The Real Reasons You’re Losing Money at the Tables

You probably have a perfect Blackjack game, right? Well, there is a way to beat the dealer in Blackjack. Proven by math and millions of dollars in winnings, we’ve taught a lot of people how you can suck less and win a lot more.
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[@evannehmadi9437]

@4:25 “Nobody likes busting… …when we play blackjack…” - Colin you sneaky boy

[@MrZzstop]

Don't forget rule #1: never sit down at a table that offers less than 3:2 on a blackjack.

[@tonyharris5533]

Maybe for a ploppie or card counter, but not necessarily true for an "AP"

[@UltimateTexasHoldemGuru]

@@robert-ku7zr every roll is random

[@homelandsecurity613]

Math Guru he’s joking

[@AnishChari]

Most casinos on the main strip are 6:5 and used automatic card shufflers. This is directly due to the internet and videos like this. The casinos are trying to restore their odds from the 70s and 80s.

[@messyfilms6325]

robert lmao, sorry to break it to you but just because you’re allowed to touch dice doesn’t mean you’re in control.

[@Saphire1993]

Lol, I'm probably never going to bother learning to count cards but you manage to present everything in such an engaging way that I still end up watching each time a vid pops up in my notifications.

[@F1restorm66]

I don’t really have an interest in card counting either lol, but I listen to BJA while I’m playing blackjack at the diamond casino in GTAV. As well as that, I saved the BJA basic strategy chart so I could win at least a little bit more

[@ronalddump4061]

@@F1restorm66 Actually you meant "Lose at least a little bit less"

[@kinghowels4469]

@@ronalddump4061 if you’re playing for hours and hours…..

[@ronalddump4061]

@@kinghowels4469 ???????? Dont quite know what you are getting at here Might you actually be implying that one can win at these games by staying only a short time and always "quitting while ahead"? The idea is actually hilariously preposterous. (Though very much believed). It is impossible to change the house edge on your action by running out of the casino on cue.

[@slideman1249]

@@ronalddump4061you can? Like what are you on a about it’s a game of luck I’ve won 100 dollars just playing basic strategy in 30 mins at a 10 minimum and walked away anything is possible in gambling when it’s mostly luck

[@ejej6934]

Whenever I hit a hard 12 (not a pair of 6's, though, since I split those) against a dealer's 2 or 3 I try to watch other players' reactions to see which ones think I'm an idiot.

[@moemenace5345]

Lmao 😂

[@chezenbred]

I get annoyed on youtube often because everyone thinks they are a great speaker and teacher but fall very short of that. I liked this video, clear speaker and stayed on topic. Brief but informative.

[@micho8726]

ok

[@jackcarter1897]

100% agree

[@brentg7564]

This guy is 💯% correct . I lost five hands in a row one time and figured ,, there's no way I can loose the next one , it's a pattern , so I put the last five wages I lost as the bet , stood on a hard 15 against a ten since the last couple shoots were steady low cards since I didn't count , I just observed and lost when the dealer turned 13, hit and turned a 6 making it 19 😑 .. so I was guilty of three of these mistakes ,, Imperfect basic strategy, pattern theory , and compulsive waging

[@steeloned]

What was your drinking pattern?

[@jamesconroy2033]

@@steeloned alcohol will have a 3-5% disadvantage at the bj table 😂

[@acetech9237]

You're a better player for admitting it. Ignorance is a choice made not knowing any better whereas stupidity which is the majority is learning or knowing better and continuing to do so.

[@dangeroreilly2028]

And I'm a regular player, but don't claim to be an expert. Remember, even the most skilled counters play based on likelihood. In your case, sure there was a likelihood you would draw and bust. BUT the likelihood of winning with a 15 against a 10 was even less likely.

[@MX-CO]

I've found that if I'm on a losing streak it doesn't change, I've done that same thing and lost 10 in a row multiple times, so now I have a 4 loss rule, if I lose 4 times in a row, than I walk away, and go to a different table or leave!

[@thebudgetarmory1]

The thing to keep in mind is that gambling is an expectation of loss. Card counting can give players the edge, but it takes practice and discipline. If you are playing blackjack, know your expectations

[@kenstevens7855]

Agree. Until you put hundreds/thousands of hours into it, you could be down, even if you're a perfect player.

[@juanmalone8053]

Excellent video ! This should be mandatory learning for all casino dealers and supervisors ! As well as some of your other videos regarding card counting, etc.

[@zipu3124]

casinos will never learn. black jack is black jack and they cannot control anything. if a player is good he will go home in profit. and this will never change.

[@deanvarelas600]

Loved how he was gonna say balls at 4:10-4:12ish and instead laughs and says emotional fortitude.. Your a classy man colin 👏 bravo

[@kprasanth81]

@Collins: You are one of the best Blackjack Trainers. Thanks for all your videos. Most of them are very informative

[@Jeffrey4Chargers]

Just found your videos, love the content! Gonna watch. A bunch

[@DragonPupEclipse]

Reason 4 and 3 are so common these days. People are just too afraid to lose money so they just completely abandon basic playing strategy. Like not doubling when they have an advantage or not hitting when they should. They think that by avoiding doing those it can help them lose less money. But reality is that they are throwing away their $ even more.

