How to pick a good game...

[OhioTR]

Is there a grading system for the rules when trying to decide if a game is worth playing or not? From most to least important what should one look for? From what I can gather deck penetration seems to be the most important then the number of decks? As a newbie if I want to plan a trip and do some semi-serious play I want to spend my time and money at the best game.

 

[shadroch]

Search the forum for "Score". Thats what is used to judge a game.

 

[kewljason]

Is there a grading system for the rules when trying to decide if a game is worth playing or not? From most to least important what should one look for? From what I can gather deck penetration seems to be the most important then the number of decks? As a newbie if I want to plan a trip and do some semi-serious play I want to spend my time and money at the best game.

You posted this in the general section, so we aren't sure if you are talking about card counting or just basic strategy playing? If you are just playing, penetration really isn't a consideration. Just find the best rules with lowest intial house advatage that you can.

If you are counting, and perhaps "semi-serious play" refers to counting most or at least many players use "score" from Blackjack Attack to compare games as shadrock suggusted.

I personally use a pretty informal combo of rules, penetration and tolerance of spread. Keep in mind that great penetration can overcome some crappy rules, but better rules can rarely overcome horrible penetration. Lack of tolerance of spread probably trumps both for me.

 

[Sucker]

Never,ever,ever,ever,ever play at a blackjack table where blackjack pays 6 to 5.

 

[kewljason]

Never,ever,ever,ever,ever play at a blackjack table where blackjack pays 6 to 5.

Never ever say, "never ever". :laugh: I personally have never played one and don't think I ever will. But, dealt deeply and with a big enough spread they can be beat. They can also be beat with other methods of AP than counting. I believe AutoMonkey has played them and believes they can be beaten.

 

[OhioTR]

Yes Sucker that much i have learned.

And yes kewljason i am counting, well still green at it(aka semi-serious play), using hi-lo with a spread of 1-5.

I need to read Blackjack Attack it seems...

Thanks everyone for the info.

 

[Sucker]

Never ever say, "never ever".

Yes,I certainly agree with this, and with your other statements. But by the OPs' own admission, he's a "newbie". I was basically gearing my statement to those who are just getting into blackjack,so I believe that that advice is very valid for 99.9% of all people.

If someone here has figured out some "special", or "secret" way to beat that game, I'm quite sure that he'll understand, and that he'll appreciate for us to NOT elaborate.

 

[Automatic Monkey]

Is there a grading system for the rules when trying to decide if a game is worth playing or not? From most to least important what should one look for? From what I can gather deck penetration seems to be the most important then the number of decks? As a newbie if I want to plan a trip and do some semi-serious play I want to spend my time and money at the best game.

In order:

1. Penetration

2. Rules (Surrender being the most important, when you can find it.)

3. Number of decks... this is marginal, being the methods used for beating single deck, double deck, and shoe games are all very different so you can't ever say "This game has fewer decks, so it must be a better game." The majority of double deck games around nowadays stink, and single deck games are heavily protected from counters and must be played with extreme finesse, so probably not your best choice as a newbie.

As mentioned, blackjack variants like 6:5, Superfun, Spanish 21 etc. are all beatable but require special techniques.

So what part of the country are you headed to for your trip? We can pick some games for you.

 

[QFIT]

Never,ever,ever,ever,ever play at a blackjack table where blackjack pays 6 to 5.

Not enough "evers."

Contradiction in terms. 6:5 isn't Blackjack. Any casino that claims it is is perpetrating a fraud on the public.

 

[creeping panther]

Q

Not enough "evers."

Contradiction in terms. 6:5 isn't Blackjack. Any casino that claims it is is perpetrating a fraud on the public.

Nice!:toast:

CP

 

[Blue Efficacy]

In order:

1. Penetration

2. Rules (Surrender being the most important, when you can find it.)

3. Number of decks... this is marginal, being the methods used for beating single deck, double deck, and shoe games are all very different so you can't ever say "This game has fewer decks, so it must be a better game." The majority of double deck games around nowadays stink, and single deck games are heavily protected from counters and must be played with extreme finesse, so probably not your best choice as a newbie.

As mentioned, blackjack variants like 6:5, Superfun, Spanish 21 etc. are all beatable but require special techniques.

So what part of the country are you headed to for your trip? We can pick some games for you.

I have to disagree with your being so quick to dismiss number of decks. While SD and DD are different animals, 4 decks is definitely better than 6 decks, which is definitely better than 8 decks.