Then you need to start working on basic counting; first learning to keep track of the running count, then converting it to a true count. Once you have that down you can add deviations to your basic strategy and focus on your betting and bet spreads.
@ awesome man! Appreciate you getting back to me! I’ve become super interested in counting lately and really want to give a solid effort at it! Very excited to try out the free mini course
@@Blackjackapprenticeship should i actually have a pretty good understanding of basic strategy, keeping track of the running count, and converting that to the true count before i actually embark on the free course?
You can run through the mini course before you even start. It's meant to be an intro for brand new players to introduce the concept and basics of counting. Jump in whenever you've got some free time and you can always reach out if you've got questions.
Id say at this point im as good as i can be without counting cards but this video will help me explain to people better for sure i was just trying to explain the game without sounding too confusing and i felt like was talking right over their head
Colin, I was sitting next to this really nice guy giving me tips as I fumbled the color of my chips several times finally shoving with my A9 suited not really feeling it that night I’d mentioned, figuring if it worked I might wake up. Anyway the advice was much appreciated. I not a blackjack player (or poker as it would appear) but know a couple of the MIT players and a few others locally who play you may know as well, and certain Baccarat player too my wife is Chinese is the connection.
I count for fun and play basic strat. Because im four hours away from another casino. Two days ago i had a guy give me 90 dollars because i helped him play basic strat. Never happened before.
I hope the last reply answers whatbyou are asking, i also interpreted you as asking if basic strategy says hit do you always hit…which if thats your question, yes, do not deviate from basic strategy unless counting
Never deviate from the chart. In terms of when to hit, a quick way I remember it is: If you have 17: stand, if a dealer shows more than 7 and you have less than 17: hit. If you have a 12, only stand against 4 thru 6. 11 always Doubles, 10 Doubles against everything less than 10, 9 only doubles against 3 thru 6.
subtly proving that even money is the same as insurance is absolutely brilliant. If you watch it back, you can clearly see the person with a blackjack was paid $10, the same as their bet. Had the dealer not had blackjack, they would've won $15 minus the $5 lost on insurance
If you draw a soft 22 are you required to make that ace a 1 and draw or can you stand on 22 and instant bust? Maybe because you have a second next hand that has 10x more chips on it, thoughts?
Hey Collin, I was wondering if you've seen the new ez busy side bet and was wondering if you should bet it cause I'm sure when counting you'll have a little edge depending on what card the dealer is showing
I know that you've done an FAQ already for the Podcast, but I have a question that popped Into my mind just now: are places like Reno with single deck games a good idea, or should we rather play double Deck games, considering Heat, EV etc. I'm sorry If you already answered that in a Podcast, I am far behind.
Hey Colin I want to know your thoughts on people who treat a soft 19/20 as a 9/10 if the dealer shows a bust card and doubling down on that hands? I know basic strategy says to stand but I’ve had this work in my favor some of the time when the dealer busts or I get a 10 making it the original 19/20 anyway. Of course I stick to the $5 tables when I can so I tend to play a bit more aggressively to build the bankroll. :-)
Hey Colin , is it true that in Double deck game you should take insurance when tc is 2.5 + or it’s just the normal 3+? And also one more question , I’ve found some deviations about soft 20 that are exactly the same on 10,10 split but in double , I mean double soft 20 vs 6 at 4+ , soft 20 vs 5 at 5+ and soft 20 vs 4 at 6 + . Are these important and maximise some Ev or just stick to basic strategy ?
those deviations offer a narrow edge. Soft 20 doubles are what you may call "extended deviations." First, learn the illustrious 18, then worry about the extended ones. but if you know a fancy deviation, use it, with the caveat that 10 splitting and also doubling a soft 20 can draw heat
I often play Blackjack in The Netherlands. How about basic strategy if the dealer doesn't draw a second card (face down)? Especially when you're the last hand at the table. Let's say you have a 15 and the dealer has a 10. The dealer will take a card from the deck, but you do want the dealer to catch the 5 in stead of you, because if they grab a 7 or higher, they bust. Am I right?
I assume U R right-handed but dealing left-handed. A little awkward, but no big deal. I learned some knew hand signals, which is pretty cool 😎 -- the surrender signal and the one finger for dbl down & two fingers for pair splitting. I wonder if there is a hand signal to take or decline insurance. Does it exist?