[@francoputin5785]

Dude that’s the most painful part of being a dealer. People stay on 13 - 16 all day. Another player criticized me for always hitting 16 (against 7 - A). I had to explain that, statistically, staying on sixteen is almost always a losing hand. Sixteens suck, but you have to take your chances and play right. The House always does. That’s the thing for us Blackjack players too: the casuals might make off with some wacky bad plays for a weekend, but we’re in this for the long haul. And longitudinally, correct basic playing will even out with the house. Advanced play (deviating from basic strategy when the odds are right) is where blackjack enables profit. The problem is just like the KZbinr says though. If your system isn’t verifiable through math, deviating from basics will cost the player (upping bets, letting the bet ride, hitting hard hands against low cards and vice versa...). And training is huge. Like, playing every single day. Memorizing basic strategy until it’s reflexive. Learning to side count aces and pay attention to the ratio of high:low cards played out. These are distinguishing marks of a skilled player.

[@tmtmtlsml]

@@francoputin5785 This is a nice bonus to sitting at 1st base. By the time the dust settles and the hand is over, the rest of the table already forgot what you did and is too lazy to try and figure out "what if..."

[@josephdooley2881]

Whew ! Glad I found this guy, as I'm just starting to learn Blackjack during the Covid 19 crisis

[@estebano9806]

Same.

[@md7069]

I-am in

[@smhollanshead]

First memorize basic strategy. Then learn to count cards. Then, memorize the playing deviations. Then, learn the Kelly criterion betting strategy. Then, Practice, Practice, Practice. Now you’re ready to go to a Casino. Good luck.

[@MegaMkmiller]

@@smhollanshead You could graduate MIT with a 4.0 average and be lucky to count card in the HUGE decks they have now. This isn't the ''good old days'' anymore. The best advice I have ever been given in blackjack is this: You are NOT trying to get as close to 21 (as possible) without going over. You are trying to beat the dealer. Period. You would be surprised how many people do NOT know this.

[@alanjackson4104]

I first learned the game when my parents would make trips to Vegas back in the sixties and I would play in their practice sessions. So I've been playing for a little over 55 years. One of the reasons its important to count is its about putting value and determining a shoe. If you insist on making a bad shoe work for you, your chip stack will evaporate. Its all about the shoe.

[@stephenvanboening2232]

Youll go insane trying to find that good shoe, if you even recognise it.

[@martinbush670]

@@stephenvanboening2232 job 8 Hu

[@RiteshPatel_21]

Deck penetrations really matters alongwith counting cards.

[@MX-CO]

I agree, it seems to go in streaks, if a dealer is hot and making their hands you will lose quickly

[@Veaseify]

re: the introduction - Las Vegas casinos now only earn 45% (33% for strip properties) of their revenue from gambling (on average). 30 years ago it was 75-80%. Hotel guests spend more money on food, drinks, shopping and rooms than gaming. Of course the casinos reacted the wrong way by making the odds worse and increasing table limits when they could drive more traffic to their tables by doing the opposite, but in their macro economic world gamblers are less profitable than young people clubbing at their properties.

[@kamildzn_8950]

Quarantine time well spent, I've been practicing the card counting and learning the strategies for 2 months now..

[@Riley-Thurm]

Same!

[@logangregory7105]

Any winning luck so far?

[@fmd-International]

How did you do so far?

[@remainfocused8570]

U will be rich in no time

[@Hashdollars]

Nice i’v been hitting the casinos 🎰

[@steveverdick2632]

Thanks, Colin. Everytime I see people playing those side bets it makes me think of when keno was big in Vegas. 20% house edge. Then a good friend swears by the side bets and I just sigh like Snoopy in the Charlie Brown clips. People don't want to play correctly because it takes patience. We are not a patient creation.

[@t32475]

I get the side bets are sucker bets and casino advantages but why then is the max so much lower than the table max. If it’s so advantaged then the casino should make it higher than the table max

[@ddshocktrooper5604]

@@t32475 Sometimes casinos make "mistakes" in the form of side bets that have a player edge under ridiculously improbable circumstances that can be card counted. Low maximum ensures "counters" only paying attention to the side bet can't get too much out of it without being bled by rent.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

In all my endeavours in casinos, I'm easily ahead playing blackjack versus any other game (but hold'em is coming around). I don't know why I continue to play slots but sheesh they're exciting. I really oughta focus on blackjack.

[@lexx555]

"Trust the Math" is great advice. I have studied probability for years and Math doesn't care about patterns or luck. BJ players that don't respect the Math are just donating money!

[@notallowed337]

Should a player hit 16 or 15?

[@mrnigerianscammer2939]

@@notallowed337 Depends on what card the dealer has up

[@notallowed337]

@@mrnigerianscammer2939 nah. The numbers are the numbers. That hidden card is random and should never be assumed

[@pellehansen873]

@@notallowed337 yes mate u should always assume because if the dealer is showing 10 there is not nearly the same chanche of Them going Bust as if they were showing a 6 therefore you should hit on 14 if dealer shows 10 but not if He shows 6.

[@notallowed337]

@@pellehansen873 doesnt make sense in reality or the math so theres that

[@mrlordbaal7539]

I absolutely love this page and want to do your course @BlackjackApprenticeship but I’m from New Zealand and don’t have any casinos anywhere near me so have no choice but to play online blackjack. I remember you saying online isn’t good so what could I do.

[@CHURCHISAWESUM]

4:25 “Nobody likes busting.. when we play blackjack” 😂

[@briangulley6027]

Pro tip: if you're going to Vegas or your local casino a couple of times a year, you're not gambling you're paying to be entertained. In other words, don't expect to win focus on having a good time and stay within your limit. If you take your wife out for dinner and a few drinks how much do you expect to spend? Look at the casino the same way, like the man said, "are you not entertained?" If you had a good time you won. If you happen to win a few bucks, then you were definitely entertained. True gambling is about the grind with massive swings few people can handle it, I know I can't.

