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• The Hidden Cost of Cognitive Fatigue in Casino Play -

  By Matthew Warburton. Becoming an effective advantage player requires a knowledge of basic blackjack strategy, along with any card counting techniques that you’re using. However, no matter how knowledgeable you are, you’ll still need to execute these strategies effectively and consistently during play. Doing so requires a great deal of focus. Any slipups will eat … Continue reading The Hidden Cost of Cognitive Fatigue in Casino Play →

• Masks, Math, and Mayhem: Halloween at the 28th Blackjack Ball -

  By Michael Dalton. On October 25, 2025, the Ruvo Center in Las Vegas transformed into a haunted haven for the sharpest minds in blackjack as Max Rubin’s legendary Blackjack Ball returned with a ghoulish twist. The annual invite-only gathering—equal parts secret society, strategy summit, and social spectacle—embraced a Halloween theme this year, turning the elite … Continue reading Masks, Math, and Mayhem: Halloween at the 28th Blackjack Ball →

• Beyond Card Counting: How Advantage Players Find Their Edge in Crypto Casinos -

  By Balazs Pal. The legends of blackjack are often remembered for a single skill. The MIT Blackjack Team became a pop-culture icon through their card-counting exploits, yet their real genius lay in organization, treating gambling as a disciplined business. Don Johnson’s $15 million triumph over Atlantic City wasn’t powered by counting at all, but by … Continue reading Beyond Card Counting: How Advantage Players Find Their Edge in Crypto Casinos →

• KO with Table of Critical Running Counts (Update) - By Blackjack Rebel. In my last article, High-Low (HL) count with 7m9c, I had suggested that Knock-Out (KO) is a better count for the shoe game than HL and I said I would not cover why in that article.  So I am writing this article to explain why the KO is a better primary count for the … Continue reading KO with Table of Critical Running Counts (Update) →
• How to Adjust Your Poker Strategy at a Soft Table -

  By Sarah Ovesen. Finding soft tables is only half the battle. The real money comes from adjusting your strategy to extract maximum value from weaker opponents. Too many solid players make the mistake of sticking to their default strategy regardless of table dynamics. Against recreational players, your GTO approach goes out the window. These opponents … Continue reading How to Adjust Your Poker Strategy at a Soft Table →

• Dynamic Blackjack: The Professional Approach – 2025 Revised Edition -

  By Maverick Sharp. What’s new in Dynamic Blackjack? Too much to actually list in a blog. The Pro-Count, a level-3 card counting system, has theoretical similarities to the Halves Count. The Halves tag values are in fractions and performs a true count conversion by whole-decks. The original Pro-Count was a complete inversion to the Halves, i.e., … Continue reading Dynamic Blackjack: The Professional Approach – 2025 Revised Edition →

• How to Cut Your Losses in Blackjack -

  By Ihsan. Blackjack is a game that rewards calculated decision-making, discipline, and long-term strategy. When played correctly, it’s one of the few casino games where player choices can significantly influence outcomes. Cutting your losses in blackjack doesn’t mean giving up, it means playing smart. By adopting the mindset of experienced poker players who focus on … Continue reading How to Cut Your Losses in Blackjack →

• To Withhold (Gambling Income Taxes) or Not — That is the Question -

  By Frank Sutherland, CPA. For any discussion of income taxes and gambling it is important to remember that ALL winnings are taxable and that accurate records must be kept for proper tax reporting.  Record keeping and income taxes are not the foremost items on gamblers’ minds while they are gambling, nor should they be.  The … Continue reading To Withhold (Gambling Income Taxes) or Not — That is the Question →

• Why You Should Probably Avoid the 6:5 Blackjack Tables -

  By Sarah Ovesen. Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games due to its mix of skill, strategy, and relatively low house edge—when played optimally. However, not all blackjack tables are created equal. Over the years, casinos have introduced different rule variations that tilt the odds further in their favor. One such change, the … Continue reading Why You Should Probably Avoid the 6:5 Blackjack Tables →

