2 Deck vs 6 Deck: Which Is Better for Blackjack?

[@robevans9942]

My local casino has a double deck game but the pen is 3/4 of a deck. It was definitely faster and my bets varied quickly. I'll need more practice before spending more time at double deck.

[@ScenesWithDean]

where is this at?

[@robevans9942]

@@ScenesWithDean Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, WV.

[@MaryJaneismyGF]

@@robevans9942 out at hollywood in grantville PA they only have 8 deck 3:2

[@billsmith2744]

@@robevans9942 yup 100$ minimums there and deck pen is poop. They also won’t let’s you vary bets over a 1-5 spread

[@adrianesmerio449]

I actually kind of like double deck, many dealers have helped me under their breath haaaa

[@trepan4944]

First time I ever card counted was a double deck, 3:2, with about a deck + 1/3 penetration. Made a few hundred bucks but I got hooked on counting

[@vishweshberia8917]

where was this?

[@trepan4944]

@@vishweshberia8917 El Cortez on Fremont Street in Vegas

[@ianandersen265]

In my experience, casinos pay much more attention to you on double deck, with the exception of low stakes players whose max bet isn't too high. So annoying! That is why gutsiness is key. KC from Inside the Edge had to limit his action to 15-20 minute sessions every shift, because the games were so lucrative.

[@danielturk497]

Lost $400 in 20 minutes my first time playing blackjack 10 years ago (vacation in NZ). Bought three books on the way home and did not return until I finished them. Made close to $2000 over my next 10 trips just using basic strategy. Man that felt good! 10 years later I’m learning that was also a bit of luck, card counting is legal and Colin can teach me? I’m F in!!! I will be signing up for the course. Thank you for all the free content. I hope to meet someday.

[@ambrose7196]

That's some great luck you had there

[@roscoebuns5264]

So glad you keep dropping videos!

[@rhpmike]

The other thing with a heads up shoe is that if you can play really fast, dealers can and do make mistakes. They go against you sometimes, so it's important to make sure you never miss those. But if you can play fast enough for them to make mistakes and all of the mistakes go against them, it does add a little to EV. It's surprising how often this happens.

[@DadeMurphie]

Are you helping cause the mistakes? I've seen players purposefully celebrate awkward losses and pushes as wins that cause the dealer to pay them out occasionally. Usually works best when there are a bunch of low cards out so the math is harder for the dealer and they think yeah it looks like a 19 when it's actually an 18.

[@davidhvacddc]

Lol good idea. Ill have to try this. Also YES dealers will make mistakes. Last night I split and doubled. The dealer tried to take my chips when i won. She was too busy talking. ​@@DadeMurphie

[@DadeMurphie]

@@davidhvacddc I watched a crew do this the first night of a temporary charity casino at a fair where most of the dealers were rookies it was working quite well for them. I made a bit just catching mistakes against me but saying nothing when they paid me out when they shouldn't have. I eventually got annoyed with the crew for pushing things too far and actually trying to argue and have cameras checked when a dealer didn't fall for their tricks. I put an end to it at my table and started calling out every attempt they made simply because they were now messing with how many hands per hour I could play. So just make sure you don't take things too far and ruin the game for others at the table or they might turn on you and protect the dealer.

[@davidhvacddc]

​Dang. I was thinking maybe try it on a big double down max bet once or twice if that. I'd hate to be backed off over a dumb idea lol. Also I don't think God would be too happy so I might be tempted once or twice at most haha. Good story by the way haha.​ @DadeMurphie ​@@DadeMurphie

[@stevenridenour1295]

I love HU 6D now. Favorite game to play. great video, as is the rest of the course!

[@joshnoles332]

Your thumbnails leveled up

[@redzwestisbest]

you have gotten alot better at doing these since this one.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

The aim is always to improve, whether its on the felt or on video haha

[@xXtoluca4lifeXx]

Thanks for doing your best on staying consistent with the monthly uploads. Great vid as always. Thanks colin👏🏽

[@guibox3]

"If it's just you and the dealer" Yeah. What sucks the most is that you could have 3 or 4 tables with nobody there and inevitably, like moths drawn to a flame, when you sit down, 2-3 people decide NOW is the time to sit at your table. So frustrating!! lol

[@thefinestfootage1757]

This annoys the hell out of me too. Often times at my Casino the Blackjack tables can be dead. So when I get to the tables, all of the tables have a deck that's halfway played and the dealers don't shuffle. So I'm just losing EV playing basic strategy trying to get to the reshuffle. Then the moment I do, the ploppies come. Recently I've gotten better at telling people "Hey I've lost a lot of money, can I have this table to myself so I can try to win back my money? There are several other tables that are also open." And I haven't had any backlash yet.

[@danielyuan9862]

@@thefinestfootage1757 you can count mid shoe too, ya know. Starting to count cards at the start of the shoe and counting cards from the middle of the shoe makes no difference. Just divide the running count by the number of decks with unknown cards to get the true count.

