Automatic shuffuling machines

[NiteTactics]

Hello everyone! I'm new to this form and I am learning to count. I live in Oklahoma, so part of my training is to visit different casinos and take notes on
how things are done at various BJ tables. At this particular casino they utilize an automatic suffuling maching which is consistenly fed after each round. It is a four deck game. So, Is it possible to use a counting method?(I use the hi-low system), and what about a basic counting strategy? Finally, before play begins each player antes .50, which in my opinion is a rip off. Other casinos have a .25 ante system

 

[KenSmith]

Games with an ante are a guaranteed loser. There's just no practical way to overcome the cost of the ante. And, as you note, the CSM prevents counting as well. There's been a lot of discussion here about automatic shufflers. Look around.

On the plus side for Oklahoma, Cherokee Casino in three locations is running World Series of Blackjack qualifer tournaments. Check https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/ for more on that.

 

[newyorkbear]

Ante as percentage of your bet.

If you are betting $100 a hand,a fifty cent ante is half a percentage point,about the same as the house edge in a prtty good game. If you bet $5 a hand,it's a 10% vig. Games with antes must be avoded.
Look at it this way-4 hours at 60 hands an hour will costs you $120.How much is a one way ticket to Vegas,Tunica or AC from where you live? Bet you its less than a full days vig will cost you at your casino.