An Overview of True Count in Card Counting

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Card counting in the casino game of blackjack is solely used for the manipulation of the wagering pattern to exploit the information on the cards. In other words, it is a practiced and developed skill blackjack players use to their advantage to track various cards in a deck giving them a larger edge over the casino. As a result, this practice is banned at all casinos.

When using card counting in blackjack to manipulate betting patterns, there are three parameters players must remember:

  • Running count (R)
  • Side count (X)
  • Balance number of decks in the shoe (D)

The true count of cards is adjusted based on the formula: (R + X) / D. The result is a factor that helps the player decide how to deviate from the typical blackjack strategy. Therefore, the larger the count, the more beneficial the deviation is for the player. Variables R and X take on positive and negative values which combine to determine whether the true count is positive or negative. This is a direct result of the distribution of cards within the shoe.

The most critical parameter for determining the size of the true count is D. A small number for D results in a large true count while a large value equates to a small true count value. D is indicative of the rules set forth by the casino which communicates to the player where the card counting skill will be useful.

One of the primary factors in determining D is the total number of decks used. The second factor of significance is penetration which is the percentage of all cards from the dealing shoe prior to the shoe being exhausted. For example, if all cards in the shoe are dealt, then the penetration is 100 percent with the D factor being close to 0.

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The aforementioned true count is utilized in two ways. The first method is a mathematical formula known as the “Kelly Criterion” which determines the overall percentage of bankroll remaining to be wagered based on the calculated true count value. The other method is to use the typical blackjack strategy which reflects the true count.

Card counting for blackjack can be difficult to learn and even more difficult to master. You also must factor in that casino surveillance is under constant scrutiny of all players betting patterns, therefore it is important to not deviate from normal blackjack play. However if you can master this combination, a great deal of money can be made.

Tips for Proper Roulette Play

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Roulette is an exciting, fast paced, popular casino game with high payouts. The rules are simple, pick a number or group of numbers and place a wager. The dealer will spin the wheel and shoot the ball in the opposite direction, if it lands on a number you’ve selected, you win.

When joining a roulette table, there is a certain etiquette that must be followed in order to continue playing the game. The following tips will allow you to slide into any roulette game and participate in a professional manner. These include:

  • You can cover other chips
  • You can place bets after the ball is spun
  • Don’t place bets after the dealer says, “No more bets”

Unlike many other games, everyone is given a different colored set of chips. Therefore if another player is on a number you’d like to bet, don’t get discouraged. In Roulette its acceptable to place your wager on top of the chips of another player.

Also unlike other casino games where bets cannot be made after action has begun, Roulette allows betting after the ball has been spun. The dealer will always indicate when betting has ceased. This usually occurs when the ball begins to slow down. At that time the dealer will wave their hands and yell out, “no more bets.” Any bets made after this do not count.

Since roulette has a high house edge, it’s a difficult game to consistently beat. There is one pointer for winning in the short term; play at a full table. Finding a full game will offer approximately 30 spins per hour. This will slow down the amount of time your amount is susceptible to the house edge.

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There are many individuals that claim to have the next best roulette system that will win every time. Unfortunately this is never the case. Over the long-term, the house will always come out on top. The final tip is to never buy into any roulette systems, be it on the Internet or in person. It will simply result in lost money.

These tips will allow you to know the proper etiquette when placing wagers on Roulette games. With many players flocking to the Roulette table because of the payouts, it should be easy to find a full table which will decrease the amount of time your money is exposed to the house edge. If you simply follow the dealer’s direction while betting, there should be no problem when playing this simple, easy to learn game.

The Fundamentals of Blackjack

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Blackjack, also known as 21, is a staple in casinos that provide table games. This is one of the oldest and most popular betting games offered. There are many different limits and anyone can play. The rules are fairly simple with the primary objective being to beat the dealer.

The Basics

Blackjack can be played with one to eight decks of cards (this is an effort to diminish the card-counting technique). Many casinos are not only using multiple decks, but have continuous shuffling machines. In single and double deck games, the dealer holds and shuffles the cards and distributes them. In a multi-deck game, the dealer distributes the cards from a shoe (a box that holds the cards).

One and two deck games are extremely uncommon in casinos with most dealing from the shoe. The hand is dealt face up to all the players at the table who are not allowed to touch their cards. The game is played in a heads up fashion with everyone against the dealer. If the total count of your cards is less than or equal to 21 and is higher than the dealers hand you win.

If your hand totals over 21 you bust which is an automatic forfeit of chips. If the dealer also busts, you still do not win. The player always makes the first move. Unlike other card games, the suit of the card has no bearing on the outcome of the hand.

The Card Values

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Cards 2-10 are counted as shown. All the face cards have a value equal to 10 and an ace counts as either a 1 or an 11. For instance, an ace and an 8 can either be combined to equal either 9 or 19 depending on the strategy for that hand. Hard hands are those that do not contain an ace. A soft hand is one that does contain an ace.

The Table

A blackjack table is shaped as a semi-circle. On the felt, there is a circle and a square for each seat. Chips must be purchased from the dealer and a bet is only valid if the chips are placed in the circle. Once all bets have been placed play can commence.

Blackjack is a fairly simple game consisting of simple math. Good decisions are based on mathematical calculations. Blackjack is one of the most fun and popular casino games due to its simplicity and immediate action.

Blackjack vs. Super Fun 21

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Derived from Blackjack, Super Fun 21 has similar mechanics, but different rules. The mechanics are so similar many novice card players sit down and think they are playing a single deck game of Blackjack. In Nevada, the game cannot be called Blackjack. Super Fun 21 is a fairly new novelty casino game that was created mainly for the tourists. Most Blackjack experts will avoid this game when possible.