[@thefinestfootage1757]

@@danielyuan9862 This is horrible advice. You mathematically have a better edge by playing Basic Strategy over assuming the count is neutral when you jump in. Imagine the scenario where it's it's 6 deck shoe. You're not there to see it but all the face cards come out within the first 3 decks. Then you get to the table and start counting and notice a whole whack load of low cards. So you think the count is really good, but actually it's not. All your deviations and bet spread will be highly inaccurate.

[@buttecake]

@@thefinestfootage1757 additionally, if you come in a 6d with 3 decks left it is likely that they will shuffle with 2 decks or so. so your penetration will be shite

[@Cowtymsmiesznego]

@@thefinestfootage1757 The only reason why it's bad to start counting mid-shoe is that you're getting worse deck pen. As long as you include the cards you haven't seen in the true count calculation, there is nothing technically wrong with it.

[@ianandersen265]

I personally stick to the shoe games. Easier to stay under the radar, and more room to camouflage my bets.

[@stevenbridges]

I get to actually comment on your videos now without worrying about giving away that I count. 😂 Yeah I wished I'd tried double deck earlier! Once you get the hang of the whole face-down thing it's great! My favourite game is a Vegas game where they deal double deck from a shoe face up. So nice. 😃

[@Gizmo_-]

was just in Vegas last week. What casino was dealing that?

[@ajvaronos5916]

@@Gizmo_- Green Valley Ranch and New York New York have face up. My home Casino Morongo has face up double deck too. Double deck is the best

[@texasrebel7754]

@@ajvaronos5916 What do these double decks pay out on a blackjack? 6:5 or 3:2? Thanks.

[@ajvaronos5916]

@@texasrebel7754 They pay 3 to 2 the thing is tho is they only do 50% deck penetration so its kinda hit or miss.

[@LalitDevraj]

Steven, I binged watched your videos so much that I literally learned about Colin through your first time in America in Vegas- KZbin is legit full circle haha

[@texasrebel7754]

I don't even bother with single deck anymore unless I'm alone or with 1 other player. 6:5 is bad enough; as Colin said, if you're only getting 3 rounds max per deck, the cards don't vary enough most of the time to make it worth your while.

[@amaziahyaohsharal9840]

I love your channel man, I’m learning so much. Thanks for exposing casinos. I’m putting my time in and taking card counting seriously. I will be the Batman and the Casino is Joker 🃏, I’m taking them down!

[@1967Camaro]

Hey BJA team, here’s a very important question. What is considered good deck penetration on a 2 deck and on a 6 deck game? What is considered fair penetration, and when is it not worth playing? Most of the local spots around here have double deck cut down the middle, which I think is pretty weak. There aren’t any 6 deck games around here. However, I play in Vegas and there’s lots of options there, so I want to plan accordingly and find games with good or at least fair penetration. I know El Cortez cuts its double deck right down the middle and backs people off (I’ve been backed off there). I think Plaza goes beyond the middle of its double deck. Not sure about the Station casinos. Can anyone chime in? Specifically for green chips (no need to mention MGM properties, as I’m flat bet there, so I can only Wong those games.)

[@T-Vegas]

Yes, I've seen a rise in places not allowing mid shoe entry, or else limiting you to minimum bet. Single or double deck is much better.

[@texasrebel7754]

Was at a casino last month where if you sit down mid shoe you can only bet the minimum until the next shoe. So I just wait 'til the next shoe. Single deck I don't bother unless it's just me or one other person; every double deck game I've seen so far has a $25 minimum, which is outside my zone of comfort right now.

[@T-Vegas]

@@texasrebel7754 in Las Vegas there's a lot of $10 double deck minimum games, but you can also find a couple places that are $5. It's slowly been getting more reasonable

[@abrahamgarcia9753]

@@T-Vegas can you tell me where?

[@alwillk]

@Tvegas Jerry’s nugget has $10 double deck and some of the station casinos will have $15 double deck. Santa Fe or Boulder.

[@russlehman2070]

Last time I was in Reno, there were still some single deck 3:2 games, but they mostly allow doubling on 10 and 11 only. They can still be profitable, but have a fairly high house edge for basic strategy. In single deck, I think it's adviasable to side count aces, and avoid betting big if the high low count is high, but no aces are left in the deck.

[@MoshiASMR.]

Where were you? GSR?

[@segalliongaming8925]

These single-deck games are good for card counters who use the Hi-Opt 1 strategy and keep a side count of Aces. Hi-Opt 1 also has the advantage of being able to vary basic strategy based on the true count (e.g. standing instead of hitting on 16 vs. dealer 10 if true count is positive).

[@TheIbney00]

@@MoshiASMR.GSR has good double deck games. Sounds like he’s talking about the Alamo. If you want the best single deck in town though it’s boomtown. They are a sweatshop though.

[@johnathoncuratolo4573]

Where? I live in Reno and been to Atlantis, Peppermill, Cal Nevada and never been stopped from doubling

[@Anthony99]

Hey Collin! Just wondering if you have a video that discusses any statistical advantages to running 1 or more numbers of shoes? I.e I walk up to an empty blackjack table, how many boxes is it best to play? Is 1 box the same odds as 3 boxes? Thanks in advance! Love your work…

[@EricSmyth2Christ]

I read your book, it was awesome!

[@terranloudenback2102]

Hey Colin, could we get more David and Dusty videos? Keep the awesome content up!

