Beginners Black Jack

Remember when Blackjack used to be a simple game of mathematics, betting against the house that your accumulation of cards wouldn’t exceed 21, while praying that the dealer would go bust? Well, times have changed in Blackjack’s world; it seems we’re in the last stages of the countdown. What does that mean exactly? With all the new technology; cell phones, PDA’s as well as MP3 players, the world is not Blackjack’s oyster anymore. Whether you’re gaming online or at a casino, Blackjack’s days are numbered, literally.

You heard the news back in February, right? The Nevada State Gaming board issued a warning about the iPhone card counting application and it was deemed illegal for use in that state. There are several devices available; however, they are not permissible for use in Gaming States. You can use your mind to count cards, you just can’t use any electric devices to count cards, and this includes any application you download to your mobile phone. Counting cards, keeping track of what cards have been played in the deck, is a way of increasing your odds of beating the house at blackjack.

Then there is what’s known as shuffle tracking, this is a method where a player tracks certain cards or a cycle of cards during a string of shuffles. This technique is used in conjunction with counting cards, again upping your odds of beating the house.  Bring out the ace, ace sequencing that is, and you’ve just upped your ante again. Ace sequencing is making the determination as to when an ace is going to be played; this is sister to shuffle tracking. When a player can determine that the first card obtained is an ace, strategically the advantage of having a strong hand is supported at 50.43%. Those are pretty good odds and the player can then raise the bet. Now let’s visit Card Steering, brother to shuffle tracking and ace sequencing, simply put card steering is a maneuver where the player knows where a specific card is located in the deck and uses this information to decide their next move; hitting or standing incorrectly or correctly.  It’s not such a simple game of mathematics anymore, is it?

Getting back to using your mind, but no other source to up your odds of winning blackjack, what about Blackjack psychology? This is very serious business, not to be taken lightly; it’s a well known science in blackjack’s world. Emotions, body language and facial expressions could reveal to other’s your lack of experience and knowledge about the game, thus, exposing your weakness. One must remain in control by training their mind to stay focused. Fear is another factor in the success or failure of blackjack, if you conjure negative thoughts of losing, or focus on the ‘what if’s’, you could very well lose control and that could cost you. What about the arrogant or conceited blackjack player? Being in this state of mind could cloud your judgment. Enjoy blackjack in the current moment, real time, if you focus on that last hit that cost you, surly you’ll lose control.  Blackjack psychology might be intimidating, counting cards, tracking, sequencing and steering cards would seem daunting to most…..

This brings us back to technology on the blackjack market. Right now you can purchase several devices to assist you with blackjack, whether it’s a strategies calculator, a Avalinxs 21 PRO Blackjack application, Apple’s iBlackjack,  WebTopia’s card counter or even a visit to MIT’s Blackjack VT site, which will teach you the aforementioned mathematical and scientific techniques, it seems as if Blackjack’s time will eventually bring down the house. With all of this technology available and changes in current gaming laws, the question begs to be answered; are we in the final countdown to the end of blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular cards games that can be won by players who are proficient in using the card counting techniques. Counting of cards, in blackjack, is one of the age old tricks to score an edge and turn the card game in ones favor. Numerous gadgets and devices have been invented to aid gamblers in this technique. Though card counting it is not considered as an illegal activity, but use of technology to count is definitely considered as illegal and against the ethics of the card game. The sophisticated iPhone card counting application available on the iTunes website is of great concern to the casino owners.

It all started when an American Indian run casino in California informed a casino in Nevada regarding the illegal use of a card counting application available in iPhone. The application in iPhone known as HiLo, can work in the most unobvious ways. It can be executed very stealthily, without alerting anyone in its proximity. The screen is usually shut when the application is in use and the player is alerted by vibration of the cell phone.  The application runs in an off screen mode. The user should be well versed in using the keys, as with a gentle tap on the virtual buttons, the application begins its execution.

Casino owners now realize that it is not only the competition in their business which they have to manage, but also handle blackjack cheaters using technology to make high monetary bets. It is difficult for them to detect the usage of technology, sometimes due to the miniscule size of the device and sometimes because of the stealth mode of execution. They need to roll out policies to control the use of card counting technology which is difficult, since it works in an oblivious manner. It becomes essential for them to have a suspicious approach towards players who are frequently seen touching their apparel. Even though possession of cell phones is considered legal in casinos, there are policies governing their usage. Casino owners are wary of players who stick their hands in their pockets. Strict action is taken in Casinos when any is found guilty of using cell phones.

Counting of cards in a blackjack game is an arduous task amidst the countless distractions in a casino. However, one can try and keep the card count committed to memory, but the use of sophisticated gadgets is not allowed. This technology aided card counting method can convert an average player into a card shark. The worse aspect of this entire scenario is that it is difficult to detect which players are using devices, due to the sophisticated features offered by most of them.

