You honestly don’t have to count cards, knowing basic strategy and truly truly knowing how to bet properly (there’s serious strategy with that too) and riding a winning wave you can make serious profit ..all without counting
@@mrno_name9518 not over time, that house edge means you’re always going to lose in the long run even if you get lucky in the short run. But yeah keep martingaling your way to the poor house
@@johnandrews9433 Exactly perfect basic strategy and perfect betting are the only statistically proven ways to win. I bet you these people not counting are the same ones going on UA-cam looking up slots strategy's lol.
@@Blackjackapprenticeship Hello, I've purchased your bja trainer app and it's pretty nice, but i am confused about something. On my 4/6/8 deck dealer stands on all 17's basic strategy card that i purchased online its different than the chart you provided in the way that it says surrender always with 16 vs 9,T,A upcard and 15 vs T upcard. However your table chart shows hit instead of surrender for those same scenarios in the hard total section and has a whole additional section named "late surrender" in which it gives the same advice as my card instead of hit. But there's no footnote as to what late surrender is or when to apply it vs just hitting the 15 or 16 hand. So essentially my question is, what is this late surrender concept? I didn't have any luck finding anything on Google referencing or explaining the concept or how to determine when to do it vs just hitting like in the hard total section? The only thing i can think of is that hitting instead of surrendering is actually a deviation move for when the count is negative and you are less likely to bust vs a even or positive count. Please help me out as this is really getting in the way of me perfecting my basic strategy. Thanks in advance 😁
This is exactly how I taught myself basic strategy. Everyone I talk to looks at that chart and thinks it’s so daunting to try to memorize it. It’s really just about finding the patterns on the chart and coming up with a few sentences! One of the funny things I do is memorize “shapes” on the chart. For example on a 6 deck S17 game I know the surrender plays look like a Tetris piece! This means surrender 15 vs 10 and 16 vs 9-A in my brain. All about those shortcuts!
I do the same thing, I mostly memorize the shapes on the chart that the different plays make, and I can find my way from there. Doing that I didn’t have to look at a chart after 3 days.
Ahmad Suleman when dealing blackjack, both of your cards are face up, and the dealer has one face-up and one facedown. The horizontal numbers represent the dealers face-up card
APP RECOMMENDATION: Add three card practices that help players hone in basic strategy: 1. Splits (players dealt only split hands to practice splits) 2. Soft Numbers (players always dealt an ace to practice soft numbers) 3. Hard Numbers (players shown different varieties of hard numbers some with more than 2 cards to practice hard number strategies) Other than that love the app! Well worth $5.
Thank you. Always been interested in blackjack, but never really knew the edge. Thank you for your honesty and sharing all this information. I’m starting to memorize basic strategy at this point. The way you memorize. It verbally is perfect. Thank you.
Good explanation. I studied by chanting each row while on my lunch break. I then learned index numbers the same way plus I made flash cards using blank business cards I purchased from a printer. I review the flash cards prior to each casino session. I also practice with the flash cards while watching TV to simulate casino distractions.
Was thrilled to find out about the app. I’ve been wanting to find a way to practice, but didn’t see your app mentioned until this video. May want to re-release some of your videos with an intro/outro talking about the app.
I love the basic strategy drill, but an idea I had was you could add a ability to practice just the splits/hard totals/soft totals. Because when I learn the soft totals, I rarely get one, so it takes a lot longer to practice.
Colin, I only play "FUN Blackjack," ..... when all Face cards are taken out of the 6 decks, and they are continuously shuffled. I do this on my Carnival Cruise Vacations. QUESTION: Do I still play "Basic Strategy" or are there any nuisances to my decisions?? Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work. 😎⛹️♀️🤸♂️🚴♂️
It should still apply the same, but a continously shuffling deck means you can't card count. SO, basic strategy is ALL THE EDGE YOU GOT; you'll always be at -0.5% edge since you're only going off of basic strategy.
I was right!!!! I have Michael Shackleford's expected return and even though basic strategy says HIT on 16 against a 10 - 'standing' has the same expected return of -54.0% - so effectively you can take your chances!. Another interesting fact from this data is that splitting 7s has the greatest variation in expected payout depending on the dealers card - ranging from +25% against a 6 and -66% against a 10. Also a perfect 21 is most at risk from a 2 (88% payout) and least at risk from a 10 (96% payout)
You know... I NEVER MEMORIZE basic strategy just like I never memorize English grammar. However, playing through the basic strategy drill apps 10 mins a day for a few months got me right often enough that I can run the drill a few hundred times and never be wrong once. It's just like I don't recite grammar while composing a sentence, but my sentences are grammatically correct simply because I am so used to correct grammar it's 2nd nature.
Learning by trying to do it the times tables why just wouldn’t sink in with me. So I put lines to a suitable tune in my head and I found that a lot easier 🎼
I actually downloaded a free flashcard app and I am in the process of creating flashcards of the charts. For example the front says dealer has a 6 you have a soft 16 true count is 1. Then the back says what you should do, in this case it would say double down
That's the way to do it Colin. That's what I tell the neophytes. That is, what do you do with an A7? They go through 2 - A. It's a lot faster and it sticks a lot better.
