Casino BlackJack question

[Bahamma Mamma2]

OK, this may sound strange...will they let you use the little "cheat" cards at the blackjack table like they do in Vegas. They are the little hand held cards that you can use to help with the odds...I was able to use it in Vegas at all the Casino's and the dealers were more than happy to help too...I am kinda a noob to Casino's and don't want to break any rules. Has anyone used these on the cruise? I won quite a bit in Vegas so I wanted to try my luck on the cruise:)

[TYSONBOXER]

They did on Liberty of the seas casino

 

 

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[robtulipe]

Yes, you can.

I've never had a problem referring to one when playing BJ onboard.

[Inukshuk Gal]

Can I ask what is the typical bet minimum for blackjack? Does it vary from time of day like in Vegas?

[robtulipe]

Yes, it can vary.

Normally there is a $6 minimum which can be a $5 main bet with a $1 side bet for the bonus play or simply a $6 main bet only.

If business is slow they typically have $3 special minimum bet period likely in the afternoon or early part of the evening.

Note when the bet is below $5 they typically only pay even money not 1 1/2 for a winning black jack so one should take the even money if the dealer's hand is showing a ace up.

Edited August 13, 2015 by robtulipe

[rudeney]

Not only can you use those Perfect Strategy "cheat sheet" cards, but most all dealers know Perfect Strategy and will generally tell you what your "supposed" to do if you ask. And if you are at a table full of Perfect Strategy players, they will help, too. Just be forewarned that some players can be jerks about it. If you maker a mistake and hit or pass when strategy says otherwise, you may get harassed. Some people just don't understand that it's a game.

[Motorman23]

Not only can you use those Perfect Strategy "cheat sheet" cards, but most all dealers know Perfect Strategy and will generally tell you what your "supposed" to do if you ask. And if you are at a table full of Perfect Strategy players, they will help, too. Just be forewarned that some players can be jerks about it. If you maker a mistake and hit or pass when strategy says otherwise, you may get harassed. Some people just don't understand that it's a game.

 

Strategy cards are allowed at every casino I have ever been at. They are a good way to learn how to better your chances of winning money but it is a game of chance.

 

Lol, it is just a game but stupid play combined with stupid comments can suck the life out of a game. I will usually leave if it gets bad because sooner or later they run out of money and are gone.

 

 

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[BillOh]

Can I ask what is the typical bet minimum for blackjack? Does it vary from time of day like in Vegas?

 

It can and does I believe. I also believe the Casino manager has the ability to change that if play is light. I remember for a long time seeing $5 tables. On one cruise $6 was the minimum, but several days later I saw it changed back to $5. I think this was 2013, so that in itself is probably old news.

[Queen of Oakville]

Like rudeny said; if you don't know what you are doing; not to worry, the rest of the table will help you play your cards.

:D

 

Most dealers are pretty alert and if you know what you are doing and make a mistake, they will question your intent (did you really want to hit that? did you really want to stay?).

[hinote88]

Every casino encourages the use of these cards. The reason is that even playing perfect strategy you only decrease the house's edge against you to about 1% in the very long term.

 

To actually get an edge on the house in blackjack you must count cards and vary your bet widely based on the count to take advantage of favorable counts. This is very difficult to do in practice as a casino will generally notice your patterns and ask you to stop playing. Believe it or not they can do that even though counting cards is not illegal not is it cheating.

 

But they have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason so they do.

[rt1092]

Every casino encourages the use of these cards. The reason is that even playing perfect strategy you only decrease the house's edge against you to about 1% in the very long term.

 

To actually get an edge on the house in blackjack you must count cards and vary your bet widely based on the count to take advantage of favorable counts. This is very difficult to do in practice as a casino will generally notice your patterns and ask you to stop playing. Believe it or not they can do that even though counting cards is not illegal not is it cheating.

 

But they have the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason so they do.

