Not really. Don can confirm this, but technically you don't. Basic strategy still leaves you at a negative edge albeit slightly. The further you go in the shoe, your edge slowly drifts to 50% and slightly above it at the end. The front of the deck you still have a negative edge, or less then 50% playing proper black jack.
It's not me. It's my new algo. It bids ahead of Don every time he hits the tape and offers below him. I leave it running all day.
Oh come on, Mav. We have "dealt with" (no pun intended) with poor "penetration" for years. We simply look for the right games. I can easily find 70+ cards in a two deck game, and though not perfect, still very winnable. I don't bother with the Strip or the big casino's since I'm barred anyway, and it gets old being marched out of the casino (especially just after they invited you to come stay for free, LOL). Since most of the family can only play in a few places, I can't mention them.... we still enjoy playing, and as long as we win, we're happy. Nice to go out to dinner and have it paid for as well...."it's just the principle of the thing, LOL" - did you think I was going to actually "pay" for your dinner meals with me? Well, I would anyway, but much more fun when comped. Never play 6 to 5 BJ of course. Avoid all the single deck games, rules are usually worse than double deck games. Check the penetration on both the double deck and the shoe (be careful for "full shoe" operations, where they deal the whole thing, they have some basic rule changes, usually not double after split or worse). Heck, my wife would never get a night out if not for blackjack, LOL. I did enjoy the "Death by Chocolate" dinner theater at Lawry's Prime Rib (my brother paid, I paid for drinks, broke about even on that one, LOL). I'll take you when you come visit. edit: to play blackjack, not dinner theater, LOL. Don
What's next, me on Intrade.com ? Don OK, back to work, geez, big email day. Check back with you guys later...
Great. So you are going to take me to that out of the way casino where they play rock paper scissors in "Vegas Vacation" with Chevy Chase. LOL. I knew there was a catch. http://youtu.be/ZkbghnQVnvE