I alway place higher bet suddenly after my win hand of soft 15, 14, 16, 17 which as per basic strategy double down against dealer upcard 4,5,6 and i end up winning this hand and more interestingly would share my experience with you that after the same winning hand i always place much higer bet 3times or 4 times And i always win that hand irrespective of counting cards.
Do you have a good basic strategy card I could use pls? 🙏🙏🙏 I trust your content so would appreciate have basic strategy in my pocket for those times I'm unfamiliar with!
@@Blackjackapprenticeship but you have to pay for the training, and if you , after many hours and months of study get it right, the casio will kick you out
Question about Basic Strategy: do you double an 11 against a dealer's Ace, or no? Your Basic Strategy chart says to double all 11 vs any dealer hand. However, when you look at the S17 Deviation chart, it says to double the 11 vs dealer Ace when True Count is +1 or higher. Which is correct?
It’s both. If your not keeping a count then always double, if your keeping a count then only double when the counts in your favour and the chart says to
I'd really like to see a response to Wayne's question (below) , please : Wayne Filkins 2 weeks ago What is the point of getting good at blackjack if they just kick the good people out? It sounds to me like the casino's are like that friend everyone had who kicks you out if you beat them at their favorite game...it's like you either lose or they make you leave. How can you actually make money like this? Go from casino to casino making like $10k at each one or something?
damooo basic strategy shows you the MOST optimal action to take for any scenario that you encounter. In order to figure out these scenarios, they ran every possible hand through a computer program thousands of times and the end result showed what action wins the hand more often than others. So basically even if you use basic strategy, you aren’t guaranteed to win the hand because it’s just the action that hypothetically would win more often than losing. Basic strategy says to hit a 16 if the dealers card is showing 7-ace. If you hit it, and you get a 6-10, your hand is bust (even though you followed basic strategy). On the other hand, if you do hit a 16 and get a 3, you’re at 19 and you should stay (according to basic strategy). However, if the dealer has 19 it’s a push, or if they have 20-21, you lose. So basically it’s still a game of chance, but basic strategy helps you to make the moves that win more often than other moves with the same hand.
Blackjack Apprenticeship Hello Colin, there is apparently an error in the basic strategy chart in your app for the « Dealer Stands on soft 17 » rule (where you are listing the deviations for S17 rule) : soft 18 vs 2 should be « STAND » and not « DOUBLE DOWN if allowed, STAND otherwise »
Learn basic strategy with Anki. Anki is an SRS "spaced repetition system" that uses flashcards. I memorized the statements with minimal effort, and it organized spaced revision in optimal intervals for maximum retention. It was really easy. I practice memory athletes, and am currently learning different languages using Anki. It is the pinnacle of studying software, commonly used by Medical students to study for tests.
Most casinos do not care because you are going to lose even with basic strategy. The reason you use basic strategy is that if you use any other strategy, you are going to lose even more. However, there are some dumb or greedy casinos who think you are going to win with basic strategy or who think you would be bringing them money too slowly so they would make you put the strategy card away.
The basic strategy chart states if I have 14 ( a ten and 4) and dealers up card is 8, i should HIT. Now, in my practice today, a 1 deck shoe, the first cards dealt were the queen, 4 and a face up 8 for dealer. My question is "why hit?" Is there a mathematic reason behind hitting in this position? Additionally, I'm aware that with deck penetration and an accurate running count, the situation is vastly different. Please just explain the reason behind hitting in this beginning position.
It depends on what the rules are at the table. Most of the time it is blackjacks pay 3 to 2, dealer hits to 16 stands on all 17s, and insurance pays 2 to 1. For those tables use the chart on the blackjack apprenticeship website.
Always use basic strategy against the amount of decks, the # of decks just makes counting harder, but in theory you should play any hand using basic strategy
Colin, if a casino allows Early surrender with dealer Ten but doesnt allow any other form of late or early surrender, is this better for player than having late surrender against T, A?.
Do you have a app that simulates actual games where you can make virtual bets (not real) pick the deck count maybe distractions add a captcha or something and other variables to track your actual playing progess?
I'm just getting into black jack as I feel I could make something out of it and I just did an app for this on my phone for about 4-6 hours today then I saw this video...
I'm not a counter, but know the basic strategy. It's obvious I'd hit my hard 16 against dealer's Ace or 10 value. But it's got to be a much less percentage to hit my hard 16 against a dealers 7? There, only 5 cards from a deck make him pat, while 8 others make him draw. Wouldn't I rather have him draw? Shouldn't the slight edge be toward the player standing?
@@DrSchor I've already said I understand basic strategy on how to play. Perhaps my question(s) weren't clear. I would like to know more of the "why" in a mathematical response, in order to better understand the probability of a player's chances in a couple different scenarios. A player's hard 16 against dealer's 10 is different than against a dealer's 3, 4, 5(examples). That's why the "basic" says stop against dealer's 5. At some point though, there must be a mathematical % that dictates it's better for player to hit than to stay. I'd think the math has to change depending on dealer's up card(still assuming player has hard 16). So I'd like to know what math probability dictates hit against a 10, and against a 7, but stop against a 5. Hope this clears things up, that I'm requesting a "why" something is how it is.