• Best And Worst Blackjack in Las Vegas 2025 Update -

  By Sadonna Price. Blackjack is the king of casino table games. It is a gaming product whose house edge can get lowered to 0.5% with an optimal strategy, which is why many gamblers find it appealing. Well, that and its decision-making angle give individuals a far more sizeable illusion of control than what other casino … Continue reading Best And Worst Blackjack in Las Vegas 2025 Update →

• Caesars Palace in the 70s Dealt the Finest Blackjack Game on the Planet -

  By George C. 1D S17 DDAS LS RSA 13 cards cutoff              I played this marvelous single deck game for about 2 years in the 1970s. Caesars motto back then was “we take on all comers“. They did place a restriction on me that I could only spread 1 to 4. In black playing 150 Hands … Continue reading Caesars Palace in the 70s Dealt the Finest Blackjack Game on the Planet →

• Bill Zender Newsletter Feb 4, 2025 -

  By Bill Zender. Dear Friends and Business Associates, I will be speaking again at the World Game Protection Conference in Las Vegas Nevada to be held at the Rio Las Vegas on March 11th through 13th.  If you are there in attendance and you see me, please come up and say “hi”.  I will be attending all three days. World Game … Continue reading Bill Zender Newsletter Feb 4, 2025 →

• Optimal Wagering and Betting -

  By Karel Janeček. I wrote the following article as a paper at Bradley University in May/June 1997.  I believe that it can be of an interest to readers of Blackjack Review magazine since it offers a solution to the problem of optimal betting for a given maximum spread. The practical calculation was done by the … Continue reading Optimal Wagering and Betting →

• The Blackjack High-Low Count with 7m9c -

  By Blackjack Rebel. HL (High-Low) ignores 7, 8 and 9 and counts them as zero. But there is information to help mainly with betting but also with a few playing strategy decisions by considering the sevens and nines so you might as well use it than just ignore it. I am suggesting keeping the HL … Continue reading The Blackjack High-Low Count with 7m9c →

• Avoiding Detection While Card Counting at Blackjack -

  By Michael Dalton. Card counting in blackjack can give you an edge over the casino, but it’s important to avoid detection to continue playing. While some casinos may tolerate your play at lower betting levels (i.e., under $100 / hand) it is still important to always keep them guessing.  If you play long enough with … Continue reading Avoiding Detection While Card Counting at Blackjack →

• The 27th Annual Blackjack Ball (2024) -

  By Michael Dalton. On August 10, 2024, the annual Blackjack Ball (BB) was held again in Las Vegas.  This year we honored Ed Thorp and the late Al Francesco, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 90.  The BB is the annual gathering of the World’s finest blackjack players and legends of … Continue reading The 27th Annual Blackjack Ball (2024) →

• How I Invented Ace Prediction – Ed Thorp -

  By David McDowell. The big thrill,” said Ed Thorp, “came from learning things nobody else in the world had ever known.”[i]  Edward Oakley Thorp was a 28-year-old Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University when he came up with the idea of Ace Prediction:  “I believe that I began to think in detail about non-random shuffling in … Continue reading How I Invented Ace Prediction – Ed Thorp →

• Announcing The Encyclopedia of Blackjack -

  PRESS RELEASE: The Blackjack Review Network, a website that provides information and resources for blackjack players, has announced the launch of the Encyclopedia of Blackjack, a free online edition of a 1000+ page book by Michael Dalton, which is the most comprehensive resource available anywhere for everything blackjack related. The Encyclopedia of Blackjack covers topics … Continue reading Announcing The Encyclopedia of Blackjack →

• The Long Road to Playing Winning Blackjack -

  By Chip Green. You’ve heard it before, anyone with enough desire combined with an iron will and proper training (also, assuming a full size brain) can learn to play winning blackjack. I define winning blackjack as average-units-per-win greater than average-units-per-loss, coupled with winning more frequently than losing. Think of it as a batting average >0.500 … Continue reading The Long Road to Playing Winning Blackjack →

• Blackjack Vs Poker (Part V – or “the Maddog Licks His Wounds”) -

  by Yancy Howard. If you’ve read the editorial, you know that the “Maddog” has been run over.  He’s been wounded.  He’s limping around.  His tail is between his legs. There is no medical procedure that can be prescribed.  His pain is mental and financial rather than physical.  The vehicles involved sustained no damage.  As a … Continue reading Blackjack Vs Poker (Part V – or “the Maddog Licks His Wounds”) →