You are right. And as far as "counting" goes you must adjust your "strategy" Especially in single deck (with 5 or more players)

Usually if they think you are counting the call for a shuffle early. I have had words with them for dealing one hand and reshuffling on the single deck tables. I have found that as long as you don't more than double your bet on the second hand. They don't bother you. But I have seen a few dealers that are "house shills" telling people with an ace & a 5, that its a 16 not explaining it's a 6 or a 16. Some also will try to deal just one hand with 4 or more players.

When I get one of them the tips (for all dealers) stop for the rest of the cruise.

[rudeney]

You are right. And as far as "counting" goes you must adjust your "strategy" Especially in single deck (with 5 or more players)

Usually if they think you are counting the call for a shuffle early. I have had words with them for dealing one hand and reshuffling on the single deck tables. I have found that as long as you don't more than double your bet on the second hand. They don't bother you.

 

Usually the "eye in the sky" detects a card counter and the pit boss is alerted, who in turn works with the dealer to thwart the tactic. What gives a card counter away is when his style of play changes. Most perfect strategy players will double their bets after each win, and back down to minimum (the table's or their own preset minimum bet) on losses. But a counter will start betting even more when the count is up, even after a loss, and after a win, will back down on a low count. The latest camera technology can actually calculate the count for itself, monitor betting patterns of players, and alert the pit bosses, all without human interaction.

 

 

But I have seen a few dealers that are "house shills" telling people with an ace & a 5, that its a 16 not explaining it's a 6 or a 16. Some also will try to deal just one hand with 4 or more players.

When I get one of them the tips (for all dealers) stop for the rest of the cruise.

 

I hate crappy dealers! I've encountered some who like to pick on players and make them feel uncomfortable. But there are plenty of great dealers who interact with players, help them, and truly make the game an entertaining experience. Those are the ones who make me want to come back and play.

[jakesnana]

Like rudeny said; if you don't know what you are doing; not to worry, the rest of the table will help you play your cards.

:D

 

Most dealers are pretty alert and if you know what you are doing and make a mistake, they will question your intent (did you really want to hit that? did you really want to stay?).

 

These are my favorite dealers :) Usually, by the second day the dealers know my style of play and will question a stupid move on my part (rare, but it happens, especially after a long day). I have occasionally run into the obnoxious dealer, who will do EXACTLY what you said and then say "That's what you asked for". They are far and few between and NEVER get tipped by me !!

[bouhunter]

Can I ask what is the typical bet minimum for blackjack? Does it vary from time of day like in Vegas?

 

Where did your CC nickname come from? I've seen real (old and genuine) inukshuk's in the arctic:)

Edited August 14, 2015 by bouhunter

[leisuretraveler223]

When in Vegas, I agree that the dealers are great at giving advice. On a cuise ship, I would advise you to get a card. Dealers on board are not of the caliber they are on land. Lots of mistakes!

[Queen of Oakville]

These are my favorite dealers :) Usually, by the second day the dealers know my style of play and will question a stupid move on my part (rare, but it happens, especially after a long day). I have occasionally run into the obnoxious dealer, who will do EXACTLY what you said and then say "That's what you asked for". They are far and few between and NEVER get tipped by me !!

 

 

Well the drink packages don't help :D

 

... with the stupid decisions that is ; )

 

 

 

I find most dealers on ships are pretty good. Some dealers are great and others seem to have less personality. But I think to some extent it is like any service industry and they tend to "reflect" the personalities of the people they play with. On our last cruise, there was one dealer who let me make a stupid move (I think I was dealing with the waitress at the same time.) When I realised what I had done ... he gave me one of those "you said hit". I gave him a bit of "humourous" attitude and then he warmed up. He ended up being one of my favourite dealers all week. I try to be as friendly as possible with them, and I find they are friendly in return. I won't play with a grump. i don't mind losing my money to a happy person, but I won't give it away to grump. If it's not entertaining .... it's time to walk away!