I took a Math class devoted to card counting and probability my teacher made us count cards and then graded us on the running count. I'm quite rusty I havent ever tried to use those skills to ever make mone or teach others I'm considering going out and trying it. Also how to you know how many decks are in the shoot for the hard count is it always 6 to 7?
I learnt basic strat with Casino Verite, bought a copy and took a week off work - 8 hours a day for 5 days until I was 99% perfect. Then practise and hour a day after work for months
Easier way as follows: 237 split through 7 4 on 5,6 6 for 6 9 through 9, excellent 7,10, ace. Always remember that pairs of 5 are treated as 10's, and Aces and 8's will always be a split.
2s or 3s against dealer 2 or 3 states double only if DAS is allowed, otherwise don't split. Does this mean once you double you have to split? Seems odd to double on a 2 or 3. Need clarification.. Also is this chart one fits all regardless of table rules? S17, H17, 2 shoe, 6 shoe, surrender etc..
Question. Why can't I double on a soft 19 but I can double on a soft 18 if the dealer is showing 3,4,5,6? Shouldn't the concept still apply if I have a soft 19? Let's say the dealer is showing a 4 and I have a soft 19. I double and get let's say a 5 that would mean I have now 15. I'm still in good standing
A complete answer would take too long to explain but a shorter answer I have is that it is better for you to not risk ruining a hand that is already very good. Just so you know, 18 is actually overrated. The house’s advantage over you is actually higher if you choose to always be dealt 18.
Interesting! My chart says to stay when I have and soft 18 against a dealer’s 2. Your chart is different. Any reason for that? I’ve got the Kenneth Smith chart. Do you not recommend this?
The difference is down to the rules for the table. Main difference here being whether the dealer has to hit or stay on soft 17. If the dealer hits on soft 17, you are meant to double down with soft 18 against dealer 2. If the dealer stays on soft 17, you stay on soft 18 against dealer 2 and only double against 3-6. If dealer hits on soft 17 you also will double soft 19 against dealer 6, whereas if dealer stays on soft 17 you will always stay on soft 19. It is more common to find tables where the dealer hits on soft 17 because this is better for the house (just as it is better for you to hit and sometimes double soft 17). I'd recommend memorizing the chart for the dealer hitting on soft 17, then memorizing the changes to that chart if you want or if you find a game with different rules. Another big difference is when dealer hits on soft 17 you are meant to double down on 11 in every scenario, whereas if the dealer stands on soft 17 you do not double 11 against a dealer ace.
10's can be split, but this is only detailing the basic strategy. Splitting 10's and many other plays are deviations that only happen at certain times.
Because you have 18 and you are already likely to have a winning hand against dealer 7. Simply put, it has been determined thru computer simulation that over millions and millions of hands, standing has better odds than splitting in that scenario.
Okay very helpful but your saying n going thru so fast , I have to watch it like 100 times . One row at a time slowly for us to understand. Much love Collin 🤞🏼
Hi Colin, what kind of a time investment (hours) would you say is average in your experience for someone completely new to basic strategy and card counting before they are ready for money bets. I am just now becoming aware of this and i think it would be perfect for me. I have seasonal work so I have about 7 months off each year and could begin with 30k as soon as I get my game perfect. Maybe 50k if it takes me a year. Any advice would be very appreciated. For example, average time for someone who joins your apprenticeship completely green to being ready to sit in on cash games. Any advice would be very appreciated.
About 200 hours of training, give or take. $30k bankroll is very good to start with... assuming your skills are 100%. PS- you might want to change your UA-cam name if you're gonna post here. ;-)
Stupid question, I was looking at the basic strategy chart and it tells you to double and stand for an A,7, when dealers upcard is 2-6. But to just stand on A,8. Why wouldn't you double and then stand on an hard/soft 18-20 if you have a clear advantage? Doesn't make sense to me
Because you already have That clear advantage, and there are lots of cards that can worse your situation, or even don't benefit you at all... But let's say that you are on a really favourable true count, that might be a deviation
Im trying to learn basic strategy but I've found many different variations. they are all very similar but with some minor differences. how to I know which is right
The reason the charts are different is that the strategy depends on what the table rules (i.e. number of decks, whether or not you are allowed to double down after splitting, etc.). Simply, you need to know what table rules you are going to play at. If you do not know which table rules you are going to play at, I suggest that you first memorize what to do with non-paired hands first since the strategies are very similar.
Collin I already have the charts memorized but would you recommend spending time with composition dependent basic strategy or is the traditional basic strategy good enough.
If you were to ask me that, I would say that learning composition dependent basic strategy is not worth your time. It is more effective and easier to learn playing deviations based on the count. They made a video on the two most important playing deviations. If you want to learn as many playing deviations as you can, you can also start with learning the Illustrious 18.