• An Ode to the Bishop: Arnold Snyder & the First Church of Blackjack -

  By Yancy Howard. Gamblers come, and gamblers go. They bet on games, they think they know. Some play slots, others shoot craps. Many bet the wheel, but they’re just saps. In the lounge, they play the Keno card. But a 40% vig, is way too hard! The roulette wheel is another kill. That will reduce … Continue reading An Ode to the Bishop: Arnold Snyder & the First Church of Blackjack →

• Getting Away With It! -

  By Allan Pell. Most casinos are very paranoid about card-counters.  They know good counters can beat blackjack.  They are on the alert for any signs of card-counters.  But that does not mean you cannot easily get away with it, if you know what you are doing and if you know what signs to look for. … Continue reading Getting Away With It! →

• Evolution of a Card Counter -

  By Mike “Bootlegger” Turner. This post came about as a result of a chat-room conversation I recently had [sic, in 1997] with Stanford Wong. I was describing to him the vast differences between single and double deck games and six deckers I had been experiencing in my hourly win rates. Wong suggested that I make … Continue reading Evolution of a Card Counter →

• Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 4) -

  By Yancy Howard. When you walk up to the blackjack table, or into the poker room, do you have a plan as to how you are going to conduct yourself?  Do you ever think about how you will react to a given situation before it happens?  You should!  Is your demeanor the same in both … Continue reading Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 4) →

• Blackjack Tips from the Silver Fox: Ralph Stricker -

  By Ralph Stricker. EDITOR NOTE: Here is a collection of blackjack tips of the week (circa 1996) from blackjack expert Ralph Stricker, otherwise known as the Silver Fox.  He was a former blackjack instructor and a well known card counter in the Northeast USA.  Arnold Snyder once commented that he was a “Master in camouflage … Continue reading Blackjack Tips from the Silver Fox: Ralph Stricker →

• All Stressed Out – Handling a Bad Beat! -

  By Michael Dalton. Gambling is a rather risky and stressful endeavor.  Whether it is wagering on the stock market or placing a bet at a blackjack table the emotional roller coaster ride of winning and losing is a very real concern that everyone needs to address.  When we are winning money it is easy!  During … Continue reading All Stressed Out – Handling a Bad Beat! →

• Mastering the Art of Blackjack Card Counting Deviations -

  By ChatGPT. In the world of blackjack, card counting is a highly sought-after skill that can give players an edge over the casino. It involves keeping track of the ratio of high cards to low cards remaining in the deck or shoe and adjusting your bets and playing decisions accordingly. While basic card counting is … Continue reading Mastering the Art of Blackjack Card Counting Deviations →

• Skills and Education Credentials for Blackjack Dealers -

  By Leon Collier. Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. And if you’re looking for a fun and challenging job, becoming a blackjack dealer may be the perfect option for you. To get started in this field, though, you’ll need to have the right skills and education credentials. This article … Continue reading Skills and Education Credentials for Blackjack Dealers →

• The 25th Silver Anniversary of the Blackjack Ball -

  By Michael Dalton. On October 1, 2022, the annual Blackjack Ball was held once again in Las Vegas.  This was no ordinary Blackjack Ball!  Max Rubin, Richard Munchkin and I am sure others on the Ball committee pulled out all the stops for this event.  This is the one big yearly event that professional blackjack … Continue reading The 25th Silver Anniversary of the Blackjack Ball →

• 10 Truths About Blackjack Advantage Play -

  By Michael Dalton. Blackjack is a fascinating game.  It is simple enough for beginners to understand and grasp the rules and a game that is also potentially beatable with skilled play.  However, gaining an advantage over the casino is usually never an easy task.  Here are some truths and facts about the game that all … Continue reading 10 Truths About Blackjack Advantage Play →

• Harvey Dubner & the Development of the Hi-Lo Strategy -

  By Leslie M. Golden. Reprinted with permission. Originally published as Appendix D in the book Never Split Tens by Leslie M. Golden.  Harvey Alan Dubner was born on July 14, 1928, the son of Reuben and Frances Dubner, Jews of Eastern European descent who lived in New York.  He had a younger brother, Neil Peter … Continue reading Harvey Dubner & the Development of the Hi-Lo Strategy →

