optional tournaments

I was just curious if all tournaments are basically played the same way?

Are there any tournaments that actualy implement straight-up blackjack play?
Why are tournaments constructed the way that they are?

Sorry ken, but how can i love blackjack the way that i do, and not be fond of the way tournament play is set-up. It seems luck plays more of a role in these games. Not saying that it is, but seems that way.

Im looking for a semi-annual convention where the best of the best fight it out in a straight-up game. Have a great time, an actually meet some of the people ive read about on this site. What could be better than that, i'll bring the beer. Thou i may not know much about tournament play, is it possible to construct such a game, or do they already exist. Make-sure i get my wake-up call!:laugh:

Tournaments are set up the way they are because it's practical. If you'd prefer a competition that would favor straight blackjack skill, you'd need to have the event structured to allow at least dozens and perhaps hundreds of hours of play.

Anytime you impose a limitation of a relatively small amount of time, or a relatively small number of hands, you change the game so completely that tournament-style strategies become much more important than card-playing strategies.

Even if you were to hold a straight competition over many hours, the winner would likely be a player who was wildly overbetting his bankroll.

Skill tournament

I've never seen one, but I always thought it would be a test of greatness to see the pros in a flat bet tournament, each representing a different card counting system, played over many, many, hands from a single deck delt to the last card with liberal rules (a push game). I think it would be the only way to demonstrate who had the best counting skills and what systems had the best overall PE for those who play perfectly. It would give players using level 3 or 4 strategies, multiparameter sidecounts, 100's of index #s etc. a chance to showcase their talents and also a meaningful advantage over others that is insignificant in the casino. While you couldn't play 1million hands and it would be too boring for ESPN I think any pro gambler in the book business who believes their system is the best should be willing to put up a stake behind the player representing their system (or themselves if that was the case). Hey if your system proved best you might sell some more books.
BW

I think I fell asleep just at the thought

Tournament BJ, on the other hand, is very exciting and challenging - I'm surprised u don't like it if u like BJ.

What don't u like about it?

Playing to beat the players in a fixed amount of time instead of the house is a real trip. And you'll learn alot about the game.

Sure there might be luck but the skillful player will win alot more often. Kind of like backgammon maybe lol.

When is Ken's book coming out on the subject?

Guess after he retires :grin:

If you can find a tournament with a decent pay out structure you can make some decent money. I don't know about in america but there are usually mini weekly tournaments at casinos in Australia. you enter for like $50 or $100 and it goes by the shoe, rather than by a time limit. 7 people to a table and usually it goes top 2 from the table go through. So it is hard with all people who just get lucky with a big bet out, but usually if you play decently you eventually make it enough to least get your moneys werth.