Difference in casino deck thickness?

[Lonesome Gambler]

What's the deal? I noticed this some time ago, but I'm only now starting to worry that my deck estimation is being affected as a result. Here's the problem: Caeser's decks are noticeably thicker than other casino decks I have. Palace Station, Planet Hollywood—identical. To illustrate how alarming the discrepancy is, 6 decks of Palace Station / Planet Hollywood cards are almost exactly the same height as 5 1/2 decks of Caeser's! I'd estimate the difference, visually, to be about 5 or 6 cards. You can see how this would have a dramatic effect on practicing deck estimation.

The Caeser's cards are from the baccarat tables, so I'm not sure if that would make a difference.

My question now: which cards should I trust when practicing deck estimation/cutting/etc?

 

[Renzey]

Caeser's decks are noticeably thicker than other casino decks I have. Palace Station, Planet Hollywood—identical. To illustrate how alarming the discrepancy is, 6 decks of Palace Station / Planet Hollywood cards are almost exactly the same height as 5 1/2 decks of Caeser's!

I've noticed that Gemaco and Paulson casino cards are thinner than Bee and Aristocrat by about the margin that you stated. You can recognize which you're playing with by either becoming familair with the design pattern on the card backs, or by reading the brand name on the Ace of spades -- then adjust your deck estimation from there.

 

[callipygian]

which cards should I trust when practicing deck estimation/cutting/etc?

The one(s) that you play at the most, of course.

 

[Lonesome Gambler]

Thanks for the tips! I suppose the question I have now is this: is it routine to train your eyes for 2 different manufacturers of cards? I never see this discussed in topics about deck estimation, but it seems like a pretty big issue in this case. As far as just training your eyes for the type of cards that you play most often, what happens if you take a trip to a place like LV, where you don't regularly play, but where there are many different casinos that you'll likely be playing at? Naturally, if I had a few trusty casinos where I live that all used the same type of cards, that would be the model for my deck estimation practice. But when I leave that environment...

 

[Sonny]

I suppose the question I have now is this: is it routine to train your eyes for 2 different manufacturers of cards?

It is best to calibrate your eye in each casino and sometimes each table, although the difference is usually small. It shouldn’t take long to get a feel for the size of the cards. If you’re using full-deck resolution then it probably won’t make much difference though. If you’re using more precise estimations then your re-calibration will come naturally. You might notice that different discard trays will look different so be on the lookout for that as well.

-Sonny-

 

[Finn Dog]

I've noticed that Gemaco and Paulson casino cards are thinner than Bee and Aristocrat by about the margin that you stated. You can recognize which you're playing with by either becoming familiar with the design pattern on the card backs, or by reading the brand name on the Ace of spades -- then adjust your deck estimation from there.

I've got a bunch of Sahara cards and there is no brand name either on the Ace of spades or on any card. So I suppose you'd have to have the original box to conclude they're made by Carta Mundi.

A related post http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=13206 made a reference to a generalization that 4 decks are approximately as wide as a single card and 6 decks are approximately as long as a card. Interestingly, 4 decks of Carta Mundi's Sahara cards in a discard tray equal approximately 4.2 decks (218 cards) and 6 decks equal approximately 5.83 decks (303 cards).

Maybe that post should be moved here to the CC section?

Best regards,

FD

 

[Blue Efficacy]

Almost all casinos around here use "Bee" cards, so it is not an issue for me. One tribe with two stores uses Carta Mundi.