You can search "BJA Trainer Pro" in the Play Store or Apple Store or find links to them on our website: www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/blackjack-software/
The house edge of that is actually higher than the house edge on the main game. Optimal strategy is to never play that bet, unless if you are good enough at card counting to know when it is in your favor. Note that getting lucky is irrelevant to whether or not a strategy is good.
Bro you gnna make me a lot of money I've been watching so many of your videos . Still never played in a real casino but I'm confident if I memorize this basic strategy I can at least make a couple hundred and most of all have a good time .
@UCdnKUMfRVRHuGrciZAqaCwQ How accurate are online practice site? e.g Wizard of Odds or even online casino with practice tables. My thoughts are that they are programed to be easier so as to not scare people off from playing the game. In other words, instead of the dealer having a 1/2-2% advantage, the practice tables reverse that and give the player the greater advantage. How are they programmed and how can we be sure they're close to live games? Let me know, thx.
Something that just came to me recently is that Basic Strategy is teaching you how to play your cards, while Counting teaches you how to bet.
You honestly don’t have to count cards, knowing basic strategy and truly truly knowing how to bet properly (there’s serious strategy with that too) and riding a winning wave you can make serious profit ..all without counting
@@mrno_name9518 how to bet properly comes from counting cards? Otherwise youre just betting randomly. Invalid point
@@samrijners4704 there are betting strategies that don't involve counting cards, but they aren't as profitable in the long run.
@@mrno_name9518 not over time, that house edge means you’re always going to lose in the long run even if you get lucky in the short run. But yeah keep martingaling your way to the poor house
@@johnandrews9433 Exactly perfect basic strategy and perfect betting are the only statistically proven ways to win. I bet you these people not counting are the same ones going on UA-cam looking up slots strategy's lol.
Always amazed at how much a professional's game this is and how little most people know about it. Great ideas.
Thanks! Yeah, it's not for the faint of heart.
@@Blackjackapprenticeship how can I get the iOS app
Blackjack & Card Counting Pro in the App Store on Apple phones. It’s $4.99
@@Blackjackapprenticeship
Hello, I've purchased your bja trainer app and it's pretty nice, but i am confused about something. On my 4/6/8 deck dealer stands on all 17's basic strategy card that i purchased online its different than the chart you provided in the way that it says surrender always with 16 vs 9,T,A upcard and 15 vs T upcard. However your table chart shows hit instead of surrender for those same scenarios in the hard total section and has a whole additional section named "late surrender" in which it gives the same advice as my card instead of hit. But there's no footnote as to what late surrender is or when to apply it vs just hitting the 15 or 16 hand. So essentially my question is, what is this late surrender concept? I didn't have any luck finding anything on Google referencing or explaining the concept or how to determine when to do it vs just hitting like in the hard total section? The only thing i can think of is that hitting instead of surrendering is actually a deviation move for when the count is negative and you are less likely to bust vs a even or positive count. Please help me out as this is really getting in the way of me perfecting my basic strategy. Thanks in advance 😁
Facts
This is exactly how I taught myself basic strategy. Everyone I talk to looks at that chart and thinks it’s so daunting to try to memorize it. It’s really just about finding the patterns on the chart and coming up with a few sentences! One of the funny things I do is memorize “shapes” on the chart. For example on a 6 deck S17 game I know the surrender plays look like a Tetris piece! This means surrender 15 vs 10 and 16 vs 9-A in my brain. All about those shortcuts!
I do the same thing, I mostly memorize the shapes on the chart that the different plays make, and I can find my way from there. Doing that I didn’t have to look at a chart after 3 days.
What does the numbers on the horizontal part of the chart mean? Like 2 3 4
Ahmad Suleman when dealing blackjack, both of your cards are face up, and the dealer has one face-up and one facedown. The horizontal numbers represent the dealers face-up card
Thanks man?
Ahmad Suleman late reply but the numbers on top are the dealer’s face up card. U choose ur play based on what he has facing up
APP RECOMMENDATION:
Add three card practices that help players hone in basic strategy:
1. Splits (players dealt only split hands to practice splits)
2. Soft Numbers (players always dealt an ace to practice soft numbers)
3. Hard Numbers (players shown different varieties of hard numbers some with more than 2 cards to practice hard number strategies)
Other than that love the app! Well worth $5.
If it wasn’t there when you wrote this comment, it certainly is now! Good stuff.
My basic strategy is to get drunk and lose all my money.
😂😂😂😂😂
😂 😂 😂 😂
Sir please get serious 😂we’re here to learn
It never fails 😂😂😂
Sounds solid to me… said all casino owners
Thank you. Always been interested in blackjack, but never really knew the edge. Thank you for your honesty and sharing all this information. I’m starting to memorize basic strategy at this point. The way you memorize. It verbally is perfect. Thank you.
Good explanation. I studied by chanting each row while on my lunch break. I then learned index numbers the same way plus I made flash cards using blank business cards I purchased from a printer. I review the flash cards prior to each casino session. I also practice with the flash cards while watching TV to simulate casino distractions.
I like it. It is more efficient pairing then going in numerical order from top to bottom. Similar to cross cancellation when counting.
