Blackjack Probability Question

[ProbWiz]

When I am sitting at the tables, I get so tired of hearing players grunt and moan when someone isn't playing the "correct" way. They think there is some mystic, voo-doo magic when it comes to the cards "running hot". They become extremely upset when someone makes an incorrect (lower probability) play. They think this person is "messing up the table". As if this person never sat down, everyone would be better off.

If you know anything about mathematics and probability, then you know these people are pontificating dults, who clearly do not understand slightly more than basic probability.

So, me sitting out a hand, surrendering a hand, standing with a hard 16 against a dealer 10, or hitting a 16 against a dealer 5 will affect the expected outcome of the rest of the players at the table? Do I "change" the cards for everyone else? Does my hand still have the same expected final value, or will it affect the probability of me making a hand? I am curious to hear the answers from other avid blackjack players.

Thanks for your time in reading, and if you so choose, responding to this question.

[RS]

I think about 100% of the people here agree with you (ie: one's play does not affect another's outcome).

[ProbWiz]

Good to know. Does that mean almost everyone I meet at a blackjack table is a complete and utter moron? Haha. Anyway, thanks for the reply. I have been trying to preach that these people are just ignorant of math.

[SiMi]

PW
I hear that nonsense A LOT at the tables, too. It can get bad enough that 3rd base becomes unplayable for me because of drawing so much attention from the morons who want to play my hands for me - all the way from 1st base! When that happens, I have usually scoped out another table as the B.S. is building to a crescendo and then I just pack up and leave without a word. I suspect BJ is a social event for these people and they expect you to obey the rules of etiquette that they and their "pack" have established for their version of "team play." Even dealers will get in on the whining/comments sometimes if you don't go along with the crowd. I try to remember that these mindless morons are what keep the game profitable...

[RustyNCrusty]

PW

We all experience this...an example in the extreme...playing BJ in central america country, nice rules, have a mouthy working girl playing at the table. I do something she considers outrageous, stand on 16 v 10, double on A8 vs 6...; she's screaming at me about how I'm screwing it up for everyone else. Working girl now tells the other players at the table to stop playing because I'm screwing up their hands. They comply; everyone stops. Well as it turns out the shoe has become very positive...only too glad the rest have stopped playing. Working girl gets out of her seat and now starts pleading her case to the national police in the casino. Meanwhile, I'm getting to stack up the chips. The other non playing playing players are watching this; and not wanting to miss out on the action slowly one by one rejoin the play. Working girl comes back to the table still in a lather but having lost the battle...nobody pays any attention to her now. Small victory but amusing....enjoy the show.

[Zach Black]

Does that mean almost everyone I meet at a blackjack table is a complete and utter moron?

Yes. If you're going to play basic strategy or basic strategy deviations based on the count, get used to the least knowledgeable people correcting your play. This often includes the dealer and frequently the pit. Developing a thick skin is a necessity for even a recreational player that wants to play perfect BS since the masses do not have a clue.

[Slacker13]

So, me sitting out a hand, surrendering a hand, standing with a hard 16 against a dealer 10, or hitting a 16 against a dealer 5 will affect the expected outcome of the rest of the players at the table? Do I "change" the cards for everyone else? Does my hand still have the same expected final value, or will it affect the probability of me making a hand? I am curious to hear the answers from other avid blackjack players.

Whatever play is made by any player doesn't affect the situation in the long run. You will always find someone who will say "he should have got this card and he that card and then the dealer busts, yadda yadda yadda". And it might be true for that particular hand, but unless you can predict every card dealt it won't matter. Just play your game and brush off the ploppies. Although, if you hit the 16 against a 5 I may question your ability.

[Three]

if you hit the 16 against a 5 I may question your ability.

Maybe he is playing Spanish 21.

[Norm]

There are other players at the table?

[Dtb239]

If they get mad I try and ignore them, if they really get on my nerves I threaten to split tens every time if that doesn't scare them away, I say look if this was a team sport we all would pool our money at the door.

[ZeeBabar]

I had a funny thing happen when I had a table full of people and an absolute ploppy at 3rd base. Dealer had a 6 and everyone stood except the 3rd baseman ploppy with 14. They told him to stay and he glared at one of the guys, muttered something, elected to double the 14. Everyone groaned, one complained and the dealer announced doubling on 14 and turned the card over. It was a 5. Dealer had a 9 under his 6, pulled a 10 and everyone won. It really shut up the couple of loudmouths offering advice.

[Slacker13]

I say look if this was a team sport we all would pool our money at the door.

I like this, I hear the team shiat all the time.

[AussiePlayer]

Good to know. Does that mean almost everyone I meet at a blackjack table is a complete and utter moron? Haha.

Short answer; yes.