Before we get into them, let's first confirm the real positive and negative aspects of counters playing on crowded tables and debunk a lot of false information floating around online about the subject.
- Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table Standing
- Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table Top
- Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table 2019
What's out there.
Before he or she leaves, they lock up the two spots. Now if you are playing two hands, you get 2/3 of the table to yourself. You can do the same thing at your partner's table, so you each get to play close to a heads-up game. Just make sure to switch tables once in a while so they don't pick up your chips that are left at the 'other' table. Dealers at a full, seven-seat blackjack table can deal about 60 hands an hour, though they often don't manage to get through more than 50. On the other hand, when it's just you against the dealer the game flies and you might play 250 hands in a single hour.
I have read online accounts that some card counters actually prefer sitting down at full tables rather than playing with just a few people or going heads up against the dealer. One of the reasons stated is that crowded tables are better because more players lend counters better camouflage and thus a much less chance of being detected by casino personnel.
Although this is somewhat true, any casino supervisor worth his weight in salt could pluck out a counter from the crowd at a Super Bowl game, at least within a certain period of time.
Another claim is that the counter will see more hands and more cards each round and therefore have more time to count those cards and make the conversion from the running count to true count, all this by taking advantage of an overall slower deal at a full table.
Again, this is partially true, but capable card counters learn to count the cards and convert to the true count a lot faster than any dealer can deal the cards. And by lightning-quick mental groupings of identically valued cards, they can count four, five or even six or more cards in slightly more time than it takes to count one card.
Should card counters play at crowded tables if they're the only game in the casino?
The answer is no, but if they're the only game in town, then the answer is yes because counting at crowded tables is still more profitable than sitting in front of a TV watching a ball game.
The reason why counting cards at full seated tables is never as good as a less crowded table or playing heads up is simply that you cannot take full advantage of a positive situation. Counters generally spread to multiple hands when conditions allow it to both get more money on the layout and see more cards. This scenario also reduces the amount of good positive cards taken by other players.
It must be noted, however, that when the counter is playing heads up or at a table with few players, he must take special care to not do anything that would be noticed by casino personnel. This is the major drawback of playing heads up. Pit personnel will pick up on counters faster when they have no one else at the table to watch.
So what is the best strategy for counting cards when you're at a crowded table?
I have read online that counters should reduce their bet spread when playing on crowded tables. I do not see the validity of that. The fundamentals of successful card counting at blackjack do not change due to how many players are at the table.
The main fundamental of card counting is to get as much money on the layout in positive situations as you safely can, whether by playing a single hand or multiple hands. Since the counter is obviously going to see less favorable hands during his stay at a crowded table, he must take advantage of each and every one he does see.
This article was written by former professional casino cheater, Richard Marcus. Richard Marcus is also the author of American Roulette, a controversial book that reveals how he and other professional cheaters ripped off casinos.
More articles from Richard Marcus:
- How high stakes blackjack players can title the game. in their favor.
- Rapid fire your way to card counting success. in 10 easy steps.
- Learn the basics of shuffle tracking.
- Learn more about hole-carding cheating method.
- What are the most common ways to cheat in Blackjack.
- For beginning advantage players, learn more about Multi Edge card counting.
- How to improve your level of advantage play with Ace-Steering.
Also read our section about various methods and strategies of Card Counting.
Knowing where to sit at a blackjack table may be the difference between waiting for a seat at a packed table and getting stuck into a table with only a few players.
While sitting at a certain seat doesn't have any mathematical advantage, for new players and card counters, certain seats are crucial for game play.
Blackjack table seating positions
Before we get stuck into where we should sit, we need to know what these positions are called in blackjack lingo. Each are termed according to their position and what advantages players have said they have sitting there. However, statistics prove all seats are equal for the basic strategy player, but they do have certain advantages and disadvantages associated even though they don't have anything to do with the odds of the game.
While blackjack tables at brick and mortar casinos can feature up to six or seven players, only three positions are prominently named with two of them discussed more so than the other. Additionally, blackjack tables aren't always full so these seats may not always be taken.
Blackjack first base – The first seat on the far right facing the dealer is known as the first base position. This is because cards are dealt by the dealer to this position first from the dealer's left player to right player and this first base positioned player will get the cards first, as well as being in the position that enables them to be the first to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender on their hand.
Blackjack third base – While many blackjack players mistakenly think third base is the third or middle seat, they'll find they are incorrect. The third-base position is actually the last seat from the right or the first seat on the left. This position is sometimes referred to as the anchor and sees the player receiving the first two cards dealt by the dealer last, as well as being the last player to decide and act on what they want to do with their hand.
Shortstop position – This one isn't as commonly mentioned as the two above as it doesn't come with as much responsibility, which we will discuss below. This seat is located in the middle of the table and can actually prevent other players to the left of them from joining the table.
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Also read our section about various methods and strategies of Card Counting.
Knowing where to sit at a blackjack table may be the difference between waiting for a seat at a packed table and getting stuck into a table with only a few players.
While sitting at a certain seat doesn't have any mathematical advantage, for new players and card counters, certain seats are crucial for game play.
Blackjack table seating positions
Before we get stuck into where we should sit, we need to know what these positions are called in blackjack lingo. Each are termed according to their position and what advantages players have said they have sitting there. However, statistics prove all seats are equal for the basic strategy player, but they do have certain advantages and disadvantages associated even though they don't have anything to do with the odds of the game.