No, insurance is the one decision that has no hand signal. If you want it, you just place your chips on the insurance line, otherwise you simply do nothing
I never criticize poor players (plus those who play the rip-off side bets), because without them the casino wouldn't make enough money on blackjack tables, so would either make the rules terrible or close them completely (and put more slot machines in their place).
@ it's great that you have charts for basic strategy and that you let the user know when it's an error being made. But this doesn't really train me on basic strategy. There should be a tool designed to train the user on basic strategy or have the chart accessible while playing. Especially amazing would be if you had trainings on sections of the basic strategy, instead of tackling all of it at once
@@Blackjackapprenticeship Actual user of the app here. love the app. 3 fixes. 1) on soft count training, the app currently just gives an Ace to you, which results in a ton of blackjacks, which you know does not help me practice my soft counts. 2) It would be better if the deviation chart shows which way to deviate, I was able to figure it out, but it was really confusing as a new learner and made it hard to teach my friends. 3) In training mode, when I make a mistake, I would love to have the pop up also show the deviation chart as well, this would help learn the deviation points faster.
That push on insurance comment wasn't super clear. You don't buy insurance on a 3:2 blackjack game, you get even money. By making it sound like you can keep your bet and win insurance, people would be more inclined to play the horrible sidebet.
You can technically take insurance for less with a blackjack, say $2 on a $10 bet. Dealer flips BJ, you keep your $10 bet (push), and win $4 off insurance. No dealer BJ and you win $15 but lose $2. No one in their right mind would ever do this though
You don't necessarily get even money, you get OFFERED even money. I think Colin should have explained that, and it is the same as taking the insurance side bet, and to never accept even money (unless you're a card counter).
You will get backed off and banned from the casinos. If they didn't back you off ,these guys on this channel wouldn't have a youtube channel and website. Colin will charge you $500 for the course. I know members of the old MIT team that teaches card counting.They teach because they been kicked out of the casinos. So no fun in this!!
That's insurance. You can see in the video the person with the blackjack taking insurance, their blackjack pushed and insurance profited $10, the same as the amount bet. You still win $10 if the dealer doesnt have blackjack. If you never take insurance, never take even money, they're the same
You are playing against the dealer if you are the only one sitting there. If other people are also playing at your table, they can cause everyone to lose
@@michaela6147in hindsight, other players can cause other to lose. But the math says that over the long run your edge stays the same no matter what kind of players ur playing with. If ur playing perfect basic strategy and ur edge is -0.5%, ur edge will always be -0.5% even if the people ur playing with do the complete opposite of basic strategy.
After memorizing perfect basic strategy, what is the next step i need to make?
Then you need to start working on basic counting; first learning to keep track of the running count, then converting it to a true count. Once you have that down you can add deviations to your basic strategy and focus on your betting and bet spreads.
@ awesome man! Appreciate you getting back to me! I’ve become super interested in counting lately and really want to give a solid effort at it! Very excited to try out the free mini course
@@Blackjackapprenticeship should i actually have a pretty good understanding of basic strategy, keeping track of the running count, and converting that to the true count before i actually embark on the free course?
You can run through the mini course before you even start. It's meant to be an intro for brand new players to introduce the concept and basics of counting. Jump in whenever you've got some free time and you can always reach out if you've got questions.
Always enjoy your channel Colin.
This video brings me back to 2016-17 when I first started watching. Love it.
Glad you're still around and watching, the classics deserve an update this year!
The basics are just the beginning! Thanks, Colin, for the fresh video.
Id say at this point im as good as i can be without counting cards but this video will help me explain to people better for sure i was just trying to explain the game without sounding too confusing and i felt like was talking right over their head
Nice video! I always enjoy a new upload. Thanks Colin!
Colin, I was sitting next to this really nice guy giving me tips as I fumbled the color of my chips several times finally shoving with my A9 suited not really feeling it that night I’d mentioned, figuring if it worked I might wake up. Anyway the advice was much appreciated. I not a blackjack player (or poker as it would appear) but know a couple of the MIT players and a few others locally who play you may know as well, and certain Baccarat player too my wife is Chinese is the connection.
I count for fun and play basic strat. Because im four hours away from another casino. Two days ago i had a guy give me 90 dollars because i helped him play basic strat. Never happened before.
The best way ever explained I love it also ur smile ❤❤❤God blessed! Thanks 🙏
Updated to account for all the balance patches and DLC content since the older video.
What do u think about wong halves method?
