Small Trick

[bjcardcounter]

Once the player places a cut card, there is a good chance to have a peek at the card just before the cut which won't be dealt at all. This is pretty good if the player cutting the card is either in 1b or 2b since the dealer has to show the deck vertical to the player.

I started giving my cut card to 1b or 3b players and just walk around while it happens and start the count

good luck.

[Sucker]

There happens to be a cheating method out there, in which one of the requirements is for the cheater to spot this card. Most pit bosses and many dealers are aware of this scam, although they usually have no clue of how it works. Be very careful. Dealers and pit alike can get VERY nervous when they catch you looking in. The tiny gain from spotting this card can easily be MORE than offset by the potential for heat.

[alwayssplitaces]

When I was playing single and double deck in Vegas, I always tried to spot the bottom card when the dealer lifted the deck(s) to let me insert the cut card. If it was a 2-6 I cut it out of play and started my count at +1. If it was a 10 or Ace, I remembered which card it was, cut it into play and started my count at 0, added 1 to the count after the first hand (since I didn't cut that card into play on the first round) and subtracted 2 from my count when that specific card was played. It was nice to start a new deck with higher than the minimum bet.

[aslan]

Originally Posted by alwayssplitaces

When I was playing single and double deck in Vegas, I always tried to spot the bottom card when the dealer lifted the deck(s) to let me insert the cut card. If it was a 2-6 I cut it out of play and started my count at +1. If it was a 10 or Ace, I remembered which card it was, cut it into play and started my count at 0, added 1 to the count after the first hand (since I didn't cut that card into play on the first round) and subtracted 2 from my count when that specific card was played. It was nice to start a new deck with higher than the minimum bet.

How much EV is there in opportunities to make a two unit bet on the first hand in SD? I am wondering how much it chops away at the 6:5 natural payout offered at most stores nowadays.