Blackjack Tournaments

#1
Hey guys,

Do any of you make a point to ever play in blackjack tournaments? I have never done this, but have noticed that some casinos in Las Vegas use two decks during tournament play and therefore some high-count opportunities probably pop up fairly often. I would imagine some players that are involved in tournaments count, but also figure many do not. Thinking this over, there are some potential pitfalls:

1) It's obviously very short term. The worst player in the group could get lucky over the short run, and there probably aren't enough tournaments to ever approach a sample size that would guarantee winning.

2) The payouts for the people who finish in the money may not be equitable to the entrance fee.

Anyways, it seems like a decent idea in theory that practically may not have any value, but just wondering if you have any experience with these.
 

Billy C1

Well-Known Member
#3
BJT site

There have been several discussions about this topic at Ken's sister site. Most (including me) feel that other factors require priority in tournaments (bankrolls of opponents, last hand bet position, etc.)
My personal feeling is that if you ARE a counter it's only natural to keep on doing it and gain the small edge it gives you.

BillyC1
 

daddybo

Well-Known Member
#4
counting helps

Count in a tournament if you can do that AND get your bet sizing right. Bet sizing in a tournament is totally different from bet sizing for your cash game.

Basically I count and use the indices to judge how to play my hands, but bet sizing is more determined by the other players correlation to your chip and physical position at the table.

I wouldn't say counting is useless. (no offense Stanford.. but it does give you a little more information). You have to be able to count and maintain very good situational awareness.
 
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