Hi all, a little about myself. I took up an interest in blackjack a few years ago. I learnt basic strategy, high-low, illustrious 18, fab 4 and a few extra indices. I put together a bet spread and after a lot of practice i felt like i was ready to put this all together inside the casino for my first blackjack session. Unfortunately when i arrived all i could see was CSM's all over the main floor. That threw a spanner in the works after all of my practice. I found out that all the other casinos use CSM's in my country. The HL rooms still used shoes but the conditions were poor so i gave up on the idea of blackjack here. I have always kept an interest in blackjack even though i havent been able to play here. I have a couple of trips planned for next year where i will be able to count, so i have begun practicing again. I have a question regarding deck estimation. I have heard that most casinos in the US use cartamundi, paulson and aristocrat cards. Are these brands the same thickness or if not, is there much difference between them? I tried to keep this first post short but it turned into an essay!!! Thanks everyone