[@crazystorm720]

Colin, your videos are great and packed with tons of valuable information and insights into the game...keep up the great work! On a side note I've noticed you keep mentioning you have 15 years of experience and you reporting this goes back close to 5 years at this point...shouldn't you start staying you have 20 years of experience?? haha Getting old happens to all of us my man...embrace it!!

[@phillyd4874]

Side bets depends on the casino. I always do well when match or winning on 20 ( 2 face cards or equal 20 with an ace, higher pay on suited or 2 Queen of hearts ) went to Vegas few weeks ago and they didn’t have those side bets.

[@alexh8613]

"I always do well" isn't math.

[@jurgensosa3556]

This past weekend was my first time at a casino which I always wanted to go and see how it was , I did play a couple hands and lost a couple hundred which I was ok with loosing but what really got me was the environment I was in , I’m mostly a loner and rarely try new things out so when I do I get pretty nervous feel clumsy definitely a fun experience and for now I’ll build a bigger bankroll and research a little more about what the table games are about since that was my biggest flaw so many different games for blackjack 😵‍💫 all I wanted or was looking for was a regular blackjack game with some sort of side bet but there’s a couple I’ve never heard of blackjack poker and Asian blackjack and so on so yes definitely keeping out an eye for more friendly new beginners table and making sure the minimum bet is as high will see how this goes in the future but definitely still going to practice and getting more familiar with the casinos il though I’m staying away from the tables till I have a little more confidence and don’t get so nervous haha

[@Nkanyiso131]

I’m new into blackjack and have only really played online 3 or 4 times with small amounts. I downloaded the basic strategy chart to see how I fair and I can see the logic behind it. I studied statistics as a prerequisite for my finance degree back in college and it all boils down to probability. Even without actively counting cards - if you just observe the table - you can win well in the short run. The key is choosing which rounds to play and which ones to sit out. Because in the long run if you play each hand that is dealt you will be at a deficit

[@Nkanyiso131]

@@kevinmartines4741 nice ! Congrats 🍾

[@DiaJasin]

Cam you teach me when not to play? Does it work for 8 decks with half penetration in online casinos?

[@bryantrainor6877]

That’s false.

[@monkeySkulls]

your comment shows that you don't understand statistics and probability at all.

[@guibox3]

Regarding the side bets, there are some tables where I gamble that pay you on getting 19-20 hands or matching face cards that pay even higher. When the count is high you have good odds of making those hands so it is worth it to play at certain times.

[@tissuestv9011]

guibox3 yup I play these side bets all on the time with a high count

[@drdrew3]

His advice in this video was geared towards beginners. Different rules apply if you are counting cards

[@kevinmoore.7426]

@@tissuestv9011 it's a dead give away you're counting

[@tradingmedic]

The $2 lottery odds actually fluctuate based on the size of the jackpot. Sometimes they have a positive EV.

[@creightonhart5654]

I'm so torn because I like the side bets. Especially the push bet that pays 10 to 1 or the buster blackjack. I've had some good days playing them but I do understand the logic of not playing them

[@salvatorestabile5547]

Doing it for the fun of it is fine. If gambling isn't meant to be a means of making money but more for fun, then more power to you. Have a blast.

[@duumahh]

I've hit the buster blackjack for 5 grand betting 20 bucks. I was in $ 2,500.00 though. I took 100 off my card and said I'll try one last time. Had 40 bucks left so betted 20 and 20 and hit 8 card dealer bust. Cashed out and left. Tipped dealer 500.00.

[@alexh8613]

Side bets are fun, but they give terrible odds.

[@ChitownScratcher]

Excellent comment about fictitious patterns. I see and hear this bias in Roulette all the time.

[@jons2cool1]

Yeah but other than all of the other popular patterns or betting systems the ploppies will always come up with something they think is better. I had this guy tell me that he played a 1-5 negative martingale system where he waits for the dealer to win 4 times in a row before jumping in. They just keep adding stupid stuff onto the strategies to avoid having to put in the time to learn how to actually beat the game. So if I showed this video to one of them, they would just make the excuse that their specific strategy isn't included.

[@whyfoldnow9372]

Biases like these are prevalent in a lot of forms of gambling, including and namely, the stock market. One can always find a reason to stick with a pick or dump a stock, usually based on our own conjured up biases

[@ChitownScratcher]

@@whyfoldnow9372 I agree with you in terms of creating your own bias to stick with a decision (good or bad). However, I think it's a bit of a stretch to suggest investing in stocks is "gambling." Having an understanding of a an economy, industry, company and valuing it based on future economic benefits (cash flow) that it will produce is very different than playing a casino game with a built in house edge. Sure, there are some companies folks should not be investing in because they clearly don't have a long-term sustainable advantage, which can come down to the investors lack of understanding of what he/she is investing in. However, if you simply look at stock index funds over last 100 years, you will see that if you bought and held your money, it would be worth a ton today. Keep in mind, buying a stock represents ownership in a company, which entitles you to a claim of assets and profit, which is very different than going to the casino and "gambling ."

[@poojones1748]

I like your t-shirt, Colin. Very appropriate for the video lol. :D :D

[@the.tricky.outdoorsman]

Okay so how do I learn perfect basic strategy and counting? How many hours to I have to practice, how much money do you need to start with? Should I buy my own decks and practice? I have a ton of questions.

[@claudreindl7275]

I once rough calculated how much a small/average sized casino makes extra with 6:5 instead of 3:2. I figured $1,000/day or $365,000 per year as a minimum. Not bad for changing one rule.