• Predicting Roulette -

  by Mike Emmerik Roulette is a casino game that in principle is predictable, since bets are (usually) allowed after the ball has been launched, and hence (if you are a reductionist) the final resting place for the ball is predetermined. (Barring unusual events like stopping the wheel, or something falling into the wheel).1)According to Wikipedia, … Continue reading Predicting Roulette →

• Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 3) -

  By Yancy Howard. In the past two articles we have addressed poker and blackjack as the two games are played in the casino.  Just as Caddy Blackjack differs from the way it’s played in the casino, so can the home game of poker. The home or private game of poker is usually played as a … Continue reading Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 3) →

• The Buster Blackjack Side bet -

  By Bill Zender.1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on the Buster Blackjack Side bet. Interesting Emails Over the past month I only received one interesting question regarding table games that I wish to pass along to my readers.  The question has to do with protecting the Buster side bet from … Continue reading The Buster Blackjack Side bet →

• Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 2) -

  By Yancy Howard  In the last article we talked about choosing the right games at which to put your money at risk, discipline, good and bad players and how they affect your game, and thought processes that knowledgeable players use to maximize their expectation. Game selection was the key factor discussed concerning your long term … Continue reading Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 2) →

• Casino & Card Room Reopenings and Emails -

  By Bill Zender.1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated and shortened in 2023. It appears everyone in the industry is preparing to reopen their casinos and/or card-rooms.  One thing for sure, from the reopening procedures that I have seen, there really is not an established set of procedures that anyone is required to do.  Base on all my research … Continue reading Casino & Card Room Reopenings and Emails →

• Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 1) -

  By Yancy Howard Anyone knowledgeable of casino games knows that the two games that can be beaten consistently are blackjack and poker. The reason being, that if you play other games that have a negative expectation, you will go broke in the long run. This is not to say you can’t have a short run … Continue reading Blackjack Versus Poker (Part 1) →

• The 24th Annual Blackjack Ball (2020) -

  By Michael Dalton On February 22, 2020, the 24th Blackjack Ball was held in Las Vegas. I was privileged and honored to be one of the approximately 100 attendees. This is the one big yearly event that professional blackjack players, experts and authors gather to reconnect, renew old relationships and create new ones. It is … Continue reading The 24th Annual Blackjack Ball (2020) →

• The Best Blackjack Books of All Time -

  By Michael Dalton There are many good books1)Of course, there are many bad blackjack books as well. Check out my blackjack book collection. that have been written about the game of blackjack. Here are my personal favorites for the best blackjack books of all time. These books have stood the test of time and provide … Continue reading The Best Blackjack Books of All Time →

• The Art of Twenty-One -

  by Michael Dalton The key to success for most blackjack card counters is the act.  It is the very essence to the art of twenty-one.  It is what distinguishes the average card counter who has trouble finding a good game and the blackjack expert who manages to make the game good. A player once told … Continue reading The Art of Twenty-One →

• Blackjack Player’s Guide to Idiot Camouflage -

  by Michael Dalton This article originally started out (in the 1990s) as an Internet discussion group topic called “What New (Blackjack) Players Do.”  I would like to thank Grimy Fellow for posting the topic and Max Von Count, JW, Curious Amateur, BJ, Grinder, Slick, and Don Schlesinger for contributing items and ideas. “…the less you … Continue reading Blackjack Player’s Guide to Idiot Camouflage →

• Top Tips For Blackjack Gamblers -

  By Mike Aponte. Mike Aponte is a former member of the MIT Blackjack Team and provides private blackjack training, coaching and card counting classes.  Visit MikeAponte.com for more information.  RETURN TO BLOG MENU

• Single Play Promo and Free Play Chips -

  Bill Zender Newsletter – December 20, 2018 ( Reprinted with permission ) Dear Friends and Business Associates, I just want to take the time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy and Joyous New Year.  I’m sorry that I have been unable to conduct my usual consulting work, travel to different casino … Continue reading Single Play Promo and Free Play Chips →

