Basic Strategy Cards at the table

[OKStateDude]

I'm pretty new at this but I'm doing ok at learning basic strategy.

I'm still a little nervous about my upcoming trip to Vegas. If I take BS cards to the table for help on some of the soft hands and splitting scenerios, will I catch grief from other players or dealers? I'm quick enough that I don't believe I would hold up the game and I won't dare sit at 1st base. But I don't want to look like an idiot either.

 

[lovethespaniard]

Only an idiot player would mind your use of the card. The casinos likely couldn't care less unless you slow the game way down with it...they've been known to sell these cards at their gift shops.

 

[shadroch]

You may catch some grief from the inevitable know it all at your table. But who cares.

 

[Randyk47]

I'd much rather have a player use a card than go on "feelings" or some kind of hunch. Most places, maybe all now, in Vegas don't say anything and it's been awhile since I've even heard another player say something about using a BS card. As Shadroch said though, you'll catch a table with a "pro" (in their mind only) or "high roller" who gripes about just anything.

 

[Thunder]

Make sure your BS card is the right card for the game you're playing. I've seen people using single deck BS for multiple deck shoes.

 

[Cherry7Up]

edited to support Mr. T's suggestion below.

 

[Mr. T]

Don't be a cheapsake. Buy the proper BS chart from Ken and give him some revenue. It cost only $2.95. Here is the link

http://www.blackjackinfo.com/store/blackjack/strategy-cards.html

 

[callipygian]

Make sure your BS card is the right card for the game you're playing.

This.

Buy the proper BS chart from Ken and give him some revenue.

And this.

 

[Ben Jammin]

Where to sit

If your new and using a Basic Strategy Card, I suggest you sit to the dealers right, known as 3rd base, to give you time to decide and review your basic strategy card before the dealer gets to you.

This way you wont slow up the game, and you'll be more relaxed.
Have fun.

Learn a money management system to help you minimize your losses and win.

Then, you'll be jammin !

 

[StudiodeKadent]

I've also heard of casinos more or less giving out BS cards as promotional items. Plus, the cards are not illegal or anything.

Using one is actually a very intelligent thing to do, until you have perfectly memorized BS.

 

[ihate17]

BS cards and grief from other players

Today it seems that every casino will let you keep a BS card on the table but often the pit will ask to look at it. Though I have never seen a problem with this, it does bring up the possibility of a problem if your BS card is not one sold by casinos but one sold at an AP site and has the sites name on it.

As far as grief goes, it is a given, guaranteed to happen to you if you play great or play bad or play somewhere inbetween. It is a combination of the nature of the game (others believe your decision effected their results), and human nature where people often need someone else to blame for their misfortunes (beside themselves).

Using the card will not make you a winner but will reduce your loss rate to the house edge. Everytime you play it properly, hitting your 12 vs dealer 2 or 3, hitting or doubling your soft 18 at the proper times and splitting your 9,9 at the proper times, you will be subject to some kind of table comments when things go wrong from a self proclaimed table expert (better known by me as a long term loser) who will use hindsite to point out that if you had played it his way (the wrong way) the results would have been better. Remember, the many times that you make the same exact play and the results turn out in Mr. Experts favor, he will not mention it and really not even notice anything.

Just be ready for this. If you are the kind of person who has problems with complaints of other players, either find a way to get over it or find a different game.

ihate17

 

[Ben Jammin]

I sat at a table using a basic strategy card. While the other seasoned players made fun, I steadily gained. I left $50 up, while everyone else lost.

Ha ha.

Works every time.

Should we hit soft 18? 59% winner hit 56% winner no hit.

Double down on an 10 vs dealer 9,10,11?

Split 8's vs a dealer's 10?

Basic strategy is long term. Sometime there is a variance based on time frame and bankroll, but not much.

 

[tribute]

Recently I sat next to a lady who pulled out a basic strategy card on "tough" plays, but when she was up against an A7 vs 10 or 11 vs 10 she would not play her hand correctly. In these situations I would ask her, "What does the card say to do?" She would just give me a funny look and not respond! My opinion is: Why bring the card to the table if you're not going to use it!

 

[H Bomb]

Recently I sat next to a lady who pulled out a basic strategy card on "tough" plays, but when she was up against an A7 vs 10 or 11 vs 10 she would not play her hand correctly. In these situations I would ask her, "What does the card say to do?" She would just give me a funny look and not respond! My opinion is: Why bring the card to the table if you're not going to use it!

So far I've always had BS cards at the table. At first to not make BS errors, now it's more like Linus' blanket. Also I think it's decent cover although others might say the opposite. I've had dealers sympathetically say "You probably never played BJ before. Don't worry, in no time you'll know it like the back of your hand." :laugh: I do feel a little funny when I depart from BS based on the index, with a card in my possession. So far no one has called me out on it.