[@lennyanders1639]

Wow, 6 tp 5 started in Las Vegas as an experiment to see if people turned away from the game with those blackjack odds. Turns out most of the tourists didn't notice a thing and then 6 to 5 spread like wildfire through many Vegas casinos.

[@Paul-vf2wl]

@@lennyanders1639 I just got back from Vegas last week only 3/2 tables were $50 a hand

[@nguyenTran-ju7lp]

Amazing amazing. Thank you very much.

[@brianm6872]

The only time I play the side bets is when I get a $2.50 chip back from a blackjack

[@L7Fx]

the buster side bet is awesome

[@curtissingleton9108]

Even though $5 minium for side bets?

[@brianm6872]

@@curtissingleton9108 $1 at my casino. Its match the dealer

[@jackcarter1897]

That’s can’t be a good thing surely? Card counters will actively avoid tables that don’t have a blackjack 3:2 payout due to the advantage lost, and you’re wasting those winnings on side bets?

[@Grisbi6]

Colin, that is very good advice. Your videos are SPOT ON. And you are too kind to the viewers who think that they might be able to count cards in blackjack; the truth is, only one of 100 players can count cards and make it win.

[@pranksterguy1]

How did you arrive at 1 in a 100?

[@Grisbi6]

@@pranksterguy1 Good question, Prank....truth is, I was just estimating the odds. After trying several times to learn and use card counting without success, I decided that the odds against me were 100 to 1.

[@Dan-oj4iq]

Great video and very educational. One minor point. Casinos were once built on gambling losses as you say. But for the last twenty years or so they are profitable not on gambling but instead on everything else associated with money spent as a destination for tourists. Shows, lodging, food, and myriad other forms of entertainment. Not gambling.

[@indianapatsfan]

Yes and no. What you're saying only applies to the major Las Vegas properties. Most casinos rely on gambling revenue to pay the bills.

[@kenstevens7855]

Yeah, I was thinking how could these places still rely on gambling revenue when they are charging you $300 a night to stay, $250 for dinner, $25 for each drink, $1000 for a cabana at the pool, and have shows that cost $150 for decent seats.

[@Shawk95]

I used to live in NYC and didn't own a car. Hence, frequently took the bus to Atlantic City. One day on the bus going back home, a dude sitting next to me in shitty clothes claimed to be a card counter. He claimed that he used to be a team member of Kenny Uston. He also bragged that he could win any amount whenever he wanted. Although I was going home a winner, I pretended naivete and wished someone could teach me how to play blackjack. He offered to teach me for $500 and by the time we reached Manhattan, his price had dropped to $50. Once off the bus, I shamed him to stop hustling people for pittance. I still remember his face.

[@pranksterguy1]

I was once at Barnes & Nobles gaming section. College kid also looking at the gaming books says "I count cards" I believed him and simply asked which count he used. He replied" Uh, well, I have a photographic memory". So I'm like "Right"!

[@curtissingleton9108]

He's lying!

[@ronalddump4061]

The most success ive had at BJ is when a pretty Thai girl came by the table and offered to go out to my pickup and have a BJ. That time, BJ only lost me 100 dollars. Btw, the guy on the bus was lying. No counter ever wins "whenever he wants". He wins, loses, wins, wins, loses........ and over time sees that he wins more than he loses. If you play basic strat, the same thing happens, only over time, you notice you are losing money. I have kept extensive records over many years. I find that in average 5 hr sessions I win about 60 to 65% of the sessions.

[@sirich7751]

One thing also, don't play with scared money and bring enough where you can weather a slew of hands that didn't go your way and the math starts to rectify itself. You can follow the rules he outlined above and still lose 7,8,9 straight hands. Bring enough so that when the doubling presents itself...you're still in the game.

[@jonathankoekemoer8389]

I'm just curious. I'm still practicing card counting at home, and have 1 great local casino near home where i dont want to get backed off from. so I'm wondering would a positive progressive betting system ( doubling the bet amount after each win like reverse martingale) at a high count like true 3+ work instead "like just for the excuse to bet higher" at better true counts would that still be able to make the positive EV? because i would really like to not be backed off and have to travel miles to card count.. and they spot all my friends when they raise their bets according to the count

[@adamfnandf]

I love he says “nobody likes busting…….when we play blackjack” had to add that qualifier cause we all know people love busting 😂

[@natextreme9848]

I've noticed a lot of table coolers lately and it's not hard to spot them if they are buddy buddy with the dealers or pit boss and they jump in the action for 1 hand then leave then jump in again. I love calling them out and seeing their reaction and suddenly they disappear. 🤣😂🤣

[@tommygirl6659]

There are no such things as coolers, who the casino sends in to play one hand or two. Just like they don’t change the dealers when someone is winning. They change dealers on a regular rotation. As for people coming and sitting down for one hand, or “cooling” the table, nobody has control over whether another player joining will help or hurt the table. Another one of those false player beliefs

[@chipram23]

Splitting 10s is a huge part of EV do you split 10s and does it draw heat?

[@michaelparham1328]

What advice would you give to someone who's new to card counting, played perfectly, but still lost on their first real game. Or, how can a newbie recognize the difference between bad luck, and bad playing?

[@jons2cool1]

Perfect card counting or perfect basic strategy? How new are you to card counting? How can you confirm to me that you are a winning player? What's your bet spread? How long did you play? Table rules? Losses are always possible.