• Bill Zender Newsletter – Down Under Blackjack and Emails -

  Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s email responses including Down Under Blackjack. Answers to Important Emails Correcting a loop-hole in their manual multiple deck shuffle Below is the follow up to an email I received two months ago.  The casino executive contacting me had been watching a BJ customer … Continue reading Bill Zender Newsletter – Down Under Blackjack and Emails →

• What is correct basic strategy for blackjack? -

  By Michael Dalton There is only one correct basic strategy for blackjack given a set of established rules. However, since all casinos don’t offer the same rules the basic strategy can be slightly different from game to game. Also, the number of decks used affects the basic strategy slightly. Peter Griffin’s Theory of Blackjack and … Continue reading What is correct basic strategy for blackjack? →

• Words to Die By! -

  Words and phrases to avoid at the blackjack table by Michael Dalton  Words can indeed be our own worst enemy!  What we say and how we react to others can often mirror our intelligence, and reflect on our experience and knowledge.  At the blackjack table, card counters1)Of course, this discussion also applies to any advantage … Continue reading Words to Die By! →

• Bill Zender on the One2Six Shufflers -

  By Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s email responses including the One2Six Shufflers. Emails I have received Following are several email questions I have received over the past month that I felt were important enough to pass along to friends/associates.  Question: Note: I received a text message from … Continue reading Bill Zender on the One2Six Shufflers →

• How Casinos can be Sure a Person is Counting? -

  By Bill Zender October 2, 2017 Dear Friends and Business Associates, I will be attending this year’s G2E tomorrow, October 3rd, and Wednesday October 4th.  Since I am on the Board of Directors, I will be “hanging out” primarily at the Galaxy Gaming booth 4208.  The convention area is like a small city so be … Continue reading How Casinos can be Sure a Person is Counting? →

• Game Protection and Card Counter Detection -

  From Bill Zender and Associates Bill Zender Newsletter September 6, 2017 I cannot believe the number of “winning” player evaluations I have conducted this summer.  Most of them concerned higher limit blackjack players, but I still had a couple higher limit baccarat players, and one Pai Gow tiles evaluation.  Usually the evaluations only confirm what … Continue reading Game Protection and Card Counter Detection →

• Understanding Blackjack Bet Spread Requirements for a Card Counter in Blackjack -

  By Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s interesting comments on the state of advantage play. When I ask table game executives what signs they use to detect that a person is on their tables counting cards, I get the following list of “tells”; Guys winning a lot of … Continue reading Understanding Blackjack Bet Spread Requirements for a Card Counter in Blackjack →

• Blackjack Basic Strategy – Is It Important? -

  From Bill Zender’s email discussing his upcoming activities and events. July 5, 2017 Dear Friends and Business Associates, I hope everyone is doing well.  First off, I want to give the University of Nevada Reno’s Extended Studies course in Casino Management a recommendation, especially the Table Game Management course that is scheduled to be held … Continue reading Blackjack Basic Strategy – Is It Important? →

• New Blackjack History Database Tool -

  Just completed a new Blackjack History Database Tool on the BJRNET site. Did a blackjack, card counting or related gambling event happen in 1948, or in the month of January, or during April 1977?  Check the Blackjack History Database Tool. You can search by any combination of month, day and year.  Or view all of the … Continue reading New Blackjack History Database Tool →

• Use of Rolling Chips in North America -

  By Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on the use of rolling chips in 2017.   Attached to June’s eBlast is a link to a report I just finished.  Over the past spring, it has come to my attention that a number of North American casino operators … Continue reading Use of Rolling Chips in North America →

• Sydney Australia’s Star City Casino -

  By Michael Dalton. I spent an afternoon at Sydney Australia’s Star City Casino this week.  This is a huge casino with lots of blackjack tables.  However, they are not worth playing as they all use automatic shufflers.  Minimum bets that I saw started at $20 Australian which is about $15 US.  I did not check … Continue reading Sydney Australia’s Star City Casino →

