CGuy

WOW! Maybe I should 86 the whole cruise thing and start going back to Vegas. The USA can better use my money at this time anyway.

I find it hard to believe that the patrons of any cruise ship would rather play some soulless mechanical version of (CSM) Blackjack then enjoy the social intercourse that takes place on a true Blackjack table. The shuffle (2 or 3 minutes max) gives time for the players to connect with one another.... Something the house may prefer not to happen. As far as not the same gamblers on a cruise ship vs. Atlantic City or Vegas... Vegas was not built on the scholar players either.

The beginner Blackjack player may much more enjoy the game when played the right way. This in the end may make the whole cruise experience far more pleasant and exciting for everyone.

I read the link you attached. Very interesting article. Good post. If the CSM reduces the houses edge (so slightly) and the only increased advantage to the house is the 20% more shuffles it provides per hour, the key maybe to slow the game.

I hate those blacked out continual shuffle shoes they use on many cruise ships. I've played a lot of Blackjack over the years. I'm not a professional gambler. Far from it, but I do love playing Blackjack.

Im not sure.. can't prove it, but with those shoes, how would one know if they took out 20%, 30% or even 50% of the face cards! I've seen more dealers with 14 thru 16 take an additional 3, 4, 5 cards to get 21 on cruise ships than I ever have in Atlantis, Vegas or Atlantic City.

This is only my opinion... but this is why I have always turned them down when asked to get rated on the ship. I'm not afraid to lose... I just want to feel like I've got a sporting chance!

The best is good old fashioned single deck or even double deck. The odds are still in the houses favor but at least you have some control. I guess the cruise ships know their clients and are looking for the couple who doesn't know or care how the game is played.

Does anyone else feel this way about playing Blackjack with this type of shoe? Does anyone know what rules they (the ships) must abide by while gambling on international waters?

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