Various counteractive measures have been taken by casino owners such as automatic shuffling of cards with the help of electronic machines. Under the Nevada law, using a device in a legalized gaming center is an offence punishable by court of law. Offenders can be imprisoned for a period between one year to six years. The other alternative is a fine of $10,000 for first time offenders.

There’s an old rumor that playing single deck blackjack increases your odds of winning from multi-deck blackjack.  The problem with that rumor is that it isn’t true.  Single-deck blackjack pays offs around 6-5 whereas multi-deck blackjack pays higher odds.  But there is a lot of talk out there about the continuous shuffling machines introduced at blackjack tables in this century because the cards are recycled instead of being discarded, resulting in what some people refer to as an “infinite deck.”  Statistics show that because the shuffling speed is increased, the game speed is increased allowing a play to lose his/her money about 20% faster.

Casinos like the idea of using a continuous shuffling machine for blackjack whereas the players dislike the practice.  Casinos make some good points for the continuous shufflers citing fewer instances of card counting, speeding up the game by decreasing shuffling time, and reducing costs by using fewer decks of cards in the shoe.  Just a quick side note – card counting is not illegal; it’s simply not well-received by casinos because it purportedly gives players an advantage.  While casinos like using the continuous shuffling machines, the dealers have expressed their dislike for the machines because shuffling was considered “down time” for dealers mentally and now they get fewer breaks during the game.

The blackjack continuous shuffler works by mixing cards just played/used back into the shuffler with other unused cards.  It sort of randomizes the cards up and down and you never know when a just-played card might pop up with new cards.

Blackjack players feel as though the continuous shuffling machines (CSMs) reduce their odds of winning in a couple of different ways.  First, the speed with which cards can be shuffled increases the speed of the game and gives players less time to strategically make their bets and plays.  Other concerns by players concern what they consider as casino fairness.  To those players, anything that changes the basic outcome of the game may represent an ethical change in the fairness of expected odds. But challengers of that concern point out that by introducing card shufflers, the cards that surfaced to be played during a round of blackjack actually were more random than those hand-shuffled.  They argue that the CSMs actually improved the game.  There is a school of thought that the introduction of continuous shuffling machines turned the game into one less of strategy and more of luck.

There are some rumors out there that some players have figured out a way to “cheat” the system of CSMs by regaining the ability to count cards using something called micro-counting, but there’s not enough of evidence out there at this point to prove or disprove their theory.

There are also books and newsletters out there researching whether or not the use of continuous shuffling machines give casinos an edge against the basic strategy player and studies have also been performed to respond to critics.  The studies’ results showed only a slight change in results in using CSMs vs. hand-shuffling.

Can people really count cards to win at Blackjack?  Yes and no.  For card counting to be effective, it would involve playing thousands of hands over a long period of time.  There is really no chance that players can be certain about which card is going to come up next in the deck.  Really, it’s about the odds over a long period of time – it’s more about probability and less about card counting being predictive.

Blackjack is about getting as close as possible to 21, right?  Not really.  The main purpose is for the player to simply beat the dealer’s hand.  Standing is advisable depending on your own hand and the dealer’s card that’s showing on the table.

Does the dealer impact whether you win or lose?  Are they good luck or bad luck?  No, it all has to do with the choices made by the player.  The dealer is just the one dealing the cards and following the rules of the house and has nothing to do with the choices of the individual players.  There’s no such thing as the cards in the deck or the dealer being in your favor or against you.

You shouldn’t play at a table with inexperienced players because their bad decisions impact your ability to win, isn’t that true?  Not necessarily.  It really doesn’t impact the game because it all depends upon the individual decisions of the individual players. Sometimes the table wins, sometimes the tables loses no matter whether the players are experienced or inexperienced.

Another myth is that you can offset your losses or win by taking the insurance.  It doesn’t work.  Taking insurance while having blackjack will cost you 13% profit earned in each blackjack you draw. To be at a break even point with insurance is only possible when you will guess the cards one out every three times.

Some folks follow the myth that by hitting their own hand, a player might win the game.  In reality, though, by not hitting your hand, you could also win.  Basically, you just need to follow the guides that casinos provide in terms of when to hit and when to stay depending on what number you’re standing at and what card the dealer is showing.

One of the most popular myths is that players should assume take the strategy of assuming the dealer’s hold card is a ten or face card.  The fact is that there may be four times as many tens in a blackjack deck as any other card but there are still over twice as many cards that aren’t worth ten. Statistically, there is a 70% chance that the dealer’s hold card is not a ten.