Thanks!
Was thrilled to find out about the app. I’ve been wanting to find a way to practice, but didn’t see your app mentioned until this video. May want to re-release some of your videos with an intro/outro talking about the app.
I love the basic strategy drill, but an idea I had was you could add a ability to practice just the splits/hard totals/soft totals. Because when I learn the soft totals, I rarely get one, so it takes a lot longer to practice.
this is a great idea, totally agree.
Not sure if you’ve seen but this feature is in their app
This feature is in the mobile app it does cost 5 bucks right now but thats a steal
Watching this video just remembered me of those school years where we were pretending we knew what professor bragged about while not having a clue
It's harder to learn when you have to take into accounts the different charts needed for single-deck, multi-deck, dealer hits/stands on S17, etc.
Colin, I only play "FUN Blackjack," ..... when all Face cards are taken out of the 6 decks, and they are continuously shuffled. I do this on my Carnival Cruise Vacations. QUESTION: Do I still play "Basic Strategy" or are there any nuisances to my decisions?? Thanks in advance. Keep up the great work. 😎⛹️♀️🤸♂️🚴♂️
It should still apply the same, but a continously shuffling deck means you can't card count. SO, basic strategy is ALL THE EDGE YOU GOT; you'll always be at -0.5% edge since you're only going off of basic strategy.
Great Video !! Although those links in the description do not work. Please fix
I was right!!!! I have Michael Shackleford's expected return and even though basic strategy says HIT on 16 against a 10 - 'standing' has the same expected return of -54.0% - so effectively you can take your chances!. Another interesting fact from this data is that splitting 7s has the greatest variation in expected payout depending on the dealers card - ranging from +25% against a 6 and -66% against a 10. Also a perfect 21 is most at risk from a 2 (88% payout) and least at risk from a 10 (96% payout)
You should let me join your club - I'm here in the UK - happy to help :-)
Document uploaded to twitter @deephouse44
You know... I NEVER MEMORIZE basic strategy just like I never memorize English grammar. However, playing through the basic strategy drill apps 10 mins a day for a few months got me right often enough that I can run the drill a few hundred times and never be wrong once. It's just like I don't recite grammar while composing a sentence, but my sentences are grammatically correct simply because I am so used to correct grammar it's 2nd nature.
Lol your last sentence disagrees with you 😂 but I know what you mean. Interesting way to think of it.
@Μάρκος I use Blackjack Joe
How to memorize blackjack basic strategy: "memorize it". What stellar advice.
Hahaha--I was gonna leave this exact same comment! Thought the dude was gonna provide a mnemonic, secret, or *some* kinda tip....nada! : - )
Great video! Thank you for the really good advice on basic strategy! I appreciate you! God bless
Learning by trying to do it the times tables why just wouldn’t sink in with me. So I put lines to a suitable tune in my head and I found that a lot easier 🎼
I actually downloaded a free flashcard app and I am in the process of creating flashcards of the charts. For example the front says dealer has a 6 you have a soft 16 true count is 1. Then the back says what you should do, in this case it would say double down
That's the way to do it Colin. That's what I tell the neophytes. That is, what do you do with an A7? They go through 2 - A. It's a lot faster and it sticks a lot better.
I am located out of Portland, Oregon. Started playing blackjack more professionally these days. Thanks to your videos. Much helpful.
Cassian you playing up in Ridgefiled or where is your go to place?
@@FiveStarReviewBeforeNoon yes. used to go there...
Are you still playing? I've been watching s few videos and just curious if and how you might fair counting and using basic strategy.
@@FiveStarReviewBeforeNoon I stopped playing these days
@@cassianraja ahh okay thanks. Sounds like it might not be worth devoting time to. If it was helpful and worked I doubt anyone would stop. Thanks
Best blackjack site on the internet! Thank you!
I alway place higher bet suddenly after my win hand of soft 15, 14, 16, 17 which as per basic strategy double down against dealer upcard 4,5,6 and i end up winning this hand and more interestingly would share my experience with you that after the same winning hand i always place much higer bet 3times or 4 times
And i always win that hand irrespective of counting cards.
It is just a coincidence.
Take it one section at a time. Once you memorize splits perfectly then start memorizing softs, then hards
i memorized these in a few hours.
i guess years of mandarin have prepared me for this moment.
Do you have a good basic strategy card I could use pls? 🙏🙏🙏
I trust your content so would appreciate have basic strategy in my pocket for those times I'm unfamiliar with!
We do have an app with basic strategy, deviation charts and a training section. #3 on the page www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/blackjack-software/
@@Blackjackapprenticeship but you have to pay for the training, and if you , after many hours and months of study get it right, the casio will kick you out
Very professional I wish I was living in your area to join your class
Your videos are super helpful. Picked up hard totals pretty quickly, working on the rest now.
Question about Basic Strategy: do you double an 11 against a dealer's Ace, or no? Your Basic Strategy chart says to double all 11 vs any dealer hand. However, when you look at the S17 Deviation chart, it says to double the 11 vs dealer Ace when True Count is +1 or higher. Which is correct?