[Bahamma Mamma2]

Thanks for all the reply's! That is a huge help...I found mine today and it is packed and ready to go. I am not really a gambler, only did it in Vegas and won so I figured lets try my luck again!

[e11wa]

Thanks for all the tips!

 

I have spent the last few months learning the cards, and playing with Live Dealer online.

 

Put in about $100 over the course of 4 months, and recently withdrew about $700 from a solid weekend and some good strategy.

 

I think as long as you dont lose your mind, the ability to do well is pretty good..

But weather that is still the case when playing with a dealer face to face remains to be seen.

[rudeney]

Don't worry about being face-to-face with the dealer! He or she is not your adversary (and if they act like it, change tables!). The dealers just facilitate. They have strict rules to play by and really have no control in the game at all. You're not even playing against The House, you are playing against the odds. Statistically, if you play perfect strategy your loss rate will be just over 49%. This would seem to mean that your win rate would be almost 51%, but don't forget about a "push" outcome - it's about 8% so you're win rate is only about 43%. But to play with a loss rate below 50% means that, at least statistically, you have a better change at not losing your money that at any other game in the casino. NOTE: I rounded off those numbers and they are just an average, as there are different odds based on different rules (such as can you draw after split aces or not, can you surrender after a hit, etc.)

 

Now, you may have heard the old phrase that, "there are lies, damned lies, and then there are statistics." Well, here's why they say that! A 49% loss rate sounds pretty high compared to the stats on slots where they advertise "99% payback", right? Well, a 99% payback means (statistically) you'll always lose 1% of your money! :)

[springfire]

When in Vegas, I agree that the dealers are great at giving advice. On a cuise ship, I would advise you to get a card. Dealers on board are not of the caliber they are on land. Lots of mistakes!

 

I so agree with you.

[TYSONBOXER]

That's why in black jack you need to manage your money. If you bet the same bet every hand you will lose. I was on Liberty of the seas in August and won $6800, and not one of my bets was over $60. It's all money management.

 

 

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[BamaGuy44]

That's why in black jack you need to manage your money. If you bet the same bet every hand you will lose. I was on Liberty of the seas in August and won $6800, and not one of my bets was over $60. It's all money management.

 

 

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Nice win but unless someone is really good at counting cards and getting away with it, everyone will lose in the long run even if they play and bet perfectly. It's a mathematical fact.

 

It's still a lot of fun though :D

[rudeney]

Yes, money management is important! One strategy for Blackjack is to double your bet (or at least raise it) after every winning hand. The theory is that you are now playing with the house's money so why not go for it? I usually try to keep my stash of chips at a minimum level. When I win big on a hand, I had to that and it becomes the new minimum. I haven't kept up with it, but I think overall, I've gone home with more money than I've left on the tables.

 

I recall one night in Vegas where I was up about $2K. I was playing one-on-one with the dealer (which is typically not recommended, but she was really good at her job and we had a nice "banter" going). Anyhow, once I realized I was up that much, I called it a night. She kept begging me to stay telling me I was on a winning streak. Well, yes, I had been and the only way to keep it like that was to quit! :)

[Jeannie333333]

Strategy cards are allowed at every casino I have ever been at. They are a good way to learn how to better your chances of winning money but it is a game of chance.

 

Lol, it is just a game but stupid play combined with stupid comments can suck the life out of a game. I will usually leave if it gets bad because sooner or later they run out of money and are gone.

 

 

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1 100% agree with that sentiment :)

[CAT GIRL]

Yes, money management is key. So many times you are up and you keep

playing only to lose it again. I try to double my money, which for me

is I buy in for $100 and when (if) I get to $200 I get up and walk away.

If I can consistently do this every night I would have +$700 at the

end of the week. Also, if I lose $100 I stop for the night. So many times

I see people dipping back into their pocket and getting another couple

hundred out only to keep losing. Of course I don't know their personal

financial situation but I don't want to go back to my cabin feeling bad

about how much I lost.