rules are just average, and the penetration is mediocre, you find yourself in a middle ground. The key takeaway here is that as a successful card counter, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the game's quality. Additionally, there are various other factors to consider in blackjack, such as the level of scrutiny you may face from the casino at different betting levels and with various betting strategies. In a future post, I hope to delve into these aspects in more detail. In the meantime, I trust that this clarifies the decision-making process between good rules and good penetration. Now, armed with this knowledge, head to the tables and start making some money!
Also Checkout:
BLACKJACK STRATEGY
BLACKJACK TIPS
Effective Techniques for Counting Cards in Blackjack