[@kprasanth81]

I am no expert but my First advice is to do a basic course in Statistics and Probability. This will give you insight on Probability and EV. So If we play basic strategy the EV is around -0,50-1%, so lets say you play 280 hands (around 4hrs), even though you are playing a -ve game, there is a 41% chance you come out +ve. Similarly if you flip the probability and play a game with +EV, there will be a 41% chance you loose in one session. Second: Learn some programming and run simulations of your strategy. If that is not possible, purchase a copy of BJ Simulators to run your strategy and back test the same before testing in the casino. Ps: I am right now writing a java Program to back test my strategy.

[@louvoodoo]

Even at a +2% edge it is still 98% luck. In other words if it were a perfectly even game and the casino had no house advantage out of a 100 sessions you would win 50 times and the casino would win 50 times. With your +2% EV you are *hoping* to win 52 times vs the casino's 48 times. The math of the game is brutal, if you do not have the bankroll and emotional fortitude to ride out those 48 loses the casino will chew you up and spit you out.

[@bullsbears1395]

Once you start Counting cards wat is the strategy you use ?

[@curtissingleton9108]

Hey Colin! Is the 8 deck shoe at seminole hard rock tampa a winning game? All rules good except surrender. It's a 3:2 game, split any two, das! Cut card 1 & 1/2 decks as marked on side of shoe. I have 25 hours on that game $25 minimum and I am not ahead. Not only that, positive counts were less than 10% of the time. I can I evaluate what's a winning game? You once had a post that you said you had to go to your car to see if the game you were playing was a winning game? Please explain.

[@caste_]

Do you think you can beat the house just by watching youtube videos? 7:41

[@drdrew3]

In addition to KZbin you need BJ gaming simulation software that corrects you if you make a strategy error. Most are adjustable for different table rules. Some decent ones are actually free. I learned basic strategy and simple card counting from KZbin. I break even at the tables and get plenty of comps. If I had the time to learn and practice advanced counting becoming an advantage player would be attainable via YT. I find it superior (and less expensive) than books and personal trainers.

[@caste_]

@@drdrew3 You got a point

[@kornelfarkas6224]

Is it possible to do this in EU ? I tried to read forums but can't really find anything helpful. Anyone tried it nowadays ? I really want to start to learn it, but not sure if it's worth it in the EU ?

[@michaelsuzio4364]

I stopped playing table black jack a couple years ago I play virtual blackjack with $25-$50 won $28 last time at labourge got to go swimming for a bit and had a couple tasty drinks played money wheel and virtual blackjack in las Vegas last year

[@tomtatum2662]

Thank you for the comment on PATTERNS. I can't stand it when gamblers at my table have expectations of MY play, that they suggested affect THEIR outcome. They don't seem to understand the concept of randomness, nor do they seem to understand that there is no team effort. I'm going to take a hit if it's appropriate, even if it costs the next person the card they wanted. It was a random event.

[@dougnice67]

The object is to beat the dealer. I’ve sat at tables and there IS a team effort and it seemed beneficial. This was before I learned about basic strategy. I wonder what my reaction will be when I return with a bit of knowledge

[@jasonclark5856]

I love the first part. Developing your own patterns haha. Blackjack was meant to be beat....but then again. I'm a dealer. So I can't help you beat me.

[@oworld4057]

They help at the I go to too.

[@jasonclark5856]

@@oworld4057 The dealer helps you with the running count? Not likely...unless he wants fired

[@chenggonglee4992]

What if your playing on a table but the people you play with doesnt play perfect basic strategy? Does it just skew everything up then?

[@gingerking3798]

I just figured out you can have a basic strategy card at the table so now I play perfect everytime

[@optyfen5276]

Hey, I was wondering do you play regardless of the amount of decks in the blackjack game? I heard it varies per casino with how many decks they play. Also love the vids:)

[@JohnnieV]

Piet Hoi don’t play 6/5 odds blackjack. Find a 3/2 Game. I made several blackjack and baccarat videos on my channel. Double deck is good. Unless they cut the deck in half.

[@tmtmtlsml]

It does vary by casino, but these days most of them have at least a 6-deck and single-deck game, with double-deck and 6-deck continuous shufflers becoming more common. The more decks are in play, the higher the house edge. All things being equal, a single-deck game gives you the lowest house edge. However, because of this, almost every single-deck game you find pays 6:5 blackjacks, which shoot the house edge from about 0.2% up to about 1.2%, making it the worst blackjack game to play

[@trisuper]

Do you recommend playing one hand or two hands? Is there an advantage one way or the other?

[@jeffstrom389]

I agree or 100% with everything you said and till you got to the part about progressive betting...... I teach a 50% press with every win..... With returning down to the base bet with every loss......... Explain to me about the hard count...... Because while I totally understand when you can expect high value cards to come out what's to stop the dealer from getting the high cards instead of you? I think perfect basic strategy along with proper double Downs and splits..... Paired with progressive betting gives you an edge.

[@tmtmtlsml]

The value of the high cards is 1) in the higher prevalence of busting hands (since the dealer is compelled to hit to 17+ while the player is not), and 2) in the higher prevalence of blackjacks. Dealer gets a BJ, you lose your bet, but if you get the BJ, you win your bet and a half, making them 50% more valuable to the player A progressive betting system that doesn't factor in the true count is doomed to fail because you will end up not pressing your bet high enough in high counts, and you would be raising your bet during low counts. The only valid betting system is one that takes the count into consideration and absolutely nothing else

[@user-lt4qx9fv5e]

what is your opinion on standing on hard 16 vs a dealer 7? Isn't there greater chance the house will hit this? There are 8 out of 13 down cards they could have.