[@ianmiller5689]

another thing with DD, atleast its like this in cali, but if you play a hand on a new shoe and sit a hand, you cant jump back in, you gotta sit till the end of the shoe

[@MurderMostFowl]

I don’t card count accurately, but I still keep an approximate count in my head. Stupidest thing I used to do was not trust that count when it went far negative… I knew I should get up and get out but I felt guilty in a way and stayed. They allowed surrender and I figured that was enough to get me through most dry spells..nope.

[@DadeMurphie]

well why would you trust something that isn't accurate? Just make it accurate.

[@emmanuelvacakis4463]

If you play a shoe game heads up, you must play several hands at the beginning of the shoe with a casino advantage all the time. If you play the same shoe game with a full table, the second hand might even yield a player advantage

[@MX-CO]

I went to a casino last night, (boomtown) and played single deck $10 table. I was winning and the table was doing well. And in the middle of a shuffle after the dealer delt the first hand and busted (again) the pit boss came over and took the cards! Didn’t even let he finish the deck, and put in New cards and then I lost and so did everyone else in the next 15 minutes. In hindsight I should have left! Anyone ever seen things like this happen????

[@pattmahiney]

I've been wondering about this a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Glad it was helpful!

[@terrencemcgee9103]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship very informative

[@Rumsfeldthe3rd-vj9pv]

How about electronic black jack with a computer Dealing your hand can I trust the casinos?

[@Walt-eb4xk]

I've notice that you said negative counts are bad. My strategy is to ADD another hand in when negative. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander (dealer, player). In theory on negative counts player hits using up low cards so when plus cards starts you have two hands already established. I have won big hands on negative counts. i learned this by accident. In the beginning I would Add a hand when positive and the dealer would have blackjack or larger hands. Better results, but only drawback is it expose you as a cc. so hit them quick and leave.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

You have negative EV during negative counts - we want to play negative counts as little as possible and bet more when we are generating EV in positive counts. Short term anything can happen with variance, but in the long run you are sacrificing equity by playing it backwards.

[@Walt-eb4xk]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship In my experience playing bj you have more negative counts and to manipulate those plays is risky but an advantage.The advantage is to have 2 hands set up when positive counts starts. I'm not a statistic man but seems like winning both, push vs. losing both are favorable plus the small advantage of using up small cards. I always remember What good for the goose (player) is good for the gander (dealer). If it's negative for the player it's negative for the dealer.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Big cards are better for the player than the dealer and small cards are better for the dealer than the player, that's why you gain an edge in positive counts and have have negative equity in negative ones. We play and train based solely on the math and the long run, not opinions or feelings or how things seem.

[@Walt-eb4xk]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship In the long run most of the time you have more negative counts than positive counts. REgardless what the dealer have, do you hit on negative counts? It's risky but I'm trying to use up negative cards so when positive cards starts I will have Two hands established vs. dealer one.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Decks are all 0 so in the long run you're time spent negative or positive is running towards even at all times as well. We're also playing basic strategy at all times, with deviations based on the count when necessary. How APs approach negative counts can range from playing through them to sitting them out depending on the situation but it's never add a second hand because you have -EV and that's not when we want more money on the table. The equity comes in the long run from minimum bets when we don't have an edge, like 0 and negative counts, and much larger bets as we gain more edge in positives.

[@jayfromaz]

I don't play blackjack. But I like watching. At one casino they were using six decks, a shuffling machine, hand shuffling also, double cut card, and not going past around 50% into the six shoe deck before starting the shuffling process again.

[@stoned3174]

I like to know what position you prefer I also notice in multiple players sometimes there is a person winning large number of hands Like a guy on middle position or 3rd base Or any position And I in first base get 13 or 16 often and on a bust streak So I move or add a hand I have found moving seems to not work For example I’m beat for many hours Could not win a hand for 5 or more hours I play minimum Then I finally get up A guy sits in my seat Wins every single hand for hours Cannot lose a hand Wins huge This happens often I had a great friend who tell me to be patient Will come back to you He was a counter And my tax accountant I really miss him He would play many hours We had such wonderful time He rarely lost

[@joe-iv6ng]

Good videos agree but Id say more that basic strategy allows you to remove guessing and maintain composure knowing that even though you lost 4 times in a row doubling on 11 your going to win in the end and therefore mindset is most important BC it equalls gameplan practice composure

[@MX-CO]

I went to the casino yesterday with $60 and played 6 deck blackjack, betting mostly $10 occasionally $20 and left with $300 😊 I'm not sure if I was good or got lucky though, played for about 3 hours

[@michaelbrown1627]

Hard rock Tampa has double deck. Anyone know if it is a good game?

[@terranloudenback2102]

Learned Blackjack today and am starting to learn basic strategy! Day 2: Was only able to practice for an hour today, but it's already coming to me!

[@NeighborhoodStreetrat]

Okay Rain Man

[@christophercarlone9945]

How's the practice going?

[@lukekrogmeier1900]

If I could post gifs on KZbin I would post Zack Galifianakis from Hangover.

