Casino Trickery
What is casino trickery? You probably haven't heard this term before. I've been using it to describe the numerous ways casinos trick players into thinking they are getting something for nothing. Don't ever believe it. If the casino offers you something that appears better than normal, it's not. Comps, match play and bonus rewards are just a few of the casino "tricks" you've seen before.
But some casino tricks are subtle and you must be aware of them, especially in blackjack. For example, many offbeat blackjack games have come and gone because of the higher house advantage. Players soon realized that they were losing too much and stopped playing. Some are still around like Double Exposure Blackjack and Spanish 21.
Fortunately, these games are disappearing. But there is one unconventional blackjack game that appears to be here to stay. It's single- or double-deck blackjack dealt out of the dealer's hand where blackjack pays 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2.
On the surface this difference doesn't seem such a big deal, especially with the advantage of playing single or double deck. Remember, multiple deck shoes were created to stop card counters from winning at single and double decks.
But here's another example of casino trickery. Yes, single and double decks can be battled more effectively, but the casino levels and tips the playing field in its favor with the 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2 payoff.
If you don't believe me, here's a little math to prove my point. You can expect to be dealt about three blackjacks per hour of play. So an average $100 bettor playing at a sixdeck game can expect to make $450 with a 3 to 2 payoff. Now compare this with a two-deck game with a 6 to 5 payoff. That same $100 player makes $360. That's $90 less.
Therefore, if a serious blackjack player plays only 10 hours per week on a 6 to 5 table, he gives up $900 minus the advantage of playing at a single- or two-deck game or approximately $700. In 52 weeks he sacrifices $36,000. Incredible but true. A $50 player gives up $18,000 per year and a $25 player will give up $9000.
So don't let the casino trick you. Don't play 6 to 5 games. And be careful. Sometimes the casinos will stick a 6 to 5 game in between two tables of a six-deck 3 to 2 game. Just look at the table layout. It is marked.
If there are no tables that pay 3 to 2 then lower your win goals so you play less. Have a plan.