It’s both. If your not keeping a count then always double, if your keeping a count then only double when the counts in your favour and the chart says to
it is neither. you still lose
This might be sums but when i played blackjack they let me use a card while playing. Wouldn't it make it seem like you're a beginner?
I'd really like to see a response to Wayne's question (below) , please :
Wayne Filkins
2 weeks ago
What is the point of getting good at blackjack if they just kick the good people out? It sounds to me like the casino's are like that friend everyone had who kicks you out if you beat them at their favorite game...it's like you either lose or they make you leave. How can you actually make money like this? Go from casino to casino making like $10k at each one or something?
Have you ever won at a casino? They don't kick you out
You ever hear of the book Playing Blackjack as a business? I think I still have it and it was my first book on playing BJ.
why do you only think you have it
I started playing this Sunday, I love it... thank u
hello , question . does it matter how many players are in the table for this strategy to be more effective ?
Holy crap the splits thing was sick dude fhanks
I’m a member of your course and I love it, I had no idea I was making the errors I was
Can you please provide the name to the IOS APP
itunes.apple.com/us/app/bja-card-counting-trainer-pro/id388857410?mt=8
Hi im new to this. Could i just ask, if you are following the basic stratergy chart exactly, how can you make errors? Thanks
damooo basic strategy shows you the MOST optimal action to take for any scenario that you encounter. In order to figure out these scenarios, they ran every possible hand through a computer program thousands of times and the end result showed what action wins the hand more often than others. So basically even if you use basic strategy, you aren’t guaranteed to win the hand because it’s just the action that hypothetically would win more often than losing. Basic strategy says to hit a 16 if the dealers card is showing 7-ace. If you hit it, and you get a 6-10, your hand is bust (even though you followed basic strategy). On the other hand, if you do hit a 16 and get a 3, you’re at 19 and you should stay (according to basic strategy). However, if the dealer has 19 it’s a push, or if they have 20-21, you lose. So basically it’s still a game of chance, but basic strategy helps you to make the moves that win more often than other moves with the same hand.
Blackjack Apprenticeship Hello Colin, there is apparently an error in the basic strategy chart in your app for the « Dealer Stands on soft 17 » rule (where you are listing the deviations for S17 rule) : soft 18 vs 2 should be « STAND » and not « DOUBLE DOWN if allowed, STAND otherwise »
Learn basic strategy with Anki.
Anki is an SRS "spaced repetition system" that uses flashcards.
I memorized the statements with minimal effort, and it organized spaced revision in optimal intervals for maximum retention.
It was really easy.
I practice memory athletes, and am currently learning different languages using Anki.
It is the pinnacle of studying software, commonly used by Medical students to study for tests.
Thank you
Is it ok to bring the basic strategy chart to the table and look at it for help? Does the dealer care?
Most casinos do not care because you are going to lose even with basic strategy. The reason you use basic strategy is that if you use any other strategy, you are going to lose even more. However, there are some dumb or greedy casinos who think you are going to win with basic strategy or who think you would be bringing them money too slowly so they would make you put the strategy card away.
The basic strategy chart states if I have 14 ( a ten and 4) and dealers up card is 8, i should HIT.
Now, in my practice today, a 1 deck shoe, the first cards dealt were the queen, 4 and a face up 8 for dealer.
My question is "why hit?" Is there a mathematic reason behind hitting in this position?
Additionally, I'm aware that with deck penetration and an accurate running count, the situation is vastly different.
Please just explain the reason behind hitting in this beginning position.
100% of correct actions in blackjack are based solely on math that creates the highest equity. You hit there because it's the most profitable choice.
They must have half a dozen+ "basic strategy" charts. I live in So-Cal so for here and Vegas, which chart should I
memorize? Thanks
It depends on what the rules are at the table. Most of the time it is blackjacks pay 3 to 2, dealer hits to 16 stands on all 17s, and insurance pays 2 to 1. For those tables use the chart on the blackjack apprenticeship website.
Does the amount of decks matter? Or should you always use basic strategy against any # of decks.
Always use basic strategy against the amount of decks, the # of decks just makes counting harder, but in theory you should play any hand using basic strategy
At my casino, you can ask the corporation the book play, and they will tell you, they have it posted
Great place to practice lol
Should I learn basic strategy if there's pretty much no reason to count cards because all casinos online or brick n mortar will ban you?
yes, but you wont win
Colin, if a casino allows Early surrender with dealer Ten but doesnt allow any other form of late or early surrender, is this better for player than having late surrender against T, A?.
I believe some casinos will let you use the chart, and you can have it next to you at the table when you are playing.
Do you have a app that simulates actual games where you can make virtual bets (not real) pick the deck count maybe distractions add a captcha or something and other variables to track your actual playing progess?
This helps a lot because it helps me understand more about basic strategy
Glad to hear it!
Great tips , Huge blessing
Off the topic, is there a list of casinos in the US that don't have shuffling machines?
Yea
There is but most of the tables in Oklahoma have shuffling machines but some shoes in the same casino
Is basic strategy charts the same in all casinos? Are your charts different from casinos charts?