[@yommmrr]

Colin do you ever play hold em?

[@deyanafalhut6808]

The zen count system has higher PE vs hi-lo. Is it zen count the best counting card system ?

[@tmtmtlsml]

I use Mentor (which is Zen but Aces are counted as -1) and I personally think it's the best system. And it's only a Level 2 so it's easy to pick up, unlike something crazy like Wong Halves. Hi-Lo will always be the best introductory system because of how simple and easy it is to learn, but I agree that a good Level 2 system is a marked improvement

[@dantalksfootball1]

the side bets are huge, 21+3 tables every time the once every other shoe some moron will say "dude why didn't you play that"

[@JoshGreenAdventures]

I hit trips at least every other visit at the casino with a 90 to 1 payout and it always saves me

[@jeffbrubaker5228]

Most of my winnings from blackjack are from the side bets. One time a guy sitting next to me and my friend criticized us for playing side bets, calling us "suckers." Shortly after he was dealt two queen of hearts.

[@silvestrustate2835]

Yay, new vid😍

[@Brandon-David-]

How should you tip while playing blackjack, if at all? If you’re playing at a low dollar amount $5 and then the true count is high and you’re about to goto $100 and the dealer yells checks play... what should you take from this? * I am not a card counter- just play basic strategy. These are questions I have from watching your videos. Thanks for any answers! Love the videos, thanks again from Illinois!

[@tmtmtlsml]

My personal rule from my time as a dealer and AP is that if you make a profit, tip 5% of it. So if you end up winning $100, toss a fiver to the dealer. This scales down if you end up hitting some ridiculous jackpot bonus like a royal flush on Four-Card Poker where 5% is something like $3k. In circumstances like that, something around 0.5-1% is fine. Also, going from a $5 to a $100 bet is the fastest way to get the dealer to shuffle and the floor supervisor breathing down your neck, so I wouldn't recommend it

[@tommygirl6659]

They are simply letting management know that $100 bet is now in play. Supervisors keep a strict count on $100 and above chips, so unless you are playing them every hand, they must announce it, when paying out as well

[@tommygirl6659]

@@tmtmtlsmlhaving the casino sending ina new dealer, or shuffling up a new shoe simply because somebody increases their bet, or for any reason, is simply false. Dealers are on strict break schedules, unless a specific dealer is needed elsewhere because they are one of the few dealers that deal a specific game. They don’t randomly switch dealers. And they never randomly shuffle cards. They wait until the end of the shoe.

[@matthewlashley9755]

If the casino offers late surrender should we be surrender our 15 16 per basic stragegy our play the hand according to the count ?

[@tmtmtlsml]

It depends on a lot of factors including number of decks and the true count at the time. There are strategy tables online that will show them in great detail with a little searching, but if the count says to deviate, then deviate

[@AngeloR674]

What you didnt mention is that 1)Trends dominate in blackjack and gambling in general. 2) when card counting the dealer has just as good a chance of getting a good hand as you !..when the count is high.Player just has a better chance of getting a picture card so does the dealer! I’m trained by john patrick professional gambler

[@darrencarpenter6552]

Hey do you guys got the training app on android yet?

[@huntermerrell8484]

The last casino I went to had a dealer bust side bet and you didn’t have to bet on it untill after you get your cards and can see the dealers up card

[@biggawinnacrapsa3870]

Please learn how to spell until so that you don't come off sounding like an ignorant moron. Thank you, that is all.

[@dustinward9658]

Well there are some casinos that do that and tho weird it happens

[@remainfocused8570]

I only been to one casino that offered the buster bet AFTER the hands are dealt.. Harrah's 50 miles Northeast of Stockton Cali....a couple times I turned 5 bucks into $500 on the buster bet...Good times.. yessir 👍

[@denesdolor975]

Collin I need help. Can you calculate me basic strategy for pontoon in Philippines.. 10s are remove. Players 21 always win 1:1, blackjack pays 3:2. Player can double down anyhand up to 5 cards. Players cab split and double up to 3 hands. Surrender possible at any hand.

[@denesdolor975]

@Niño King its bit different.. in pontoon you can double your bet up to as many as you like. example you have A2.. you can double up then if you have got another A again can double up and so on.. after double you always have an option to draw another card or stand or surrender. In Spanish 21 once you double,there is no other option but to stay.

[@tmtmtlsml]

@@denesdolor975 That isn't true in every casino. There are some that let you re-double up to 4 times, and some that allow "double-down rescue" which is essentially the ability to surrender after a double

[@JoseCruz-tj1fw]

When playing heads up with the dealer on a six deck shoe,do you always begin the game playing just one hand then go to two hands on true two and above,or something begin the game with two hands?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

There isn't a simple answer. But you can see how this affects your EV/risk in betting software like CVCX or our Pro Betting Software.

[@JoseCruz-tj1fw]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship thank you.

[@SuperBuddy1008]

Hey Collin I wanted to ask if you count cards and only play at a true count of +1, couldnt you just flatbet all the time and make profit like that?

[@tmtmtlsml]

+1 isn't enough to swing the hand in your favor. Depending on the house rules, remaining Aces, and other small factors, +3 is generally considered to be the line where the game becomes truly even

[@bluest1524]

5:16, agreed, and I always hit when basic strategy says to. However, what about when there is a really high true count? In that case, don't we have a greater chance of busting? We know there are more 10 cards right?