While blackjack tables at brick and mortar casinos can feature up to six or seven players, only three positions are prominently named with two of them discussed more so than the other. Additionally, blackjack tables aren't always full so these seats may not always be taken.
Blackjack first base – The first seat on the far right facing the dealer is known as the first base position. This is because cards are dealt by the dealer to this position first from the dealer's left player to right player and this first base positioned player will get the cards first, as well as being in the position that enables them to be the first to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender on their hand.
Blackjack third base – While many blackjack players mistakenly think third base is the third or middle seat, they'll find they are incorrect. The third-base position is actually the last seat from the right or the first seat on the left. This position is sometimes referred to as the anchor and sees the player receiving the first two cards dealt by the dealer last, as well as being the last player to decide and act on what they want to do with their hand.
Shortstop position – This one isn't as commonly mentioned as the two above as it doesn't come with as much responsibility, which we will discuss below. This seat is located in the middle of the table and can actually prevent other players to the left of them from joining the table.
Which is the best seat at a blackjack table?
Statistically, it doesn't really matter where you sit, unless you plan to count cards. Many state third base is the best seat, while we recommend it as the worst seat for the new blackjack kids on the block. It has been suggested that the third base seat has the advantage of whether or not the table as a whole wins or loses, however this is not mathematically correct.
This theory has come about because the third base player performs their action just before the dealer. If this player who sits at third base hits instead of stays when basic strategy recommends them to do so, this can see players blaming the third base player if the table loses. This is exactly why players who are new and do not know how to play basic strategy should not sit at third base, as it could result them having a negative experience and being mistakenly blamed for the tables loss, despite the theory not being mathematically correct.
Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table Standing
Similarly regarded is the first base position which not only offers the entire view of the table, but the discarded pile as well meaning you can keep an eye on what cards have been drawn and what cards haven't. However, this position is second in line to receiving glares from other players if they lose – so be prepared for the responsibility.
The shortstop position, on the other hand, gives a good view of the table. But it's not as good as first or third, but is said to stop players from sitting at third base if the seat is open, meaning less players and more chances to put on an extra bet.
Depending on the amount of players, other seat positions aren't usually mentioned. However if you want to view other players and their moves, fourth position (to the left of the shortstop position) offers a view of the entire table. Although statistically speaking other player's moves do not affect your gameplay as they can ultimately both hurt and help your hand, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on players who are on a winning streak. You may be able to pick up some handy strategy hints this way.
Additionally, if you do not like the responsibility of being dealt the first and last cards of a hand we recommend to sit in the second or fourth seats depending on how many players there are at the table. If there is only the third or first base position available when you join the table remember that statistically it doesn't affect the table's odds at all so try to enjoy the experience.
How to pick a good blackjack table
At land-based casinos you will find there are multiple blackjack tables available to join, some fuller than others. With so many available it can be hard to know what to look for in order to pick a good table. We have made it a lot easier for both new and experienced players when it comes to picking a good blackjack table.
Betting limits – Keep an eye out for the minimum and maximum table limits which are displayed on the signs next to the table. For experienced gamblers, keeping an eye out for land-based casinos which colour code their signs can make it easier and quicker to pick and choose where you sit. For example, red equals a $5 minimum bet, while black equals a $100 minimum bet – corresponding to the colour of chips, making this easier to remember. The best way to figure out your betting limit is to set a bankroll and divide by 20. For example, if you have set yourself a $100 bank roll, then you should play at a table with a minimum betting limit of $5.
Blackjack dealers – Blackjack dealers can effect your overall experience whether you are a new blackjack player or a professional. We recommend standing back and watching the dealers to see how fast they deal, see if they provide help (important if you are a new player) or see if they let you know how much you have in a hand as they are dealt. These features will ultimately come down to what you want in a blackjack dealer as an experience player doesn't want to be told basic tips, while a new player does.
Seating positions – Although we did say all seats at a blackjack table are considered mathematically equal, in terms of players it can be different. As we recommended standing back from the table with blackjack dealers, we recommend doing this if there are a few players seated so you can monitor their behaviour. If you notice a few players eyeing off the third base player after a loss it might be better to find a new table. If you are an experienced blackjack player however and you plan to count cards, the seating position is said to be incredibly important.
Best seat for blackjack card counters
Card counters actually have an advantage when it comes to the seating position. These players are recommended to sit in the third base position to give them more time to keep an eye on the table, as well as count, and of course bet last.
Card counters also have the same perception for first base. Additionally, these seats are recommended to avoid being detected as you have the vantage point of viewing the whole table without having to movie your head.
Unfortunately for card counters, they can't do so online and really the entire concept of seating positions in blackjack goes out the window when we play blackjack on the Internet, but there is one exception.
Online blackjack seating positions
Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table Top
This is where new players are best suited. If you are new to the game and seem to always end up sitting at the third base position only to receive horrible stares that make you want to opt out it might be best to go online until you are confident to play at a land-based casino.
However, there is an exception when playing online and this involves the live dealer blackjack variants. When you sign up for an online casino, we recommend doing so at our suggested online casinos due to their reputation, and make a deposit you can access the live dealer lobby where you will see blackjack as an available variant.
Blackjack Heads Up Vs Full Table 2019
Here, you are able to pick the seat which you would like to sit at, provided the table isn't full. This can give you the experience of picking a seat, and if the chat function is available you will be able to read players reactions as to where you are sitting. Any vulgar or inappropriate content is not tolerated at our recommended online casinos so it is the perfect place to practice sitting at third base.