The last myth we’re going to explore is the one that you have to be good at math to be successful at blackjack.  All you really have to be able to do is keep track of high cards and low cards and perform basic addition.

Blackjack and its multitude of styles the played are immense.  The offerings sometimes are like being in a candy store.  The choices come in every style and every flavor.  This is also true concerning the game of Blackjack.  We are going to talk about those styles.  We are also going to examine how the House has increased their odds against you.  We will talk about what to look for in a game.

There are many things that vary and change in every variation of the game.  It is of the up most importance to for the player to be on top of the rules.  This knowledge can result in being a successful player, or a loosing player.

So, with no farther delay, let’s turn you into an informed player.  Below, we are going to list the style of Blackjack.  We are not going to discuss all the rules of the games.  The whole purpose will be to touch on the different variations.  Having this knowledge increases your odds of winning.

•    Classic Blackjack

The origin of the game is in France.  The game originated around the 1700s.  The rules are: Single Deck, Ace and a ten value card amount to Blackjack paying 1.5 to 1,   Dealer must stand on soft 17, Insurance is half of players bet.  Here is the purest form of the game.  The rules are simple and not much to remember.  This style is probably your best bet to play.  The probabilities of odds being against the player go up with other variations.  If you want to make money this is the game to be in.  To qualify this statement I myself have seen fortunes come and go.  In the past, I was employed as a Blackjack Dealer.  This was my choice of play wager.

•    Multi Deck Shoe

The Game has all the classic rules.  Nothing much notable is worth commenting on concerning the rules of the game.  What is worth commenting on is that the game is a House game.  There are four decks in a shoe.  The game has many more combinations for the house to arrive at twenty one.  Your odds are impacted in a negative effect.  I have dealt the game to customers in Reno, Nevada.  Unless you’re a very lucky player.  I was taking your money for the house.  Beware of this style of Blackjack.

•    Casino House Variations

These are those variants that are imposed on the game of Blackjack, from the house.  The purpose is two fold.  The first purpose is to label the game as their (The Houses) game.  This gives them credibility with the uninformed. The second purpose is to separate you from your money.  I was a Blackjack Dealer for various Casinos’ in Reno, Nevada.  I can tell you I would attend gaming meeting with the casino I was employed by, to monitor and tactically figure out the best variants for House benefit.  Beware of these variants.  But if you just have to play the House game then know the rules well.  Study the game.

Well, as we come to the close of this article, I wish you good luck and fortune.  I hope that the information provided has been informative for you.  Make it your business to know the rules of any game you play.  Then, compute the odds of probability in your favor and wager accordingly.

Are you looking for some good money?  If you are somebody who doesn’t mind standing for long hours, enjoys the night life, loves to meet new people then perhaps becoming a blackjack dealer is right for you.  Learn the basics in becoming a blackjack dealer and be the best casino blackjack dealer that you can be.

The requirement in becoming a blackjack dealer depends and varies in every casino.  Although most casinos require those aspiring dealer to have attended a casino school, however there are some who don’t since they have their own dealer schools.  It is always the basic in becoming a blackjack dealer to apply in casinos, fill out the application forms and adhere to their requirements.  There is always a bigger chance of getting the job if you are previously employed in other casinos as a blackjack dealer.

There are some casinos that offer training classes to enhance the skills of their dealer which usually last about 2-3weeks depending on the casino’s policy.  There are also other casinos that try out their applicant’s abilities by letting them deal at the actual casino game.  By doing so, the casinos are able to test whether the applicant knows how to deal with people and most importantly, knows how to make his way in winning the game for the house.
Once you are hired, you must know that by becoming a blackjack dealer you have to work for long periods of hours and that your days off are not constant.  It means that your work schedule is not that flexible.  Again, this depends on the casino where you are hired to work.  There some casinos that let you work for 8 to 10 hours and sometimes you have to work overtime especially when the casino is full of gamblers and a bit short of dealers.

So how do you become the best dealer in blackjack?  Firstly, you need to have good counting skills.  Being able to count your cards and chips quickly and manage the bankroll gives you the edge against the players.  In short, you need to sharpen your math skills.  You also need to adhere with the house rules when you deal in blackjack.  Good inter-personal relationship with the players is also a vital part in becoming a good dealer.

If salary is the concern, Blackjack dealers don’t usually earn more than the minimum wage.  Real money comes mostly from the tips that the customers give.  There are some customers who are generous enough to tip the dealer with more than what is necessary while there are some who don’t.  That’s why you need to have good people skills.  The friendlier you are to the customers, the bigger chances of you getting a good tip.  A blackjack dealer could earn an annual gross income of at least $75,000.