[@williamgullett5911]

I bought 100 in chips at Bellagio blackjack when I was in Vegas a few years back. Bet 25, lost. Bet 25, lost, bet 25, doubled on an 11, won. Bet 25, won. Walked out up 25. Threw 5 bucks on 5 numbers at the roulette table..hit for 175, walked away. Played craps for 4 days, would be up 65, and would walk. Up 85, walked, up 130, walked...did that 3 or 4 times more times. Was up around 750 after 5 days. Checked out of the Flamingo, had about an hr to waste before going to the airport...in 45 minutes I had lost 300 back. Went home up around 450 for the 5 days but I felt like an idiot.

[@bluest1524]

I agree we have the advantage with hard 11 or 10, I just hate to double down and see a 2, 3, 5, etc. I wish we could continue to hit after a double down. It would take a lot of the worry out of it.

[@tmtmtlsml]

Play Spanish 21. You can redouble, sometimes up to 4 times. Can get expensive if you double soft hands and keep getting Aces, twos, and threes, though. Saw a guy take a $20 bet and re-double it 4x up to $160. Ended up pushing, so it was a bit anticlimactic

[@nebulous962]

4:28 thank god i almost thought you didn't like the other type of busting :D

[@jaysmoove2511]

What are your thoughts on rummy side bets or pair side bets

[@tmtmtlsml]

There's a reason they're called "sucker bets"

[@Acerixx2003]

Hi... can we bring and refer the basic strategy chart on BJ table in the casino? Is it allow?

[@stanleypodlinski5384]

No lmao

[@fljetgator1833]

@Acerixx2021 .. Yes. Believe it or not some casinos I visit actually have some laminated pre-printed basic strategy cards and give them out. 🇺🇸😎🚬

[@JohnnieV]

Why was the “dealer” bending his cards to check for blackjack when he had a mirror peeper?? Lol. I made a few videos on the rule of 9 for when to double down.

[@flippatheshippa]

Yeah sometimes you have to double down a 9 especially if the dealer has a 5 or 6

[@T-Vegas]

You can also recognize dealers that suck too. Who insist you should be betting the lucky ladies side bet since you've just got three 20's in a row, or have gotten a bunch of straights or flushes that would pay on that 21+3 bet. Or passionately assert to you that your soft 18 is a winning hand and you should always stand. I've also heard those same dealers talk about how they're in debt to that same casino, that they work in, for their irresponsible slot playing. Not one who should be giving advice on how to play. I've also have had honest dealers tell me to stay away from the side bets, because that is where the house makes their money, at the tables. I like dealers who want me to win.

[@stevenhelgason8190]

If the dealers "suck", then that's a good thing not a bad thing.

[@LugiaLvl138]

I had a dealer point out that I was a pretty good player. She then said "I noticed you don't play the Royal Match. You know it's a sucker bet don't you?" I nodded yes.

[@Shawk95]

traitor True. Certain dealers hate for you to win. Once I was playing in Atlantic City. I got 3 blackjacks in a row. On the 3rd blackjack, the dealer exclaimed 'SHIT'. I could have shouted at him and could have made a scene but restrained myself.

[@igorgerlovin3185]

Actually, you should bet Lucky Ladies when it's a true +5.

[@mardymartinezjr8392]

No blackjack dealer wants you to lose, unless your a stiff as we call them. In other words you don't tip, all dealers work for tips because the casino pays them way below minimum wage....

[@bboyworlg]

How much money will a casino win before leaving?

[@erebys21]

All your money if you don't leave at your peak.

[@fdsaffff]

how is it standing on 15 or 16 cause u to lose money? what is the fact logic reason?

[@demonhunter8533]

What's the real advantage of a card counter? What's the real sure win situation besides getting blackjack? What's a sure loss situation for dealers? This is in addition to applying basic game strategy. How do we spot our weak rounds or dealers weak round? Pls. Share your experience.

[@timcrawford2221]

Many years ago I was playing and the dealer did not bust once in 17 hands straight, 16, he drew a 4 or 5 ; 15 he drew a 5 or 6

[@iec7587]

@@timcrawford2221 small sample size, pretty meaningless

[@jjones9143]

First time I ever played a side bet I hit for lucky ladies. Queen of hearts. I don't remember the odds something like 300 to 1 or something. Never really payed off after that lol

[@WisVolley]

Question if have a running count of 6 and there are 6 decks in the shoe but they shuffle halfway would you just divide by 3 for the true count

[@whyfoldnow9372]

If you are at a game where they are shuffling half way through, you really need to find another game. It can't be beaten by counting, as they negate the benefit of counting by shuffling extremely early. Incidentally, you would still divide by 6 because that is, in effect, the actual number of cards remaining, no matter when they shuffle. But seriously, find a better game that leaves 1 or 1.25 decks remaining in a 6-shoe game. You're wasting a lot of brain power to count when it doesn't matter.

[@stevenhelgason8190]

not a beatable game. You'd only divide the running by the number of decks left during the course of play, which would be 3 near the shuffle point only.

[@carmine5027]

does anyone know an online casino with decent penetration?

[@shawngauldin4706]

@@carmine5027 All the online casinos shuffle halfway. They are trash stay away.

[@carmine5027]

@@shawngauldin4706 u will generate less ev(expected value)because of the penetration and because u will get true count of 2-3-4 less frequently but with adequate bankroll and bet sizing u can count cards

[@scottyonkers9444]

Question: most of the online casinos pay 3:2 on blackjack but dealer stands on soft 17. How much edge does this give the house? I know I’ve had more than a few instances where I stand on a dealer 6, then dealer turns an ace and I lose.

