# of Players

[Sonny24]

Does anyone know the optimal number of players on a table for card counters to have the highest probablity of success?

[newb99]

Originally Posted by Sonny24

Does anyone know the optimal number of players on a table for card counters to have the highest probablity of success?

Isn't it 1 (ie "heads up") ?

[EasyRhino]

Doesn't really matter.

heads up is fastest.

One or two other players would let you spread to multiple hands in positive counts, leaving them to 'eat low cards' in negative counts.

A full table would generally be crowded and slow.

[callipygian]

The answer likely depends on your style of play. If you play all, you want to be playing heads-up to maximize the number of hands per hour that you play. If you like to spread to two hands, obviously you'll want an extra space. If you backcount, you'll want at least 1 other person at the table (or else cards won't get dealt out).

[creeping panther]

Originally Posted by Sonny24

Does anyone know the optimal number of players on a table for card counters to have the highest probablity of success?

HeadsUP if you got the gut for it. One other if it is a teammate or a certain tactic is being used against you.

Hand to hand combat...

CP

[rollem411]

Originally Posted by Sonny24

Does anyone know the optimal number of players on a table for card counters to have the highest probablity of success?

A no bs heads up game will be best. There are greater factors that play into your success rate, however, I personally hate a table with more than 4 hands being played...2 being myself.

[mdlbj]

1

Originally Posted by sonny24

does anyone know the optimal number of players on a table for card counters to have the highest probablity of success?

[HarryKuntz]

Most counters will agree, the fewer players the better due to the game play speed, time is money after all. If I'm just counting, I personally prefer two other spots/hands to be played. This is usually the minimum allowed in most casinos I play at, so required for me to be able to wong. If I spot any other weaknesses in a game, its usually better to get the table to yourself or share with a partner. Like most, I hate playing at a full or busy tables and will avoid as much as possible.

[FLASH1296]

Mano a Mano mi amigos

[blackchipjim]

The optimum numbers is one on one with dealer. Heads up play make an otherwise bad game good. You have to be a mindset for it though it can try a man's soul with a fast dealer. Cover may be blown quickly if you give tells that your're counting. I have to play heads up because the games I play are marginal with any more than three players. The black belt in blackjack addresses the issue with the profit index. I prefer to play heads up but alas the onslaught of well wishers not wanting me to go it alone show up. I actually opended five tables to get away from these people but they kept showing up after one or two shoes. blackchipjim