Newbie but . . .

[odyssey]

I've seen a few comments that to have long term success you must play in a land based casino- why is this?

I'm assuming a decent counter- what's the winning percentage for you? The expected advantage is less than 2%- but glancing at the boards I get the impression that the % is higher. Is this because there haven't been enough hands played so that the curve hasn't caught up yet?

(I used the search function w/ several text strings, but only found a few threads about question 1- but didn't see a good explaination- sorry if this is a frequent question)

[GlenRuss]

You have to play in a land based casino (meaning not on-line) because with only 1 or 2 exceptions, on-line BJ is shuffled after each hand. Since the game is a "new" deck each hand, the casino will keep the small edge percentage against basic strategy. Who ever has the percentage in their favor will be the long term winner. Counting cards, when done accuratly, gives the player the advantage.

[mdw]

I believe that with the exception of a couple online casinos, the software shuffles the cards after every hand, making counting impossible. The percentage without counting is in favor of the casinos. Even if the percentage is only .4% in their favor, the casinos are in for the long run and this small percentage is still a good profit. The same would be true for an advantage player. A 2% advantage in the player's advantage with a good bankroll, in for the "long run" is actually a very good return. The long run though is many hours of play and having the bankroll to survive multiple sessions of loss. Even the best counter can still get bad hands. I should add the above opinions are not based on personal experience, but what I have read in the posts on this site as well as some books written by the experts. As far as online casinos, the consensus seems to be don't play there if you don't trust the outcome and if you do go to an online casino look for the specials the casinos offer. Many will match your play which using just basic strategy ends up being free money. I understand the online casinos are tightening up on there matching offers. And above all else, if you do win online that the casino does get you your winnings in a timely fashion and if there is a dispute, that there is quick resolution. Good luck.

[odyssey]

You have to play in a land based casino (meaning not on-line) because with only 1 or 2 exceptions, on-line BJ is shuffled after each hand. Since the game is a "new" deck each hand, the casino will keep the small edge percentage against basic strategy. [/QUOTE]

Global Player has 6 Deck Atlantic City w/ no shuffle after each hand. Am I crazy to play there?

[mau-12]

I will never play in an online casino... I don't trust them, real casinos are monitored and regulated by a gaming commission. alot of these online casinos are outside of the U.S and aren't regulated by anyone... It's just way to easy for some shady company to alter a couple 1's and 0's in their program.. If i'm going to lose my money, I'd rather have it taken by a human dealer, at least that way I know it's fair and square.