[@GaryLuKOTH]

The soft 17 is actually slightly better for you because if the dealer hits on soft 17, he is more likely to get higher hands. It happened many times that I was ahead of the dealer when he had soft 17 but then, he hit and beat me.

[@fieldy-8008]

I agree with first comment, it only gives you a better advantage

[@mikekinsela7210]

The problem with card counting is IF the Casino sees a pattern of raised bets they will back you off. They also don't deal the decks down far enough anymore.

[@noskpain2792]

Casinos in Louisiana play the deck all the way and some are still hand shuffles which is better for cc

[@stevenrai2855]

what about the buster side bet?

[@nadimmedlege2021]

some casino have side bets that pays if you make 2 crads 20 isnt it worth playing with a high true count?

[@DragonPupEclipse]

Vast majority of side bets are for suckers. And he did say that there is a way to beat a side bet but you can't just bring up your own pattern to beat it.

[@igorgerlovin3185]

Yes, indeed!

[@cherylwhittemoore3592]

it would make sense since the good count gives you better odds of a 20 hand. but should look at the pay rate

[@jeff13148]

Lots of people that have no clue are playing blackjack. It's easy, you just have to be able to add to 21. Just saw someone take a hit with 2 8's against dealer 10. Didn't split. 👎 Another guy asked the dealer what to do against dealer 6 and he had soft 15!😂😂😂

[@erebys21]

I just play blackjack to have fun and get some tortia chips (our currency) from my friends. I have been missing out. Millions? Hot damn.

[@jdaz5462]

7:00 Stacks of 1 dollar bills with a 100 dollar bill on top of each. You can actually see the 1 dollar bill under one of the stacks. Plus, the bills are worn, like 1 dollar bills would be.

[@flippatheshippa]

Haha !! Good eye

[@JohnVC]

My favorite number #5 is when someone wants to join or add a hand, and the person that's winning always gets mad because that's going to affect their "run". 🤣

[@Matthew-oq1hx]

It’s true sometimes

[@Matthew-oq1hx]

Like when they keep getting good cards

[@JohnVC]

@@Matthew-oq1hx That's called gamblers fallacy... You should learn how odds work.

[@LA-ish]

If you feel you're getting heat at a table, would it be a smart strategy to intentionally make some poor choices/bad plays to make them think that you are actually not an advantaged payer?

[@KALEB32154]

They've answered this before in a video about playing cover and disguises. Older books on the subject such as Burning The Tables At Las Vegas focus on how to blend in with cover plays, but it seems that BJA recommends against purposefully making bad plays and encourages you to burn out like a star fast and bright making as much money as possible. It's worth it nowadays for card counters as there are so many casinos around that you can afford to get kicked out of one and drive to the next.

[@jacobbrooks7670]

Why do you guys change the thumbnail of these videos every 2 days??? To trick me into thinking you've released a new video??? Quit playin with my heart like that!!! I salivate a little every time you upload a new vid lol

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Haha, sorry! My KZbin guy creates 2 thumbnails, then A/B tests to find out which one KZbin likes better. I'm putting out a video every 2 weeks nowadays, with the occasional bonus video thrown in there.

[@travisg9294]

The only reason I lose sometimes is I don't recognize a win, and walk out a loser because of it. Let's say I walk in with 300 bucks, and make 60 bucks, I stay rather than walkaway with the small win, and then lose a lot or all I brought because I didn't have the discipline to leave when I should have done so. The last thirty or so visits to the casino this year I won every time, the loss days being wins of 60-130 bucks, but didn't walk away with those wins because stayed too long and the edge caught up.

[@19SAVE69]

Ur 100% right. Ive brought in for 1000...realize im up 500...keep playing give it back than wonder what happened. All i had to do was walk away.

[@tommygirl6659]

Same with me. I’ll walk in and hit for $2500 in half an hour. Obvious move is to walk away, but you think that THIS is going to be the big night, and you end up broke 2 hours later

[@ChristmasEve777]

"Big dumb casinos"? I'd hardly call them dumb. They're the smart ones :) That's why they can build those huge beautiful elaborate buildings. They depend on dumb *players*.

[@chrisfinch8637]

I've often sucked at Blackjack, the first few times I've played it, but I learned, as I moved forward. I often have those days where the cards were just not right for me, but this past week, I managed to come out way ahead and win $250, based off of how I kept track at how much I was winning. There will be some day that I'll thank these Blackjack Apprenticeship guys for what they have taught me about the game of Blackjack and how to play wisely, too.

[@zemanntill]

Maybe try counting cards :)

[@chrisfinch8637]

@@zemanntill Still trying to learn that part.

[@umarabdullah3445]

My commen mistake is when I stay at 16 against the the dealers 10 or Ace or hitting on a 12 against a 6 and not doubling or splitting at the right time or trying to win to much money 🤑😂

[@DanandDonna1]

HA! I suck at math. Always have, always will. Therefore, I don't play Blackjack. Would like to but my one time at a table, decades ago, I lost a bit. Got the message and left the table.

[@muasboy]

Deviation play at 1:32 -> TC 4 or higher on a h17 game lol

[@morgankane961]

Looks like a 7-4, and not a 6-4 right?

[@muasboy]

Morgan Kane yeah, I think ur right. Haha

[@morgankane961]

@@muasboy Still love the TC +4 deviation though ;)

[@kingstorm7188]

I have to learn to walk when up

[@bigram7235]

If the player has 16 and the dealer a ten card. Better play? Surrender half your bet or hit the 16? Thanks

[@pranksterguy1]

If surrender is available then surrender.