Card counting is among the most popular advantage-gambling techniques known. Even some Hollywood movies involve card counting scenes or used this particular strategy entirely as their basis as a matter of fact. Expert counters can gain advantage over the house anywhere from 0.5% to 1.5%, which eventually results in quality profits. Considering the prominence of card counting, conventional population and even numerous card game blackjack players themselves believe that this solely can make them gain an edge. Nevertheless, in reality, counting cards is not even necessary to beat the blackjack game. You can instead utilize one of several other advantage-play methods to gain victory.
Blackjack Game: Hole Carding
Blackjack game dealers at North American casinos work their deal to have one face-up and one face-down card. The face-down card is known as the hole card considering it’s not visible to players.
The hole card can be seen by the dealer alone, as they check for a natural blackjack before players can make their move. Thus, you’re actually basing blackjack decisions on insufficient information considering the hole card can’t be seen. With that, basic strategy is a key to “narrow the gap” separating the house and yourself. You still have a slim disadvantage, however, when using ideal basic technique.
Then comes hole carding: a certain advantage-play method that comprises the dealer’s hole card. By any chance you see their hole card, you can gain an edge up to 13%. Any dealer who persistently presents players an opportunity to see this is referred to as a “flasher”. With a mistake or two though, these dealers allow players to boost their chances by flashing their hole card.
The key here to spot these dealer flaws is to strategically choose the right seat and paying undivided attention to every hand. Majority of players fail to pay close attention everytime the dealer peeks for blackjack or deals the hole card to themselves.
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First Base
Detecting the dealer’s face-down card as they peek for a blackjack is known as “first-basing” or “third-basing”. While spotting the hole card as it’s slipped below the up-card is referred to as “front loading”. The first seat to the dealer’s left, which is the first base, is where many hole-carders sit. This gives you the best probability at spotting a right-handed dealer’s hole card.
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Third Base
Another favorable hole-carding seat is the third base, situated at the dealer’s immediate right. In this instance, the best spot to have a glimpse of a left-handed dealer’s face down card. Gaining a good vantage point closer to the table felt also helps. The better the eye level you have with the table, the more advantage you get on seeing the hole card.
In this instance, shorter players have an advantage since they’re obviously closer to the table felt. While taller players improve their vantage point by leaning back.
Certainly, the key is to be discreet in doing so. As it will possibly give clue or can draw attention to your hole-carding efforts when leaning back or slouching is done obviously.
Over-use of Advantage
Furthermore, it’s also essential to be mindful in over-using your advantage. There are times you need to avoid being too caught up with the info you gain when utilizing basic strategy as some plays appear too skeptical.
Here’s an example.
- Your first (2) cards total a hard 8
- The dealer’s up-card is a 10
- You see that the dealer’s hole card is 2
- The most favorable play is to double down against the dealer’s 12
- But no regular player is going to opt to this decision as they’re not supposed to have this info
Finding a Flasher
Persistently taking advantage of plays such as this is the last thing you want to do, particularly when the dealer is a consistent flasher.
Once the casino figures out that a dealer is regularly flashing cards thus aiding player(s) win, either of the following scenario will happen:
- 1. The dealer will undergo better training
- 2. The dealer will be dismissed if flashing turns into a consistent problem
Either way, your effort in finding a flasher goes down the drain and this is barely worth taking advantage of a few dubious plays that you should not risk anyway.
Players should consider the long term aspect and understand the kind of profits they can generate by pursuing to play at the dealer’s table. Abstain from decisions that are too far beyond the limits of regular methods.
Indeed it’s challenging to find a consistent flasher. Dealers are being trained by Casinos on how to deal without giving players an opportunity to have a glimpse of their hole card.
Even so, some dealers either fail to acquire enough skills in training or become casual over time.
Where to look for Flashers
Casino-heavy cities like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno are the best places to consider when looking for flashers. This warrants you to move from one casino to another within a solitary shift.
Chances are that you’re not expected to find a flasher during your first few searches. However, when you finally find one, observe what shift they work and ensure that playing at their table is a priority.
