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A while back I reported that the Mirage
tightened up the two-deck pitch game by controlling and reducing the
penetration. So now, where to play in Las Vegas?
Because of the overwhelming popularity
that Blackjack is receiving, there is no incentive for the casinos to
compete for customers by offering better games. Most of the houses now
deal a six-deck shoe and some have gone to eight decks.
First, what does this mean for the
experienced counter? This means more cards while patiently anticipating
the plus count to come along. It means having to play more “defense” and
perhaps having to play longer waiting for that one good shoe. One
problem with the shoe is that the count tends to hang out around zero,
plus or minus a few points when you adjust for the exact count. When the
count goes too far negative early in the shoe, the shoe tends not to
recover and the card counter has to slug it out until the next shuffle.
At these times, the game seems to drag on as you play “win one, lose
one, push”.
Now, let us discuss surrender.
Surrender is available in many of the Las Vegas clubs offering a
six-deck shoe. When offered, the player has the option of not playing
his first two cards and surrendering the hand. When it come his turn to
play, he simply tells the dealer, “surrender” tosses in the cards and
gets half of the original bet back. Surrender can be advantageous to the
player that knows what to do with it and it can be down right dangerous
in the wrong hands.
Just like everything else in Las Vegas,
the casino’s are not giving anything away and that includes surrender.
Though it is true that surrender favors the player, the average player
does not have a clue how to handle surrender. Consequently, a player
will surrender just about any hand that they are afraid of playing. The
player may think surrender means losing their money half as fast.
Perhaps for their style of play it does. However, the unknowing player
probably folded a hand that could be improved. If only they knew how to
count cards.
A card counter has a distinct advantage
knowing the probability of the next draw. Statistically proven,
modifying basic strategy according to the exact count increases a
player’s chances. Most players have not become experts playing basic
strategy, let alone counting, so it is a damn good bet for the casinos
that the player is not going to bother to learn a surrender strategy
either. A player’s misuse of surrender is exactly what the casino
expects. Thus, the house gets a two for one. They get players flocking
in for the “come on” of surrender and they get more profit from
uninformed gamblers tossing in cards never played. It is silly really
when you think of it. Give the casino money just to sit and watch, not
even taking a fighting chance of improving a hand. I am sure the casino
would rather accept half a bet with no risk of having to pay a winner.
The best use of surrender is by the
expert player that is also able to count cards. Being able to count the
cards provides you with dependable information on the odds your are
facing and what cards are more probable to be played next. Knowing the
count, you will want to hit more often when the count is negative and
hit less often when the count is positive.
When it comes to a decision for
surrender, the player that is tracking the cards has the inside
information. When the big bet is out with a stiff hand, surrender and
save half the bet. Obviously, the count is good to the plus or the big
bet would not be in action. The counter is likely to bust if they hit
and the dealer is probably pat. So, tossing in the cards and giving up
half the big bet is the prudent choice over risking the whole bet.
The player that can count will hit a
stiff hand that they would otherwise stand on when the count is
appropriately minus. They must fight like hell to pull the hand at these
times. The dealer is likely to be stiff or have less than ten too. With
the little cards coming, the dealer is sure to make a hand of 17 or
better. No way would the player want to stand or surrender with these
conditions. Play with courage and conviction, play for the win. Basic
strategy modifications based on the card count are computer proven
correct plays.
Casinos can easily change the rules for
Blackjack, and change often, they do. You need to check out the game
before you enter the battle. Surrender is not usually advertised at the
table, ask the croup or pit personal what the rules are. In addition,
for card counters, deck penetration is something that you will have to
investigate no matter where you play.
You will find the strategy for
surrender in any Blackjack book that focuses on counting.
If you do not count cards do not play
surrender. There are surrender strategies for non-card counters. I do
not recommend them. You are better off to learn and play basic strategy.
Okay, now having said all that about
six decks and surrender, here are some of the casinos that offer
surrender with six or eight deck shoes along with my biases.
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Aladdin, recently opened, piss
elegant. Kind of difficult to get in and out of, so, once your are
there, they’ve got’ya. I like the energy at the Aladdin. The dealers
were friendly.
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New York, New York, New Yuck, New
Yuck, sorry another one for the Pepsi generation.
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Treasure Island, Another Mirage
property, but it missed the boat. I don’t like the energy. The main
door from the sea battle opens to a walkway that runs through the
casino past part of the pitch BJ pit, one of the shoe pits and the
craps pit on the left. With all the people walking by, it strips away
the energy. Built vying for family’s business and it did not pan out.
Opps. I think they’d like to have that bet back.
It is important that you play in a
casino that you are comfortable in and enjoy. If I have trounced on one
of your favorite places, please do not let me dissuade you. There are
numerous choices in Las Vegas for you to stay and play. Where you feel
best and win most should always be your first choice.
Copyright © 2001 Michael Vernon |
