Blackjack: Deck Penetration
by Ralph Stricker
Once you have learned how to play blackjack using a counting
system, Deck Penetration becomes one of the most important aspects of the game.
It is defined as how many cards of a deck or shoe the casino will dispense to
the players. To the basic strategy player it does not have any serious
consequences. To the knowledgeable card counter it is a powerful bit of
information.
In blackjack, "all things being equal," single deck is the
most advantageous game for the counter. Double deck being next and followed by
multiple deck (4,6,8 decks). The problem is, all things are not equal in
blackjack. For example if the dealer in single deck is shuffling up after 3
rounds with 2 or 3 players at the table. The counter will not see enough cards
that enables him/her to place the top bet which is how the counter makes money.
Betting large when the count favors the player and betting small when the count
favors the casino. A 4,6,8 deck game can therefore be a better situation than
the single or double deck game. If in a multiple deck game the casino is
dispensing approximately 75% of the cards in the shoe, that becomes a better
game for the counter. Therefore, it is not the amount of decks that determines
the favorable game, it is the amount of DECK PENETRATION.
Most casinos have a reference point of how much they want
their dealers to place the "cut card." Some even have a mark on the shoe to
assist the dealers find the correct placement for the card. The good news is
that we are dealing with the "human element" of the game. Most dealers after
they have gained some experience, realize that the farther back they place the
cut card, the less they have to shuffle. Most dealers do not like to constantly
shuffle. Therefore they start "fudging" on the placement of the card. A
knowledgeable/experienced counter will make note of these dealers. They will
either remember them or as in my case, have a log book of the dealers name,
badge number and casino that they deal in.
Any experienced card counter will not immediately sit down and
play with any dealer even if the table is empty. They will observe the dealer
shuffling and see where the card is placed after the player has cut the cards.
This is what is done if the counter is playing in a new casino that he/she
hasn't played at previously or a dealer that is not familiar from previous play.
Other wise the player already knows which dealers are going to give good deck
penetration.
Every card counter should be aware of what constitutes a good
game. To play just for the sake of playing does not make sense. If the table
conditions are crowded (another subject) and the deck penetration is not to the
counter's advantage, DON'T PLAY. Remember, no one glues you to a seat at the
table.
Ralph Stricker, also known as the
Silver Fox, is an expert gambler selling books and tapes called
the Silver Fox Blackjack System.