• Blackjack in Montana ??? -

  Bill would legalize blackjack in Montana, tax tables FREDDY MONARES, University of Montana School of Journalism Published 4:33 p.m. MT March 15, 2017 HELENA — Rep. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, said generating revenue for the state can be as simple as counting to 21, meaning, playing blackjack.  House Bill 578 would legalize the card game, for … Continue reading Blackjack in Montana ??? →

• Ten Fun Ways to Look Like an Idiot -

  Or avoiding blackjack protocol at all costs! by Michael Dalton Before you sit down at any table be sure to introduce yourself and shake the dealer’s hand. If you need chips, always hand the dealer the money directly.  Never place money directly on the table… someone might steal it!   Be sure to have a … Continue reading Ten Fun Ways to Look Like an Idiot →

• Bill Zender on Table Game Advantage Play and Cheating Scams -

  By Bill Zender. 1)EDITOR NOTE: Post below updated in 2023 to reflect Bill Zender’s comments on advantage play in 2017. 2017 Table Game Advantage Play and Cheating Scams to Watch Out For Blackjack – Still the dominate table game on the casino floor, I believe the primary avenue of attack will come from advantage players … Continue reading Bill Zender on Table Game Advantage Play and Cheating Scams →

• Casino will confiscate winnings for using brain! -

  Casino threatens to confiscate winnings for using your brain! I’ve seen similar Casino House Rules posted in front of casinos before but I thought it might be interesting to bring a specific “idiotic” house rule to the public’s attention.   Let’s be clear, “card counting” is the simple use of your brain.  It is not illegal … Continue reading Casino will confiscate winnings for using brain! →

• Ed Thorp’s A Man for All Markets -

  On January 24th 2017, Random House Publishing will release Ed Thorp’s memoirs in his new book A Man for All Markets: From Las Vegas to Wall Street, How I Beat the Dealer and the Market. Nassim Taleb did the foreword for this book and if you are interested you can read it here.  Early reviews … Continue reading Ed Thorp’s A Man for All Markets →

• Historical Events and Quotes -

  Announcing the Blackjack Review Network historical event and quotation database. Every day that you visit the Blackjack Review Network web site you are greeted with a historical event and/or quote of the day.  My goal is to have a relevant event and/or quote for each day of the year.   Relevant means the event or quote … Continue reading Historical Events and Quotes →

• New Games Menu -

  Woo-hoo…. we have some games! The Blackjack Review Network has a new left side menu.  Click on GAMES to review some of the new fun games we’ve included. 

• Casinos As Spies For The Federal Government -

  The following notice has not been approved by any government official. (In fact, some of them would probably be unhappy to see this warning published.) WARNING TO ALL CASINO PATRONS By  Professor I. Nelson Rose If you win big, are a high roller, or do anything that a casino or the government regards as suspicious, … Continue reading Casinos As Spies For The Federal Government →

• What are the top blackjack play variations… -

  … that yield the greatest gain for card counters? By Michael Dalton The top play variations for blackjack card counters are knowing when to take insurance and stand on 16 versus a dealer’s 10. The top 18 plays, known as the Illustrious 18 are show in the table below in order of importance 1)The gains … Continue reading What are the top blackjack play variations… →

• What is the best card counting system? -

  By Michael Dalton There is no such thing as a “best” card counting system unless you are a robot, in which case you would be keeping track of each and every card. Humans, on the other hand, have limitations. For shoe dealt games, all card counting systems perform within a tenth of a percent (or … Continue reading What is the best card counting system? →

• Isn’t card counting illegal? -

  By Michael Dalton No! It’s no more illegal than using your brain to add up how much money you have in your wallet. But that doesn’t mean they won’t kick you out for trying! In most casinos in this country casino management has the right to bar players for any reason they want. Most casinos … Continue reading Isn’t card counting illegal? →

• How much money can I expect to win if I count cards? -

  By Michael Dalton To be perfectly honest, you stand a fair chance of losing money in this game! It all depends on your skill level, bankroll, the level of risk you are willing to take, and the quality of games you play. Assuming you balance all of these factors, the theoretical long-run advantage a skilled … Continue reading How much money can I expect to win if I count cards? →

