Single Deck Card Counting Opportunity

[argh]

At my university there is a weekly 100$ buyin poker game. They give out free beer/food and rides home to players but charge a rake on the game. They also are willing to deal blackjack to players that are interested.

The blackjack game is single deck and would be just me against the dealer. Minimum bet 5$ and i would be willing to bet up to 50$ a hand. What kind of profit could I expect to make from the game, how big a bankroll do I need, and what counting system should i use?

[Mikeaber]

Argh,

For the advantage players to help you, you'll first need to tell them what the table rules will be and what the penatration will be.

Since you ask which "counting system" to use, the presumption is that either you haven't practiced one, or you know all of them and just don't know which one to employ.

I asssume that you already know Basic Strategy for single-deck games?

[argh]

I am familiar with basic strategy, and know the Hi Opt I and hi-lo strategies. I would be very comfortble using them in this game since i only have to worry about my and the dealers hands but do not think i could count correctly in an actual casino where the deal would be much faster.

Rules:

No surrender, Double anything, double after splits. Haven't seen it dealt in a while but im pretty sure 3/4 deck penetration. And i think black jacks pay 3/2.

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by argh

I am familiar with basic strategy, and know the Hi Opt I and hi-lo strategies. I would be very comfortble using them in this game since i only have to worry about my and the dealers hands but do not think i could count correctly in an actual casino where the deal would be much faster.

Rules:

No surrender, Double anything, double after splits. Haven't seen it dealt in a while but im pretty sure 3/4 deck penetration. And i think black jacks pay 3/2.

I'll stand "correction" here since I'm not by any means an expert at counting. I'd say that which ever system you make the fewest errors using would be the best one for you to use. It is my understanding that errors in counting can cost you more than you will gain by using the systems over flat betting and basic strategy. So, have the counting method of your choice down pretty cold before betting on it.

[argh]

Do I only need to know how to count or do I also need to know Indices?

Right now I am completely comfortable counting my way through a deck that I'm dealing through, but I don't have any knowledge of the indices.

[Mikeaber]

Again, I defer to the real counters, however:

I would think you'd at least want to learn the index numbers for the common situations such as stiffs, insurance, and maybe double downs. Possibly hitting on 12 against 2's and 3's, etc.

[neemo6]

At least learn what is known as the illustrious 18 indices. If you have Profesional Blackjack by Stanford Wong youre all set, if not do a search im sure there is info on this site about it.

[zengrifter]

... we will need to know how much BR you can risk with the $5+ bet size, as well as the penetration. zg

I-18
http://cardcounter.com/indices/-11111100-1.htm

[Canceler]

Do they charge the rake on the blackjack? If so, that would need to be factored in.

[Mikeaber]

Originally Posted by Canceler

Do they charge the rake on the blackjack? If so, that would need to be factored in.

Oh lordy! Do they do that anywhere other than Oklahoma? I've sworn COMPLETELY off of that game! Ironically however, that game is the only one I've been able to hold my own against for the past couple of months! Go figure!