If basic strategy tells you to hit how many times should you follow basic strategy to hit on the same hand?
Once you hit, it's no longer the same hand. For example, if you're dealt an 8 and hit and get a 5 you now play the hand like you were dealt a 13
I hope the last reply answers whatbyou are asking, i also interpreted you as asking if basic strategy says hit do you always hit…which if thats your question, yes, do not deviate from basic strategy unless counting
Never deviate from the chart. In terms of when to hit, a quick way I remember it is: If you have 17: stand, if a dealer shows more than 7 and you have less than 17: hit. If you have a 12, only stand against 4 thru 6. 11 always Doubles, 10 Doubles against everything less than 10, 9 only doubles against 3 thru 6.
What was the running count during the video so I can check my answer?
Good informative Video Colin!
subtly proving that even money is the same as insurance is absolutely brilliant. If you watch it back, you can clearly see the person with a blackjack was paid $10, the same as their bet. Had the dealer not had blackjack, they would've won $15 minus the $5 lost on insurance
Would you take a guaranteed even money win on let's say 500 dollars?
If you draw a soft 22 are you required to make that ace a 1 and draw or can you stand on 22 and instant bust? Maybe because you have a second next hand that has 10x more chips on it, thoughts?
Double aces are always a split but you get to draw only one card for each ace
Hey Collin, I was wondering if you've seen the new ez busy side bet and was wondering if you should bet it cause I'm sure when counting you'll have a little edge depending on what card the dealer is showing
terrible house edge, you can start to gain a profit at the true 10 mark against a 5
I know that you've done an FAQ already for the Podcast, but I have a question that popped Into my mind just now: are places like Reno with single deck games a good idea, or should we rather play double Deck games, considering Heat, EV etc.
I'm sorry If you already answered that in a Podcast, I am far behind.
I want to join the membership but i can't see a payment for a month they're all yearly payment why?
Hey Colin I want to know your thoughts on people who treat a soft 19/20 as a 9/10 if the dealer shows a bust card and doubling down on that hands? I know basic strategy says to stand but I’ve had this work in my favor some of the time when the dealer busts or I get a 10 making it the original 19/20 anyway. Of course I stick to the $5 tables when I can so I tend to play a bit more aggressively to build the bankroll. :-)
Follow basic strategy. A soft 19/20 is very different from a 9/10.
soft 19 can double. against a 6. that's it, unless you're counting and know the appropriate index to deviate.
@@Blackjackapprenticeship been following basic strategy against a csm and it almost never wins
Hey Colin , is it true that in Double deck game you should take insurance when tc is 2.5 + or it’s just the normal 3+? And also one more question , I’ve found some deviations about soft 20 that are exactly the same on 10,10 split but in double , I mean double soft 20 vs 6 at 4+ , soft 20 vs 5 at 5+ and soft 20 vs 4 at 6 + . Are these important and maximise some Ev or just stick to basic strategy ?
those deviations offer a narrow edge. Soft 20 doubles are what you may call "extended deviations." First, learn the illustrious 18, then worry about the extended ones. but if you know a fancy deviation, use it, with the caveat that 10 splitting and also doubling a soft 20 can draw heat
I often play Blackjack in The Netherlands. How about basic strategy if the dealer doesn't draw a second card (face down)? Especially when you're the last hand at the table. Let's say you have a 15 and the dealer has a 10. The dealer will take a card from the deck, but you do want the dealer to catch the 5 in stead of you, because if they grab a 7 or higher, they bust. Am I right?
I assume U R right-handed but dealing left-handed. A little awkward, but no big deal.
I learned some knew hand signals, which is pretty cool 😎 -- the surrender signal and the one finger for dbl down & two fingers for pair splitting.
I wonder if there is a hand signal to take or decline insurance. Does it exist?
I always do the "stand" signal to decline insurance
How do you deal if you’re left handed?
No, insurance is the one decision that has no hand signal. If you want it, you just place your chips on the insurance line, otherwise you simply do nothing
@@matthew_natividad Awkwardly
@@matthew_natividad Awkwardly
RDR2 has a mini black jack game. Will your strategy work for that?
Sure
The people i see play blackjack give the casino like 10% edge
I never criticize poor players (plus those who play the rip-off side bets), because without them the casino wouldn't make enough money on blackjack tables, so would either make the rules terrible or close them completely (and put more slot machines in their place).
3:49 doesn't the player get paid 3:2 because they got blackjack??