• If blackjack is really “beatable”…? -

  … then why aren’t you out there making millions of dollars instead of writing about it? By Michael Dalton The fact that a game is beatable does not imply that someone can get rich at it. If you look at blackjack as an investment opportunity you have three factors to consider – Knowledge and skill, … Continue reading If blackjack is really “beatable”…? →

• Are single-deck games better than multi-deck games? -

  By Michael Dalton WARNING: This article assumes blackjacks pay 3 to 2.  Most, if not all, single deck blackjack games currently offered pay only 6 to 5 on a natural.  This makes the game unplayable.   For more information check the Numbers of 21 section. Yes… and no! A multi-deck game has an inherent 0.5% … Continue reading Are single-deck games better than multi-deck games? →

• How fast can you count down a single deck of playing cards? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 8 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  If you are a card-counter… how fast can you count down a single deck of playing cards? World’s Fastest Card Counter

• Have you played blackjack for real money in an online Internet casino? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 7 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  Have you played blackjack for real money in an online Internet casino?

• Where can the best money-making blackjack opportunities be found today? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 5 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  Where can the best money-making blackjack opportunities be found today?  

• At the present time over your lifetime, are you ahead financially playing blackjack? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 5 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  At the present time over your lifetime, are you ahead financially playing blackjack?

• Should casinos be allowed to bar card counters? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a blackjack poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 4 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  Should casinos be allowed to bar card counters?

• Who has the biggest blackjack book collection? -

  By Michael Dalton I’ve been collecting blackjack books since the early 1980s.  It’s pretty extensive but I am sure it is not the largest.  If your collection is larger I would love to hear your comments.  I recently did some organizing in my office and found a few duplicate books – which you can check … Continue reading Who has the biggest blackjack book collection? →

• What is the worst play in blackjack? -

  By Michael Dalton Ignoring abnormal plays such as hitting a 19 or 20 or standing on Ace-Ace, the worst play, expectation wise, is standing on 8,8 versus 7, rather than splitting them! You will lose about 70 cents on the dollar each time you make this play. If you stick to basic strategy you won’t … Continue reading What is the worst play in blackjack? →

• When would I ever want to take insurance (or even money)? -

  By Michael Dalton A basic strategy player should never take insurance. Only a card counter knows when this bet is profitable. If you are dealt a blackjack and the dealer shows an “Ace” simply reply “No, I’ll take my chances!”, when you are asked if you would like “even money”. You are better off winning … Continue reading When would I ever want to take insurance (or even money)? →

• Do other players affect your long term expectation? -

  By Michael Dalton No! You should ignore how other players play. Simply put, a bad player’s action will “help” you just as often as “hurt” you in this game. There is nothing mysterious about this at all! Every serious player will eventually come to this conclusion. A fellow player who hits his stiff when the … Continue reading Do other players affect your long term expectation? →

• What is meant by the term “Las Vegas rules”? -

  By Michael Dalton This term was often used as the standard to compare one blackjack game with another. Las Vegas rules used to refer to games that were typical of Downtown Las Vegas – double down allowed on any initial two cards, dealer hits soft-17, re-splits and insurance allowed. Las Vegas rules also implied that … Continue reading What is meant by the term “Las Vegas rules”? →

• Does blackjack have the “best” odds for the player? -

  By Michael Dalton Yes! Actually, it depends on the rules of the game and the skill of the player. A single deck game with Las Vegas Strip (LVS) rules and double after splitting (DAS) allowed actually gives the player a 0.1% advantage. This assumes, of course, that the player uses the “correct” basic strategy. You … Continue reading Does blackjack have the “best” odds for the player? →

• Have you been restricted for card counting? -

  Have you ever had your blackjack play “restricted” by casino officials due to card counting? Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 3 of the archived bjrnet.com poll:  Have you ever had your blackjack play “restricted” by casino officials due to card counting? Please select the … Continue reading Have you been restricted for card counting? →

• What has been your most profitable casino game? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 2 of the archived bjrnet.com poll: What has been your most profitable casino game? Comments?

• What counting system do you use? -

  Several years ago on bjrnet.com a poll was conducted.  Several questions were asked.  Here is question 1 of the archived bjrnet.com poll: What counting system do you use? Comments?

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