Warning newcomers

[Norm]

This site has been #1 in Google for Blackjack Forum for about six months. I think this confers upon us a responsibility. I would like to find a way to use the site to educate more non-advantage players. Not necessarily to become APs. Not to put them down for not wanting an advantage. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to play cards on an occasional vacation. Just to protect themselves against absurd rule, mechanistic, and other procedures designed to grossly reduce the odds. Basically, to avoid CSMs, H17, 6:5, et. al. Of course, I am not saying this because it would help us.

Suggestions?

[ZenMaster_Flash]

I second the motion.

Perhaps we should simply have a forum for recreational blackjack players.

[Most Interesting Man]

Rename the disadvantage forum?

[PhillyNewbie]

I second the motion.

Perhaps we should simply have a forum for recreational blackjack players.

Excellent idea.
You could even just start with a sticky thread with the basics to avoid, pared-down basic strategy guidelines, etc. Everyone just has to agree no talk of EV or ROR in the thread or forum

[Mr2Project]

How about a blog post or a sticky for new players with a faq with what players should look for as far as game selection, rule types, and ways to increase possible comps.

[Kat]

Call it THE RE-EDUCATION OF THE PLOPPY ARMY.

[RS]

Aren't CSMs better for those who only play with Basic Strategy? Of the casinos I've visited, I have never seen an S17 game.

[njrich]

Good idea!
Then we can carry cards with a link to it and hand them out at the tables.

[PhillyNewbie]

Good idea!
Then we can carry cards with a link to it and hand them out at the tables.

I'll have to sew a pocket for them on my MIT sweatshirt.

[Coyote]

How about another tab on the main navigation menu for a dedicated page. Call it something like "Recreational Blackjack." Then we could go through all the elements as described in Norm's OP. I would most definitely place emphasis on Basic Strategy and the need to know it by heart! Also, let them know that they don't have to be bullied at the tables.

[shadroch]

Aren't CSMs better for those who only play with Basic Strategy? Of the casinos I've visited, I have never seen an S17 game.

Using BS is a losing strategy. It cuts you losses way down but you still lose. CSMs result in more hands per hour. More hands per hour playing a losing stategy results in losing more per hour.
A basic strategy player wants to play at a full table that breaks for shuffles as often as possible. The only time he is not at a disadvantage is during the shuffle.

[UK-21]

The only time he is not at a disadvantage is during the shuffle.

Not necessarily true. The half a percent or so negative EV is an average over "the long term". It is possible for a basic strategy player to play in a shoe where a huge number of low cards have ended up behind the cut card, and as a result is probably playing with an advantage (albeit unwittingly) for that shoe. Of course playing against a CSM negates this possibility. Card counting techniques don't create any advantages, they just identify the occasions when they're there?

[RS]

Using BS is a losing strategy. It cuts you losses way down but you still lose. CSMs result in more hands per hour. More hands per hour playing a losing stategy results in losing more per hour.
A basic strategy player wants to play at a full table that breaks for shuffles as often as possible. The only time he is not at a disadvantage is during the shuffle.

I read Norm's post as implying that CSMs are worse for the player because it makes the odds worse [which is not true, right?], not because more rounds per hour. I think it'd be more (beneficial?) to say, "Look for a crowded & slow table" - that way you get less rounds per hour, still have a fun time (albeit losing), and still earning the same comps/rewards as others playing (and losing) much more than you.