Readers Q&A #18

Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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In reference to Gaining the Edge with the 'Ace/10 Front Count' by Fred Renzey, I have a few comments and questions.

My partner and I use this method. She counts all cards played and I count all Ace/10s. Since she is counting each and every card, we don't have to estimate the number of decks gone/remaining. Using Mr. Renzey's system, we have almost perfect knowledge of deck composition after 2 decks are gone of a 6 deck shoe. Also, if we keep counting decks and Ace/10s, we continue to have almost perfect knowledge of deck composition after 3 decks are gone. Even 4 decks. Quite honestly, I can see this perfected at the 2 and a half deck mark, 3 and a half, etc. To take it even further, we can break it down to the quarter deck if needed. Starting with 2 decks, there are 104 cards and 40 Aces and Tens. Since, one deck has a 52/20 ratio, then a half-deck is 26/10, and a quarter deck is 13/5. For every 13 cards that hit the table, 5 should be Ace/10's. Otherwise, there is a rich/poor ratio that can be exploited.

Mr. Renzey showed the correct strategy plays and betting units at the 104/40 ratio point in the shoe. How do they change at the other easily defineable points?

Decks:
3 decks
4 decks

Half-Decks:
2 and a half
3 and a half

Quarter-Decks:
2 and a quarter
2 and three quarters
3 and a quarter
3 and three quarters
4 and a quarter
etc...


I understand this will get too large and complicated. Once the absolute best plays are computed, perhaps they could be combined for simplification.

PS: I bought Mr. Renzey's book looking for this information, but didn't find it there.

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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

Dear Kcinbama,

Here is Fred Renzey’s response to your question.

It's very perceptive of you to lead yourself to that next logical question. While the Ace/10 Front Count was initially designed just to monitor the overall value of the shoe once the first two decks were dealt, it can indeed be made more efficient by updating your info with additional checkpoints further into the shoe. That however makes the Ace/10 Count much like any other counting system except that you need that second index telling you how many cards have been dealt. If you want to keep count of both the dealt Ace/10's and the dealt cards, then here's how to use your information.

If your eye is very good at estimating how many decks are in the discard tray, you can just use the checkpoints for 2, 3 and 4 dealt decks without keeping a separate count of the number of cards dealt. When you get into the late stages of the shoe however, it's critical that your estimate of dealt cards be accurate.

Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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i am looking for a site that contains basic strategy for multiple decks complete with printable charts..can you help me
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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

Dear Davem,

Regards,

Henry Tamburin

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Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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Two questions. What happened to the Ms. Blackjack report? I'm blind and play basic stradegy. Do you have any suggestions on how I can do any better? I can't count because the dealers aren't going to call every card and I can't see the penetration either. I have done very well lately at the New Palace in Biloxi.Please forgive the poor spelling. Thanks for any help you can give.
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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

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Dear Leasa,

Our Mississippi reporter decided to do some traveling and therefore he couldn’t maintain a monthly schedule of reviewing blackjack conditions in Mississippi casinos. We have a new Mississippi reporter that will reporting for the first time in Blackjack Insider #19.

My only suggest on how you can improve your play is to have a partner stand behind you or play next to you to assist you but also have your partner keep the count and alert you when to increase your bets. Good luck.

Regards,

Henry Tamburin

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Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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What is the penalty in expectation by using the 4-deck basic strategy in a 1-deck game compared to using the 1-deck strategy in a 1-deck game?
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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

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Dear John,

The penalty in expectation is about 0.04% (varies slightly depending upon whether DAS is allowed or not).

Regards,

Henry Tamburin

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Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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What do you think of online casino where there is one deck, and shuffle after each hand. Single or multiplayer. can counting work?
What about 6 deck, shuffle after about 3?
Thank You
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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

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Dear Martin,

Regards,

Henry Tamburin

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Dear BJInsider.com Expert Guide,

The following question was asked by

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Hello. What's the story with the many Internet Casino's? Are you doomed, if you play Black Jack or what?
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Best regards,
The "Ask the Pro" Staff

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Dear Schmidt,

You should also read Michael Shackelford’s article on the basics of Internet gambling in Blackjack Insider Newsletter #17.

Regards,

Henry Tamburin

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Woody
Chicago, Illinois

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