The similarities between the two games are mostly mechanical. For instance, aces can be counted as either a one or an eleven. Also all face cards within the deck are valued at ten with all other cards representing face value. Like Blackjack, the player bets first and is dealt two cards face up. One of the dealer’s cards is dealt face up and one face down. The player has the option to hit or stay, just like in Blackjack.

On the other hand, there are specific differences that make Super Fun 21 unique from Blackjack including:

  • The dealer hits on soft 17
  • Players have the option to double down on any cards
  • The game is played with only 1-2 decks of cards
  • A hand that totals 21 with 5 or more cards pays 2 to 1
  • Players can split pairs up to four times
  • A hand that totals 20 or less with six cards automatically wins
  • Natural blackjack always wins

One of the biggest and most important variations is that the natural blackjack only pays even money. In a regular game of blackjack it pays 3 to 2. The exception to this rule is if the cards that make a natural Blackjack are of the diamond suit.

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Like all other casino games, the house maintains the edge over the players. In this case, the house has an edge of 1.16 percent with a single deck of cards and 1.30 percent with a double deck. When searching for a Super Fun 21 game to play, find one that’s using a single deck, this will improve your winnings over the long term.

Super Fun 21 is a novelty game mainly played by tourists. After a few years, it may fall into the mainstream table games. The game is fairly easy to learn if you’re familiar with Blackjack. While the mechanics of the game are similar, there are many rules that differ. Super Fun 21 is an exciting substitute if you’re looking to try something new and exciting.

How to Find the Best Casino Game for You

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Different types of casino games require different rules, strategies, and techniques to play. Certain games require more logic and careful consideration, while other games rely on heavy gambling and quick thinking. We all have strengths when it comes to gambling and playing casino games. The trick is to find a game that lets you use your strengths to your advantage.

What Are Your Gambling Strengths?

The Logical Thinker

A logical thinker is someone who takes his or her time in life. They are careful to fold, careful to raise their bets. They move slower, so quick thinking games are not for them. However, they are always thinking so poker games that require a lot of strategy are more up their alley. For example, if you enjoy puzzles and like to take your time on projects, then you would do well with a game like Omaha, which requires a lot of thought.

The Strategist

If you loved the game Risk as a kid, and prefer to plan your moves in detail before making them, then you are strategist. A strategist likes to look at the whole picture and figure out how to make each individual move before acting. Casino games that are mostly up to chance, like slot machines, do not work very well for a strategist. If you like planning, then you should stick to a longer poker game like Texas Hold ‘Em.

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The Gambler

The gambler is someone who likes to take risks. They are less concerned about pot odds and statistics, and more focused on what is fun and risky. The gambler likes to move quickly and enjoys the thrill of placing big bets. More strategic games of poker are not an ideal situation for a gambler, other fast-paced games like Craps or the slot machines are better bets. These games move quickly and allow the gambler to place large bets.

The Timid Player

Timid players can have just as much fan at a casino as anyone else, provided they can find a game that allows them to play on their strengths. Timid players tend to bet more carefully and enjoy easy to understand games. Basic five card draw poker is an ideal game for a timid player, especially at a lower limit table. Five card draw will allow a timid player to place smaller bets on an easy to follow game that allows them to feel comfortable and play up their strengths.

The History of Craps

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

The popular casino dice game craps has a long and varied history. Modern craps has evolved from a game that was played many centuries before.

Craps derived from English game

In the 12th century, Sir William of Tyre led a group of crusaders on a castle by the name of Hazarth. Tyre’s group seized Hazarth and named their favorite pastime game after the castle. The Hazard game apparently was derived from Arabic dice games that were eventually brought to Europe.

By the 17th century, Hazard was a vastly popular game in England. The game was a staple in taverns throughout the country. Hazard was also a popular casino game among noblemen.

In the game, the player with the dice is known as the caster. In each round of the game, the player will specify a number between five and nine. The specific number between five and nine is known as the main. A roll of the main number results in a win. If the player rolls a two or three, he loses. A roll of 11 or 12 will result in a variety of outcomes depending on the main number that was designated. A main of 5 or 9 will lose on a roll of 11 or 12. On a main of 6 or 8, the player will lose on a roll of 11 but win on 12. With a main number of 7, the player wins on 11 but loses on 12.

It didn’t take long for neighboring countries to take notice of the game. The game became popular in France. The French called their version of the dice game “Craps.”

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Game evolves in the 19th century

In the early 19th century, Bernard de Mandeville made an important adjustment to the game. The New Orleans resident simplified craps. His version of the game was soon being played on steamboats traveling the Mississippi River. Mandeville’s game had a flaw due to the ability to use crooked dice tied to the betting rules of the game. John H. Winn was able to build on Mandeville’s initial adjustment to the game. Winn brought the modern layout to the game of craps. His adjustments allowed players to bet on the shooter or against him. This greatly eliminated any impact that could result from any fixed dice being used in craps games. Winn’s adjustments to the game enabled craps to become widely popular.

Highest wagered on game

Over the last century, the game has continued to grow in society and culture. Craps was a popular game among soldiers in World War II to break the monotony of war. The game was occasionally featured in some popular movies over the years to elevate the status of craps in popular culture. In the 1990′s, the game suffered a downturn due to the surge of slots and other casino games. However, craps has rebounded, due in part to the growth of online casinos. Today, the game is the biggest in the history of the world in terms of money wagered.


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