[@buttecake]

I need to know how the training is going

[@sourie821]

Stay away, trust me

[@russlehman2070]

Regarding two deck pitch being slower than shoe: True if there are other players at the table, especially players who are not accustomed to pitch games. But if you can get heads up with a fast dealer, you can really crank out the hands.

[@MondoLeStraka]

@5:20 You mentioned a 2D is slower than a 6D at 100 hands/hr. However, since they are both playing at 100 hands/hr. aren't they the same. I understand that 2D is slower than 6D but if they are playing at 100 hands/hr. aren't they the same?

[@Solitude47152]

Can you do a video on Casino stocks? When to hit, stand or double down.

[@Sandman29]

I was wondering how significant it is in a pitch game that you can’t initially see everyone’s cards during a round. So the count could go from .T1 to T-1 or there could be a deviation to play but you wouldn’t know. Specially for someone who doesn’t have the bankroll to play through neg counts. Thanks.

[@Walt-eb4xk]

Some casinos in the South (Southland, Oaklawn) turn cards up like a shoe game Or play two hands head up against the dealer ,

[@DadeMurphie]

That's a good point. You have no choice but to assume it's a neutral distribution. I wonder if this limitation was built into the simulation software they ran. The Vegas Advisor guy says not enough cards are dealt in double deck to matter but I find that suspect. Sitting in the last spot on a pitch game and having other players turn over their cards before it gets to you might be advantageous.

[@Minimish28]

Hey Colin, I'm fairly new to card counting, I'm from Ontario, Canada and I'm almost convinced all the casinos in the province are 6:5 BJ and using an ACS. If it's not very likely I'm heading to the US to play shoe games down there, should I even bother learning to count cards?

[@RezidueWithaZ]

Shoutout from Hamilton ON haha

[@RezidueWithaZ]

Shoutout from Hamilton ON haha

[@geoffpearce889]

Getting into the long term with blackjack can take thousands of hands before you emerge as a player who is making a profit. Others may have a dream run and make a profit from the start with little fluctuation. If you can’t put in the 1000s of hands necessary to get into long term, then although you may play a winning game, you may go through a long losing streak and give up the game.

[@HQBanger]

6:5 is extremely hard to over come. it’s the number one rule to avoid. I’d imagine you could gain a small edge with great pen, SUR, DAS, S17, etc but it’s likely they wouldn’t have all the other rules necessary to even try. Even if all the other conditions were excellent you’d probably have to recalculate when to raise your bet, typically the house edge is gone after a T1 but in this case I’d image it would be between T2 or T3. I’ve heard of people beating 6:5 but it’s rare even in the world of AP.

[@tommygirl6659]

@@RezidueWithaZshoutout from Brantford ON. Seneca, right across the border has great games, mostly 3:2, any double, splitting up to 3 hands, double after splitting.

[@danteradigonda8382]

Colin, in the state of PA there is only one casino nearby that is an hour away compared to another that is 3 hours away. I go to the one that is closest though it is an 8 deck shoe. I have noticed they usually cut off 1.5 decks. Is it worth playing? Or should I travel further for a 6 deck shoe.

[@joe-iv6ng]

I've progressed past counting I went to Patterson's school he was on ken ustons team he said I learned to count in the early eighties but was never on a team I play alone but just use another method using a basic strategy of robotic consistently but I believe I have read every book system and have 40 years experience and mindset is key to Blackjack and or any gambling practice patience bankroll money management emotional control all under mindset the count can be helpful but it's not absolute

[@yelgabs]

Only table in our casino that doesnt have CSM are double deck bj. Thanks for the video!

[@DrRyanWexler]

Another video about a very recent question of mine. Timing was very apropos with this one

[@zachwilcox1364]

Do you have a videos on strategy differences playing 4 deck shoe.

[@loumismazot394]

I wonder what do you think of Spanish 21, it has some adventeous rules like instant blackjack psy without insurance or when you hit your 21, surrender but less 10s?

[@douglasstobie9653]

Hey Colin, I have a question. Recently I have been trying to get more familiar with the casino setting and trying to count(Very low stakes). Is it worth it to sign up for the rewards system or is that giving up too much information to the house about who I am?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Typically not worth it.

[@tmtmtlsml]

I would say it depends how much value you place on the comps you would be getting if, in a worst-case scenario, you do get backed off. I'm a regular at a couple small, locals-only places, but play lower stakes there and don't get much in the way of rewards (why would I use hotel stays when I live less than an hour away?). However, I still get emails containing free resort stays, free concerts, and free meals at nice restaurants at casino/resorts from out-of-state casinos I've been backed off from, which I absolutely use. That being said, I was playing considerably higher stakes at those locations. The tl;dr is that if you value the comps more than the opportunity to play at that casino (and other casinos that are owned by the same group), then it might be worth it for you, although at low stakes, they'll take a while to build up. If the blackjack is all you care about, then give them as little information about you as possible.

[@donarteilacas1294]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship I like double deck but you have to play to see the cards, you cannot backcounting llike the shoe game

[@Joelsayshello]

I've looked up if basic strategy charts change when there are multiple decks but I can't figure out how they change.

