When I first studied blackjack some 30 years ago, I practiced my basic playing strategy diligently at home. I memorized the strategy as best I could then my wife, Linda, would deal me cards on a kitchen table. Then we reversed the process and I'd be the dealer and Linda would play. We practiced for weeks until we had the basic playing strategy down cold. Or so we thought.

Off we went to Las Vegas. It was in the late 1960s and I hadn't done very well playing blackjack on my previous trip. But we were much better prepared this time. After we checked in to the hotel, I hit the blackjack tables. Everything was going fine until I was dealt a hand that had me stumped. For the life of me I couldn't remember whether or not to hit or split so I guessed (it turned out I guessed wrong). I had a couple of other hands that I'm pretty sure I didn't make the right play 'cause I forgot what it was. I learned quickly that the playing conditions in a casino weren't quite the same as they were on the kitchen table.

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