I have another tip: screen shot the phrases and set them as your phone background. Anytime before you unlock your phone read them all
I'm just getting into black jack as I feel I could make something out of it and I just did an app for this on my phone for about 4-6 hours today then I saw this video...
I now know all hard totals now I'm struggling with split and soft that black jack song
Also what about that app
I'm not a counter, but know the basic strategy. It's obvious I'd hit my hard 16 against dealer's Ace or 10 value. But it's got to be a much less percentage to hit my hard 16 against a dealers 7? There, only 5 cards from a deck make him pat, while 8 others make him draw. Wouldn't I rather have him draw? Shouldn't the slight edge be toward the player standing?
no
@@DrSchor I've already said I understand basic strategy on how to play. Perhaps my question(s) weren't clear. I would like to know more of the "why" in a mathematical response, in order to better understand the probability of a player's chances in a couple different scenarios. A player's hard 16 against dealer's 10 is different than against a dealer's 3, 4, 5(examples). That's why the "basic" says stop against dealer's 5. At some point though, there must be a mathematical % that dictates it's better for player to hit than to stay. I'd think the math has to change depending on dealer's up card(still assuming player has hard 16). So I'd like to know what math probability dictates hit against a 10, and against a 7, but stop against a 5. Hope this clears things up, that I'm requesting a "why" something is how it is.
I took a Math class devoted to card counting and probability my teacher made us count cards and then graded us on the running count. I'm quite rusty I havent ever tried to use those skills to ever make mone or teach others I'm considering going out and trying it. Also how to you know how many decks are in the shoot for the hard count is it always 6 to 7?
Usually 6 decks in the shoe, sometimes 8, occasionally you can find double deck. Most single deck games have awful rules, so you should avoid them.
Ur intro song for like 3 seconds it's so good, need it
So I got soft 18 Dealers got a face cord up. Do you want me to hit? I’ll lose eight out of 10 times.
I learnt basic strat with Casino Verite, bought a copy and took a week off work - 8 hours a day for 5 days until I was 99% perfect. Then practise and hour a day after work for months
but did you win what you gave up at work
Awesome content! Just curious, how should you approach side bets ?
Don't play them EVER unless you know exactly if and how it can be beaten. Usually side bets give the casino a HUGE house edge.
I do it for cover, but only if it's like a $1 minimum. The place I play blackjack at, they have a match the dealer side bet that is only $1.
Can I ask if the app is one time payment ? Like I want to get it but is it monthly payment or just one time payment to download it?
Easier way as follows:
237 split through 7
4 on 5,6
6 for 6
9 through 9, excellent 7,10, ace. Always remember that pairs of 5 are treated as 10's, and Aces and 8's will always be a split.
Split ace and 8’s
Never tens and 5’s Split 2,3,7 against 2-7 Split 9 against 2-9 except for 7s split 4 against 5-6
Can someone explain why you'd split 8s against 9 or 10? Theoretically you get two 18s and you still lose to a 19 or 20? I don't get it.
Hi, what is the free iOS app called. when I try to download I can only see paid version $4.99.
it is callled the paid version
On Beat the Dealer book, the basic strategy A,2 against 4, we must double and your strategy we must just hit another card. Why?
2s or 3s against dealer 2 or 3 states double only if DAS is allowed, otherwise don't split. Does this mean once you double you have to split? Seems odd to double on a 2 or 3. Need clarification..
Also is this chart one fits all regardless of table rules? S17, H17, 2 shoe, 6 shoe, surrender etc..
You can only split on the first 2 cards, so you split THEN double
I’m already pretty good at playing but I wanna see how better i can get
Do the Louisiana rules that don’t allow surrender change anything regarding basic strategy?
yes
@@DrSchor Can you elaborate please?
How many decks does this basic strategy apply to?
What is the app name for practicing the basic strategy drill on android
Trevor Kerr type in Bja on App Store or play store and it’s the one that costs 5 dollars
Question. Why can't I double on a soft 19 but I can double on a soft 18 if the dealer is showing 3,4,5,6? Shouldn't the concept still apply if I have a soft 19? Let's say the dealer is showing a 4 and I have a soft 19. I double and get let's say a 5 that would mean I have now 15. I'm still in good standing
A complete answer would take too long to explain but a shorter answer I have is that it is better for you to not risk ruining a hand that is already very good. Just so you know, 18 is actually overrated. The house’s advantage over you is actually higher if you choose to always be dealt 18.
I’m curious ,can card counting be done against tv & online black jack??
yes, but you wont win
Interesting! My chart says to stay when I have and soft 18 against a dealer’s 2. Your chart is different. Any reason for that? I’ve got the Kenneth Smith chart. Do you not recommend this?