You only get paid 3:2 if your first two cards are a Blackjack. So if you split Aces and get 10’s on both you won’t get paid 3:2 on those just 1-1.
Can you make a practice video of playing BJ?
We have a couple of them on the channel! And we just filmed a new one that will come out in early 2025.
@ ok nice i enjoy 🙏🏻
Sweet
Why do the cards have these cutouts?
In fact, 20 is the WORST hand to insure because you have 2 of the 10 cards yourself.
Ok I’ll watch another info commercial. 😂😂😂😂
You need to update the iOS app
We're actively working on it with our dev team now - what would you like to see changed or updated the most?
@ it's great that you have charts for basic strategy and that you let the user know when it's an error being made. But this doesn't really train me on basic strategy. There should be a tool designed to train the user on basic strategy or have the chart accessible while playing. Especially amazing would be if you had trainings on sections of the basic strategy, instead of tackling all of it at once
@@Blackjackapprenticeship Actual user of the app here. love the app. 3 fixes.
1) on soft count training, the app currently just gives an Ace to you, which results in a ton of blackjacks, which you know does not help me practice my soft counts.
2) It would be better if the deviation chart shows which way to deviate, I was able to figure it out, but it was really confusing as a new learner and made it hard to teach my friends.
3) In training mode, when I make a mistake, I would love to have the pop up also show the deviation chart as well, this would help learn the deviation points faster.
Casinos offer even money when you have a bj and a ace up. You surrender the half that a 3 to 2 bj pays.
Hey colin, i sent u an email where i explain my tested strategy with 5.68% ROI, please read, i worked hard to make itttt
Who else is playing blackjack, in minecraft😂
No insurance….hit 13…what else u wanna know, BA?
Bro I just lost 2k last night ….. wtt
That push on insurance comment wasn't super clear. You don't buy insurance on a 3:2 blackjack game, you get even money. By making it sound like you can keep your bet and win insurance, people would be more inclined to play the horrible sidebet.
You only get even money if you say you want it on your hand. If you play for the 3:2 pay out and the dealer gets 21 on the flop you push
You DO keep your bet and win insurance. It ends up the same as being paid 1:1 (even money).
@@ArtichokeG I understand that. It could be unclear to a new player that ALL winning insurance keeps your initial bet
You can technically take insurance for less with a blackjack, say $2 on a $10 bet. Dealer flips BJ, you keep your $10 bet (push), and win $4 off insurance. No dealer BJ and you win $15 but lose $2. No one in their right mind would ever do this though
You don't necessarily get even money, you get OFFERED even money. I think Colin should have explained that, and it is the same as taking the insurance side bet, and to never accept even money (unless you're a card counter).
You will get backed off and banned from the casinos. If they didn't back you off ,these guys on this channel wouldn't have a youtube channel and website. Colin will charge you $500 for the course. I know members of the old MIT team that teaches card counting.They teach because they been kicked out of the casinos. So no fun in this!!
This is ok basic information . It’s not in stone. There are times to hit on a 17, you don’t always want to split, etc
@@michaela6147 when are you hitting a 17?
That's why he said you should learn basic strategy, and gave a link for it.
no, you should never hit a 17
You forgot that there’s an option to take even money when you have a blackjack and a dealer has an ace.
That's insurance. You can see in the video the person with the blackjack taking insurance, their blackjack pushed and insurance profited $10, the same as the amount bet. You still win $10 if the dealer doesnt have blackjack. If you never take insurance, never take even money, they're the same
We discuss Insurance/Even Money that more in depth in this video too ua-cam.com/video/X_s0l_wxVr8/v-deo.html
Gotcha, I forgot you did.
You are playing against the dealer if you are the only one sitting there. If other people are also playing at your table, they can cause everyone to lose
Flawed logic. They’re as likely to help you as they are to hurt you. Stop thinking like a gambler and start thinking like an AP
@ The only flawed logic is yours
@@michaela6147in hindsight, other players can cause other to lose. But the math says that over the long run your edge stays the same no matter what kind of players ur playing with. If ur playing perfect basic strategy and ur edge is -0.5%, ur edge will always be -0.5% even if the people ur playing with do the complete opposite of basic strategy.
@@michaela6147strong argument and counter point.
No one can cause anyone else to lose in the long run - we discuss that in depth here ua-cam.com/video/hJy1AJETKvE/v-deo.html