In becoming a good dealer, you need to be careful about your gestures.  There are some players who are very watch full of the tells that you are giving out, as this could be very helpful on their part in getting their advantage to winning the game.  So as much as possible try to avoid common gestures like accidentally reveling your hole card or taking a quick look at the under card every time you have a paint card.

Also known as Twenty-one, Blackjack is by far the most played casino game all over the world.  Nowadays, this game is not only played at the kidney-shaped table of the casino but it can now be played right at the comforts of your own home online.  This game is very popular because, it’s not just all play.  It is a strategic game that requires a lot of thinking and counting.  Some greenhorns at this game think that by getting to twenty-one is already enough to beat the dealer of the house.  WRONG! It’s not that simple.  Again, Blackjack is a game that requires strategic analytical thinking skills like card counting, doubling down and or splitting.  So, how can one win at this tricky game?

Firstly, you must know that Blackjack is basically a two-player game, although many can join and play a single round of this game.  Remember that in blackjack, no matter how many players are there, your main opponent is the dealer of the game.  Forget about the other players, because it’s not like poker where you play against the players.

Secondly, make it a point to accrue total grand points higher than that of the dealer.  This is done by calculating the value of your cards.  Knowledge of the value of the cards that you’re holding is vital in wining the game blackjack.  The value of the cards ranging from 2 to 10 has the same value as what is shown on the face of the card itself.  While the Face Cards Jack, Queen and King are worth 10 points each.  Depending on the player’s choice, the Ace card could either be worth 1 or 11 points.  You goal here is to avoid ‘busting’ or going over 21.

Another is to manage your bank money wisely.  Bet only with as little as 1% of your funds. When betting at the game of blackjack, you need to decide how much you can afford to lose.  Never go for the ‘Hunting Losses’ technique where in you try winning back the money you’ve lost on the first round by doubling your bet on the second round.  Blackjack is not just a mere game of probability.  The strategy here is to take advantage by betting higher when you are winning and to bet lower when you are losing.

Blackjack is a game that requires attention to details especially when you are counting your cards or estimating the true count.  Never play the game when you think you’re having a hard time focusing and not mentally vigilant as this will only lower down your chances of winning.

The key to win is to through discipline.  Know your limitations.  If you think you are unlucky at the moment, better quit the game as early as possible before you loose more money.

If you are really looking forward to winning at this game, you need to master sharpen your blackjack skills by practicing some more.  Read some blackjack books and learn the strategies of counting.

Online gambling sites have been under fire in the last few years.  It has even gotten to the point to where 11 states have declared it illegal to gamble on these sites if you reside in one of those states.  The laws made it so that banks could not allow you to wire your funds out of your account for betting.  Now, it seems, the government is taking even more control.

On June 4th the government decided to freeze a total of $19 million dollars in the banks located in Scottsdale, Arizona and Los Angeles, California.  This money belonged to online poker players.  A warrant was issued in San Francisco at a Wells Fargo branch, and a prosecutor ordered an Arizona bank to immediately freeze the funds of an account holder.  In both situations, the banks obliged.   Since that time, 24,000 online poker players have been victimized by the government, with a total of over $30 million in frozen funds.

Representatives from the federal prosecutor’s office have been questioned and the Associated Press reported that the reason given for the federal seizures was that the people involved were either involved in illegal gambling or that there was evidence that money laundering activities were taking place.  The problem is that the funds that have been frozen belong to individual people that have not committed any crimes.  The general consensus is that if the government is suspecting online gambling websites of these illegal activities, their funds should be frozen and they should be punished – not the taxpayers who are doing nothing wrong.

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is a major lobbying group for the United States.  Their main purpose is to ensure that online poker playing citizen’s are not being victimized for acting within the confines of the law.  In an interview with Poker News Daily, a spokesperson from the PPA stated that the US government is claiming violations of the Wire Act of 1961 and the Illegal Gambling Business Act.

One of the biggest issues is that these actions from the federal prosecutor’s office in the Southern District of New York had no legal right to claim the allegations that were made, nor freeze the $30 million.  According to the PPA, the charges may not hold up in a federal court, if the formal charges are ever made, because the Wire Act was designed to deal with online sports betting.  Additionally, there are no laws in the State of New York against betting, let alone online poker betting.

An attorney for one of the payment processors for online gambling sites believes that these actions are in some way related to the World Series of Poker tournaments that started in late May.  It seems like a huge coincidence to many members of the online poker world, who are seriously reacting to this violation.  In any event, most of the online poker websites and their payment processors have reimbursed players who received bounced checks, and some are including bonus amounts to help repair the damage that has been caused.  As for the actions of the government, it seems that it is not happy with the levels of control that it has recently acquired of major companies like General Motors, so it appears to many people that this is just another way to make us all follow the same straight line.