[@jackr1313]

Hey Colin is it possible to count cards in double exposure blackjack? Haven’t heard anyone talk about it. House edge is .67% and I’m intrigued to see if it can be beat

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Different strategy. If I recall correctly, Wong has a chapter on it in Professional Blackjack.

[@crondawg101]

Why is any blackjack game ever dealt face down? Is there some advantage about seeing the other cards?

[@kuangtien3980]

Prevents cheating by players when they're not allowed to touch the cards. If groupings of low or high cards come out in following rounds of each other , then chances are the opposite groupings are likely to follow ......what type of cards are remaining in the shoe or decks .

[@crondawg101]

@@kuangtien3980 But they are allowed to touch the cards in games that are dealt face down. What is your point?

[@kuangtien3980]

@@crondawg101 In single deck where players cards are dealt face down , and other players don't show their cards to you , your making decisions to hit or stand with less information , where as in face up show b.j. you can see the flow of the cards and use that information to make your decision. I deal b.j. at an Indian Casino .

[@jordytucker1070]

If you’re playing with KO counting strategy you automatically start in a negative on a shoe game right? My casino doesn’t allow raising bets if you come mid shoe. My question is would you still play shoe using ko strategy without wonging in or out?

[@zachsmith8109]

In the KO book they recommend wonging out at certain negative counts that are below the initial running count based on how many decks have been dealt. Also, if you wong in at a positive count, it doesn’t matter that you can’t raise your bets necessarily, you will still be winning more often then losing, so over time you will still make money even if you bet the minimum. Obviously you’d need to wong out if the count goes negative but it’s still an option. Wonging is pretty tough in today’s environment IMO

[@joe-iv6ng]

I don't play single or double bc they deal from the hand not a shoe I'm positive that Vegas was dealing seconds in the early days when I began in1978 I like 8 with a deep cut because runs last longer negative counts I've even won sometimes

[@jameskarnes543]

I was playing blackjack just for the fun of it. I noticed someone sitting watching the game after a while he sat to the left of me and started playing. All of sudden I started losing. So I left. When I got up; to go he was asking, the air, more than anything else. What did I do, What did I do. I don't know what that was all about but maybe you understand what was happening

[@88KeysIdaho]

I'd love to hear Colin's perspective on Single Deck in Jackpot, NV. $5 Min. Potentially the best BJ in the US- the ploppies are too enamored with the Side Bet- Royal Match.

[@noskpain2792]

The 5 min sounds nice What are the rules? The casinos near are all 10-15 these days

[@88KeysIdaho]

@@noskpain2792 Double on any 2 cards, no Double after Split, S-17

[@christophercarlone9945]

@@88KeysIdaho Nice. Sounds like a good game. What's the table max? Is there mid shoe?

[@88KeysIdaho]

@@christophercarlone9945 Table max is $200. It's single deck, so Mid-Shoe isn't a thing, lol. But, no worries about entering mid-deck, either; other than it would be kind of rude for the other players (It's easy enough to buy in, when the dealer shuffles every 5 or six hands (depending on how many players)).

[@russlehman2070]

@@88KeysIdaho Single deck with those rules is very close to no house edge for basic strategy. Counting it, even with a pretty small spread should be great.

[@KestrelForever]

Honestly I don't understand why casinos don't just get tables set to flat bets, or something where they can't go more than 2x or 4x the minimum. Is it that impactful to how much people will bet?

[@rexrandolph1528]

I was playing $10.00 min bet blackjack at Westgate casino in Las Vegas and I seen my chance and went all in and drew a blackjack. The dealer said so your counting cards, and the pit boss would not take his eyes of of me after that big play. The casino really does not want to loose.

[@NovaHDPvP]

The count could be incredibly high, and you would still never go all in. Counting cards doesn’t guarentee you a blackjack or else we’d all be filthy rich.

[@rosegran949]

Great information, thank you

[@cornellirons5348]

What are your thoughts on automatic shufflers??? I don't like them. Something about recirculation cards.

[@DadeMurphie]

unbeatable, never play them

[@fsujavi16]

1:28 What is CVCX?

[@skyedge3407]

6 deck by far. Reason being its much easier to count someone on a single deck. Have to wait for the shuffle on a shoe which gives the counter more time to work.

[@mnfarmerfarmer3600]

what's a "round of blackjack " mean?

[@gerardoblvd]

What if the casino burns a random number of cards based off of the first card in the shoe. Is it still worth counting?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Sure, we discuss that more in depth here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWmmgaZ5madsbac

[@gerardoblvd]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship ah I see nicely explained man thanks.

[@christopheratrash8114]

Sorry all subject but having problems dividing negative numbers with positive numbers and he suggestions. Please help if you can. Thank you

[@scottmoseley5122]

whoa ...there is a lot of terminology here us newbies don't get. What do card counters do right after the shuffle? at what point do you start raising your bets (obviously when his 1+ but after what point of the deck has been dealt. Isn't that an obvious giveaway you are counting?

[@areynolds1990]

Do you think using whole deck devisors is perfectly fine instead of half deck when it comes to shoe games? Obviously you need to use half deck devisors for double deck.

[@joe-iv6ng]

I'd like to ask you what you say to the person sitting next to you who asks you what to do I don't really like talking at the table so what do YOU say?