The difference is down to the rules for the table. Main difference here being whether the dealer has to hit or stay on soft 17. If the dealer hits on soft 17, you are meant to double down with soft 18 against dealer 2. If the dealer stays on soft 17, you stay on soft 18 against dealer 2 and only double against 3-6. If dealer hits on soft 17 you also will double soft 19 against dealer 6, whereas if dealer stays on soft 17 you will always stay on soft 19. It is more common to find tables where the dealer hits on soft 17 because this is better for the house (just as it is better for you to hit and sometimes double soft 17). I'd recommend memorizing the chart for the dealer hitting on soft 17, then memorizing the changes to that chart if you want or if you find a game with different rules. Another big difference is when dealer hits on soft 17 you are meant to double down on 11 in every scenario, whereas if the dealer stands on soft 17 you do not double 11 against a dealer ace.
is your chart admissible in the casino?
yes, but you will look like a dork, you wont pick up any girls, which is the point of playing
so why don't you split 9s with the dealer 7 but do with a dealer 8or 9
how come never split 10’s?? i was under the assumption that i’m certain situations split the 10’a to maximize value
10's can be split, but this is only detailing the basic strategy. Splitting 10's and many other plays are deviations that only happen at certain times.
What does the Y/N stand for?
just a quick question
Why dont you split 9s v 7?
Because you have 18 and you are already likely to have a winning hand against dealer 7. Simply put, it has been determined thru computer simulation that over millions and millions of hands, standing has better odds than splitting in that scenario.
It gets confusing trying to remember the correct plays when there's different charts for different rules
this is not for you
Okay very helpful but your saying n going thru so fast , I have to watch it like 100 times . One row at a time slowly for us to understand. Much love Collin 🤞🏼
What is the free iOS app called??
Hi Colin, what kind of a time investment (hours) would you say is average in your experience
for someone completely new to basic strategy and card counting before they are ready for money bets. I am just now becoming aware of this and i think it would be perfect for me. I have seasonal work so I have about 7 months off each year and could begin with 30k as soon as I get my game perfect. Maybe 50k if it takes me a year.
Any advice would be very appreciated.
For example, average time for someone who joins your apprenticeship completely green to being ready to sit in on cash games.
Any advice would be very appreciated.
About 200 hours of training, give or take. $30k bankroll is very good to start with... assuming your skills are 100%. PS- you might want to change your UA-cam name if you're gonna post here. ;-)
Do you have an actual school in Vegas, hands on by chance? I live here and am interested...
Thanks, great vids...
Yes, but it's a fair chunk of change if you decide to go, they're having a bootcamp in august
Stupid question, I was looking at the basic strategy chart and it tells you to double and stand for an A,7, when dealers upcard is 2-6. But to just stand on A,8. Why wouldn't you double and then stand on an hard/soft 18-20 if you have a clear advantage? Doesn't make sense to me
Because you already have That clear advantage, and there are lots of cards that can worse your situation, or even don't benefit you at all... But let's say that you are on a really favourable true count, that might be a deviation
Are you planning to release an app for Android?
Can you get your basic strategy app for Android?
You don’t hit on a soft 18 when the count is on a plus 3 and up
What’s the free game called?
Im trying to learn basic strategy but I've found many different variations. they are all very similar but with some minor differences. how to I know which is right
The reason the charts are different is that the strategy depends on what the table rules (i.e. number of decks, whether or not you are allowed to double down after splitting, etc.). Simply, you need to know what table rules you are going to play at. If you do not know which table rules you are going to play at, I suggest that you first memorize what to do with non-paired hands first since the strategies are very similar.
What is the app called?
great job! not in just giving in the info, but showing the way to memorize it
Collin I already have the charts memorized but would you recommend spending time with composition dependent basic strategy or is the traditional basic strategy good enough.
If you were to ask me that, I would say that learning composition dependent basic strategy is not worth your time. It is more effective and easier to learn playing deviations based on the count. They made a video on the two most important playing deviations. If you want to learn as many playing deviations as you can, you can also start with learning the Illustrious 18.
Where can I download the blackjack app, to practice?
You can search "BJA Trainer Pro" in the Play Store or Apple Store or find links to them on our website:
www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/blackjack-software/
@@Blackjackapprenticeship I started, with no knowledge played 141 hands, at 81.5% correct play.
@@Blackjackapprenticeship I appreciate you guys.
That's a solid start! Good luck with training!
So basic strategy is played the same way regardless of how many decks?
correct.
What about betting on pairs? It pays 1 to 11 and so far I've been lucky to get quite some money off it. What do you think?
The house edge of that is actually higher than the house edge on the main game. Optimal strategy is to never play that bet, unless if you are good enough at card counting to know when it is in your favor. Note that getting lucky is irrelevant to whether or not a strategy is good.
What is split something
Bro you gnna make me a lot of money I've been watching so many of your videos . Still never played in a real casino but I'm confident if I memorize this basic strategy I can at least make a couple hundred and most of all have a good time .
How have you done?
@UCdnKUMfRVRHuGrciZAqaCwQ How accurate are online practice site? e.g Wizard of Odds or even online casino with practice tables. My thoughts are that they are programed to be easier so as to not scare people off from playing the game. In other words, instead of the dealer having a 1/2-2% advantage, the practice tables reverse that and give the player the greater advantage. How are they programmed and how can we be sure they're close to live games? Let me know, thx.
Will this work on the computerised machines they have in mini casinos now?