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.

[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

[JohnnyUtah]

How about something on the front page titled... "The Ten Commandments of AP Blackjack"
1. Thou shall only play tables with 3:2 blackjacks (no 6:5)
2. Thou shall only play tables with S17 and not H17
3. Thou shall avoid CSM tables because you cannot count a CSM
etc

Something to this effect....... The forum can make suggestions and tweak it until they are set.....

[Most Interesting Man]

Rename the disadvantage 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.

[TheHypnoToad]

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.

+1

[Kat]

Call it THE RE-EDUCATION OF THE PLOPPY ARMY.

[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.

[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.

[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?