[@stoned3174]

In other words please point me to your video that addresses your choice of positions And Do you play heads up Do you play 1 2 3 hands Do you change it up If given the opportunity To play heads up Play 3 handed 2 Or 1 I find myself at an advantage playing 3 hands Or one hand Heads up

[@noskpain2792]

Hey guys. Is it worth it to play if the casinos near me require ante to play. It sucks living in Texas and Oklahoma is nearest. The other casinos would be in Louisiana and that's a 3 hour drive

[@DadeMurphie]

Nope, don't play it.

[@the.tricky.outdoorsman]

How do I sign up for this course? Is there an online course? How much is it?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/features/

[@danpatterson9650]

Here is my question; In a six deck game if the dealer didn't bother shuffling at the end of the shoe but, just mixed in the un-played cards in their usual way, put the whole bunch back in the shoe and started dealing...would this change the players mathematical expectations vs a random shuffled shoe?

[@jacoballen6099]

Yes. Imagine if you only draw face cards (discard is all face cards). Instead of shuffling you just put those back on top. Now for a while you can only possibly draw face cards.

[@jasoncoryell2369]

Why did Vegas casinos stop pitching cards at single/double deck games? I only see these games dealt from a shoe now

[@suhaasravi258]

Tell me can we do that same instead with 6, 6 and 1 for positive negative and neutral cards

[@BadMonBuck]

If I join mid game do I just play until the new shoot comes out or just wait till the new shoot. And then the true number do we always divid the running count every hand???

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

You would be better off joining at new shoe just so there is less unknown information and you'll be seeing all possible cards or even better backcounting for a few hands before you sit down, that way you can choose to start playing when the count is favorable. The true count is always the running count/the decks left - Generally you can just eyeball the discard try and for example adjust when it looks like it goes from 2 decks to 3 decks in the discard tray.

[@jamespappas3366]

I don't mind the shoe if the rules are right. I kind of prefer it. One thing that I do like is no mid shoe entry as people coming and going disrupt my play sometimes. Also, with single or double deck, no surrender, not being able to double on certain soft hands and 9 make the game less of an advantage in my opinion. I used to like double deck but the tightening of the rules make it much less appealing.

[@donaldcronin3015]

Talking to a boss who's retired.. "why do you think it's offered"?

[@MAK0517]

if you are on a double deck - one-on-one - it seems like you must play through the negative counts. i do not understand how one can walk or stop playing if there is only you or even one other player - seems like it would be too suspicious and being ID'd would happen sooner. any one have any suggestions? thanks!

[@tmtmtlsml]

Don't overthink it. Just head to the restroom. Are the supervisors going to call you out for having a small bladder or something? It's true you run the risk of getting back to the table and they haven't shuffled, but if you're gone for 5-10 minutes, they probably will. And on the off-chance someone does make a mention of your frequent potty breaks, just say you're diabetic. It's kinda sleazy, but it'll stop them inquiring further

[@sanfranciscobay]

@@tmtmtlsml Tell them your phone is buzzing and you need to answer all calls and walk away from the table and put your phone to your ear and pretend like you're taking a call.

[@TheTeacherUSC]

Play two hands to change the cards. If you win both hands or even split the hands, you at least changed the cards. Then, wait for the next shoe and see how the first hands play out.

[@howkriv]

@@sanfranciscobay Just make sure your phone works in the casino. In large steel buildings there may be not reception. Make a quick test while scouting he games.

[@4QWzbaxSzUAq9]

Hi colin... im using casino verite and am wondering what the play count means ... Ive got a support ticket entered with qfit... but cant find any info on the play count thanks ... from a future subscriber

[@Antonio_Tennis]

Ok, so I have a question if anybody can answer. How often do I convert to true count? Would I do it every deck? Or every hand? Or do I keep the running count in the back of my head and convert every hand or every deck?

[@stevenhelgason8190]

The true count(TC) is an estimated figure, but also estimatable with reasonable accuracy. In reality, it is seldom a whole number. Betting and playing decisions occur when that estimated TC exceeds a certain level. Of course it goes without saying to always keep the running count. With me, the true count is a continuous fraction going on in my head at all times, with the running count as the numerator and the estimated remaining decks as the denominator, with the denominator continuously shrinking as the shoe continues to play out.

[@kenbagwell8551]

You need to be doing the RC and TC every hand. Hard at first, Gets easier over time.

[@kensmith8492]

I find little value in bothering to calculate the TC if the RC is negative. Only when it reaches the point where it's time to take a break and let the ploppies eat up the remainder of that negative shoe. The point is, whether the TC is -1/2 or -2 you're still betting the minimum (or hopefully 0 if you're on a break). Of course when the RC is positive I calculate the TC every hand so I know how to adjust my bet and play accordingly.

[@mikecara3271]

TC is really true only half way thru

[@akllls617]

How do you find out all these things ? Like how much they dealing how much they cut off ? Do I just ask ?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

It's just practicing by eyeball estimation. We have some deck estimation drills on our website that use real pictures of casino cards: www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/features/

[@akllls617]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship okay awesome appreciate it will definitely check it .. we only have encoré as a local casino and other Ones are at least two three hours away and it sucks cause encoré only has 8 deck shoes with 6 to 5

[@88KeysIdaho]

I primarily play SD or DD. But are there shoe games with LESS than 6 decks? Is 6 decks the minimum that casinos use in a shoe game?

