Blackjack Table Techniques

In this section, we’re going to discuss how to really play the game of Blackjack. By now, you have been acquainted with the rules of the game, the intricacies of the same, the card counting system that will ensure the highest probability of your success, as well as the essentials of intelligent gambling.

So what else needs to be discussed?

Playing the actual game of course!

Theories are often useless until you put them into practice. And with the techniques we will discuss in this chapter, you will learn how to employ what you have learned in the best possible way that can guarantee the most winnable position for you in this game.

Shall we start?

Table Positioning
Once you enter the casino, survey all the Blackjack tables.

In gambling, people hold onto countless beliefs. These beliefs may not have any scientific basis, but anything that adds confidence to your game is a welcome addition.

There are tables where the majority, if not all the players, experiences a major winning streak. As a rule, don’t join this table until most of them suffer losses. They believe that they’re getting the luck of the draw and that your entry in the game will disrupt the lucky distribution of cards. Well, you know better than them by now. You know that luck, although it plays a factor, is only helpful if you have the skills to play the game, and that the drawing of cards can be scientifically predicted. But then again, you wouldn’t want to be at a table where you earn the enmity of the other players, right?

Now, where should you sit?

Usually, there are six slots for players on each Blackjack table. Eager beavers like to sit on farthest right side of the table or the farthest left side of the dealer so that they’ll receive the very first cards the dealer delivers.

I advise against this.

You need time.

You can’t afford to make decisions quickly. With all that you have learned in the previous chapters, you should know better than the rest of the players at the table that Blackjack is a thinking man’s game.

And you need time to think.

You need time to see the cards that are laid out. You need time to count the cards and predict the possible draws. You need time to study the dealer’s hand vis a vis the hands of the other players and plan a strategy that will eventually make you win.

Being on the farthest right corner of the table will deprive you of the time you need. You’ll be compelled to make fast, and often hasty, decisions, and this could compromise your advantage.

Instead, I’d advise that you sit on the farthest left corner of the table or the farthest right corner of the dealer’s view so that you’ll be the last one to receive the cards and the last one to be asked for a HIT or a STAND. This will give you ample time to come up with well-thought-out decisions.

Also, never be pressured by the rapid pace that the dealer establishes.

The dealer, for example, may deliver the cards so fast that this may compel you to make decisions at an equal pace. Don’t fall for this trap! Dealers are usually asked by their supervisors to speed up the pace of the game to apply pressure on the players. But guess what?

You are bound by no time limit in coming up with your decisions.

Hey! It’s your money on the line! If you need some time to think about the decisions you will make, take your time. No one is put at a disadvantage, not you, not the house, not the other players.

Control the game at your own pace. It’s yours to make, not the dealer’s.

Table Etiquette
Another mistake that novice players seem to make is that they are particularly concerned with the cards that are dealt to their fellow players.

This shouldn’t be the case.

Blackjack, as we have mentioned time and time again, is a game where you are tasked to beat the dealer. The cards that other people are dealt won’t affect your game. Hence, you should mind your own business. Derive your predictions by studying the cards that are revealed on the table. Even if the player beside you manages to get an Ace and a king, a natural pair, you shouldn’t be worried. Be happy for him instead. And be happy for yourself, as his cards will strengthen your count for a more predictable outcome.

Also, when another player is trying to determine a course of action, let him think about it for himself. Do not offer your advice, at least not while the game is going on. If you want to help him out, do so in between games.

But then again, would you really want to share your secrets? A little selfishness isn’t bad. It’s the way of the world of gambling and you won’t be judged for it.

Do not make side bets just because other people are making them, even if you witness them win a game or two.

Most Blackjack tables offer side bets. There are a lot of variations of these things. Here are just some of them:

Allowing you to bet for the appearance of a Blackjack.
Allowing you to bet for the appearance of a unique pair (i.e. a pair of diamond 9s, a pair of club Kings, a pair of heart Aces, etc.).
Allowing you to bet for the appearance of a common pair.
The winnings these side bets promise are quite enticing. Odds of 20:1 and even 50:1 are pretty much common place.

But it would be a mistake to take a swing at these side bets.

They are completely unpredictable and the chances of your winning rest entirely on luck.

Furthermore, imagine if you’re going to place a side bet of $1, when your main wager is $5. You have a greater chance of winning your main wager, while your side bets, through a series of losses, will just eat up your gambling capital.

As tempting as these side bets are, it is in your best interests to just ignore them and focus on the main game of Blackjack. These side bets were introduced to improve the earnings of the house, after all. They are not meant to improve the earnings of the player.

Dealing With The Dealer
Here’s a strategy that is sure to provide some dividends, one way or the other: befriend the dealer.

Never underestimate the power of human relations. By establishing a good rapport with the dealer, you may become privy to some aspects of a particular game that will greatly increase your chances of winning.

Of course, casino rules prevent the dealer from giving clues, verbal or otherwise, that will help the player win the game.

But if you exchange friendly smiles with the dealer, some small talk from time to time, and if you give some generous tips every time you win big, the dealer will give you very subtle clues that will aid in your decision-making process.

These clues are invisible for people who don’t know them.

But they are there and all you have to do is to keep an open eye.

Let’s take a look at some of these very, very subtle clues:

If the dealer takes a very quick glance at the unrevealed card, such would be his way of telling you that the unrevealed card is a face card with a value of 10. Face cards are quite obvious, so it wouldn’t take him long to look at it.
If the dealer takes a longer glance at the unrevealed card, such would be his way of telling you that the unrevealed card is not a face card. Numbered cards are not as easy to distinguish; hence, he’ll take a longer time in viewing them.
If the dealer takes more than one look at the unrevealed card, such is his way of telling you that he drew a low number. His constant views allow him to make some calculations in his head to come up with a winning combination.
By paying attention to these subtle clues, you will be able to improve your game tremendously.

But remember, it all starts from establishing a good relationship with the dealer.

So don’t be selfish about giving tips. The Golden Rule, as is the case in other matters, is very much applicable to the casino scene, especially at Blackjack tables.

How can the dealer help you aside from the subtle signs he’ll give? Here are some specific things you might get to observe:

He’ll ask you to draw if you’d like to HIT or STAND even when you have already told him about your decision.
He’ll deal you a card even if you already said that you’ll STAND. This is seldom a mistake.
He’ll hesitate to deal you a card and he’ll take a longer time than usual.
Consider these occurrences as the dealer’s way of lending you a hand, then act accordingly. Chances are, you’ll have a better game than you expected!