[@kensmith8492]

4D shoes exist but are extremely rare. Keep in mind that SD and DD are counter traps. In my humble opinion, 6D is best, all rules being equal. But sometimes 8D may have better rules than 6D and the slight disadvantage of the extra 2 decks may be offset by an improvement in rules.

[@mitsos_bak]

Hello to all gamblers! my question is if you have a true count for example +3 and then a cut card comes up and the dealer shuffles the deck..do you still keep this true count or you go back to running count with zero? Thanks!

[@pedro_10_vieira]

The deck shuffle 'resets' the game so you should fo back to 0 I think

[@josephfrechette9916]

The count starts over like it's a brand new game.

[@madchino421]

Can someone tell me what "heads up" means?

[@chicchacchula]

Just you against the dealer with no other players at the table. Heads up vs the dealer

[@adrianesmerio449]

Colin, can the app allow 3 or 4 hands 😭 sometimes I get a bit wild haha

[@oscarsuarezgonzalez403]

when you are playing single deck the running count is the same as the true count right?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

correct!

[@gagnonchris2972]

Please let me know where can i find hand shuffle blackjack casino in asia

[@Gabrisavl]

Hello thanks for the videos, how many decks would you suggest a non card counter just using basic strategy to play? Thanks again

[@tmtmtlsml]

If you aren't counting, then it really doesn't matter too much since no matter what, you'll be on a losing game. If you're trying to get used to a casino atmosphere or otherwise just trying to get used to the environment, I'd recommend a shoe game. You can see all the cards and the other players' motions and mannerisms to learn to better blend in with them, and the stakes are typically much lower so you won't lose as much

[@ralphweber2522]

Love your videos! What’s EV?

[@kuangtien3980]

Expected Value .....positive or negative.....profitable or unprofitable play in the long run if repeated .

[@gideonbird7099]

Question; is it standard to ask how many decks are being used in the sleeve at a casino, or do you have to work that out yourself? Is it a giveaway to ask the dealer how ,any decks are being used?

[@notaname8140]

Best bet would be to phone the casino beforehand and ask about the rules, they probably won't have a problem telling you how many decks are used, they won't tell you the penetration though

[@gideonbird7099]

@@notaname8140 Thnks for the advice. Been studying for around 4 months and have a bunch of logistical questions like this

[@SirJoelsuf1]

Nah you can ask the dealer or pit boss. Most of em don't care.

[@RJones-jc3xd]

This must be for LV - not Indian casinos in CA. They are all 4 or 6 deck shues with auto-shuffling and removing all cards after every deal.

[@rickyzstf7240]

Man I know my comment is late but Atlantic City Harrahs has double deck but it pays 6:5 I just wanna know why it’s not worth it.

[@kensmith8492]

You don't gain an advantage in a 6:5 game until about TC +2, and the TC is +2 or higher 21% of the time. In other words, 79% of the time you're playing at a disadvantage. Very difficult to overcome that. 6:5 is not really blackjack, it's just a game that looks like blackjack. Avoid at all costs.

[@SirJoelsuf1]

@@kensmith8492 You don't gain an advantage...EVER in a 6:5 game, ESPECIALLY if the True Count is +2 or better. Cuz how much EV are you going to yield from a blackjack then? Like 2%?

[@capitaniodino4978]

Can we caunt the card with sm?

[@billwhoberry5442]

Dumb question but what stops a player from taking more cards after they bust on a dd pitch game

[@schmushenmush]

I’m pretty sure if this happens, the dealer will reprimand you, call over the pit boss and explain what happened. If it happens again, you’re likely to get kicked off the table. I’ve never actually seen it happen, it’s just what I think would happen.

[@brandonlang9863]

Does basic strategy change with 2 deck vs 6 deck?

[@krazyzyko]

No.

[@madisondaniel3061]

Hey Colin. Been watching your videos and have really enjoyed the content. Thinking seriously about a membership but wasn't sure if casinos in central Florida were worth counting in. Any experience in this area?

[@maximusfrank2835]

Make $200-$300 every time I play double and loose $200-$300 every time I play 4+ decks. I count well enough and the difference I’ve found is a true positive count in double is potent, bringing in good money. A true positive count with 4+ decks doesn’t really equate to much and I find myself often getting bad hands while the dealer grabs the tens… any one else have different experiences?

[@MX-CO]

I think it makes a big difference if you happen to sit down at a table with a hot dealer. Either watch for a bit and find a dealer that is busting. Or be prepared to walk away quickly! Personally, I quit 100% after 4 back to back losses. I've found that if the dealer is hot and making their hands, it doesn't change or at least not fast enough. It goes in streaks. If they're hot their hot, and if they're not, they're not! I haven't found much difference on the number of decks personally. But I absolutely will not play at a continuous shuffle table. If we all adopt that rule, maybe they will go away!

[@maximusfrank2835]

@@MX-CO If you believe that dealers get hot then I’m assuming you believe in the butterfly effect? Why not take a bad hit or stand to try to throw off the composition?

[@ryandrest2056]

Lol

[@MX-CO]

@maximusfrank2835 I've tried that. I don't have a scientific explanation, but if a dealer is making their hands fir example, 5-6 up and not busting, Or some times beating whatever you have by one. It's just a bad table/hot dealer, every time I've run into that and stayed anyway against my better judgment. I've lost

[@MX-CO]

But on the flip side, if you find a dealer, that's busting. They tend to continue busting. I can't explain why, but I live in Reno, and I've played every day for the last 20 days, and that's been my findings

[@timsullivan2607]

Okay Colin, I finally watched Holy Rollers and now that I know you’re a bassist you’ve just become 100xs cooler to me.

[@hectech5708]

How do you feel about hitting a 12 in Spanish?

[@geoffpearce889]

Spanish 21, also known as Pontoon, has some 10 value cards removed from the shoe and there are completely different rules for doubling. It looks like blackjack but would require studying and analysing the game to determine if a game might be beatable.

[@thomasshulich3134]

Basic strategy is different for Spanish 21. Katarina Walker’s Pros’ Guide has charts for many variants and deviations for counting Spanish. Generally speaking, always hit on 12 in that game.

[@billtruttschel]

Perhaps I missed it, but I still don't know WHY fewer decks = better return.

[@DanielRodriguez-g7o]

Why do I lose most of the time and I follow basic strategy. And I see a player that plays crazy and I always see them win?

[@Walt-eb4xk]

Basic Strategy has built in edge for the house. Rule one always assume the dealer has a ten on the turned down card, WRONG you have same amount of 2-6 as 10-A so they balance out. Another example Rule two Always split aces, WRONG Only on a positive count. Casinos deal one card. Results when split- win both, push or lose both. Better results concentrate on winning that one hand. Hit out with 2 or 12 and you only lose when two face cards come back to back. Better results.

[@johnchuba912]

What's a "shoe game"?

[@scottwhitten2016]

I am not as familiar with Double Deck. Do dealers hand shuffle these games?

[@aj6911]

Vegas has a bunch of double deck games. I played at the Mandalay, Luxor, and Mirage all hand shuffled except Mirage but could request hand shuffle and did

[@scottwhitten2016]

@@aj6911 So shuffle tracking is an option.

[@aj6911]

Absolutely! 75% Deck Penetration,3:2BJ,Stand on S17, and they are not pitch games all cards face up. Best game I’ve ever played. Only negative is that they don’t show burn card and the lowest min was 100. If you know how to play plus shuffle track I highly recommend you check them out. I just got back last month so this isn’t from years ago

[@geogeo7230]

Wait what’s a pitch game? And how can anyone count if the cards are down? So confused rn…

[@tmtmtlsml]

A pitch game is where the dealer "pitches" the cards at the players face-down, as opposed to a shoe game where the cards are all dealt face-up. In order to count cards at a pitch game, you have to count all the cards as they are exposed. They all have to be flipped over eventually, whether it's early for a bust/BJ/double/split, or at the end of the hand. You just have to keep track of which cards you've already incorporated into the count

[@texasrebel7754]

As S-Train said, the cards are dealt face down in pitch games. You have to be a lot quicker counting in your head in pitch games because of the short amount of time you'll see the cards. Unless other players somehow hold their cards so you can see them, or put them face up if they want to split/double/have 21, you'll only see the other cards when the dealer flips them over at the end of the hand. If the other players win you'll get a few extra seconds during the payout to count them; if the other hands lose you have to count while the dealer is picking them up. That's my experience anyways.

[@Tobes555]

Question: how are you able to start counting mid way through a blackjacks shoe? And another question, how are you meant to use the every suit has a total count of 0 to your advantage?

[@T-Vegas]

You have to see how much has already been dealt out in the discard tray and have that in mind when you're converting your true count. Add that to the number of decks still left to be dealt. So if there's two decks in the discard tray when you start and after one round he's still have three decks left to deal then you're going to have to divide your count by 5 decks. When you continue to play still need to remember those two Decks that you didn't see in the discard tray, so they essentially become part of the penetration. But don't be afraid to ask for a shuffle, if you sit down at a table and you're by yourself. Most places I have known should be happy to Shuffle for you.

[@geoffpearce889]

The hi Lo count is a balanced count which assigns 1 to 2,3,4,5,6 (small cards) 0 to 7,8 and 9. and -1 to 10,J,Q,K and Ace.( big cards) So as you run through a deck of cards and add the count numbers to achieve a running count, by the time you get to the end of the deck, the count will be 0. If you run through a deck and get a high count of say 5, it means that there are 5 more big cards than normal in the remaining deck. A deck rich in big cards favours the player because we play by a set of rules which give us favourable outcomes as those big cards come into play. A shoe poor in big cards, favours the dealer who will win more often as those small cards come into play. Tracking a deck or shoe of decks of cards identifies when the advantage favours the player, who places big bets as the probability of winning slightly increases. This is how card counting works in a nut shell but to master it fully requires proper training and dedication and a good bankroll.