Non Counting Strategies

[NT21]

It seems like there's some confusion based on the title of the OP's thread. I think the OP was interested in advanced strategies (i.e. "beyond" counting), but it read like he was looking for non-AP strategies ("non counting"). Some of you are giving the OP advice on basics and break even, but I don't think that's what he was looking for. Maybe I'm wrong. ??

[wookets]

I suggest you keep reading both this form and (especially) the old bjinfo.com. You'll find plenty of material to get you started.

[blondeboyz]

There are some adjustments you can make to BS as things occur during play. Fred Renzey has a ton of info from his articles at renzey.casinocitytimes.com/archives. I have read evey single one and he makes excellent reasoning behind every decision.

[RS]

There are some adjustments you can make to BS as things occur during play. Fred Renzey has a ton of info from his articles at renzey.casinocitytimes.com/archives. I have read evey single one and he makes excellent reasoning behind every decision.

Oooooh, I like that. Good reading there.

[Renzey]

1. Use perfect basic strategy (hitting hard 16 when composed of two cards/standing when composed of three, and other razor thin plays)
2. Utilize comps and coupons, as previously stated
3. Stay alert to dealer mistakes
4. Most importantly, find GREAT games. S17, RSA, DA2, DAS, LS.

The Overlooked Realm:
If you're not going to count, then make hand interaction with other players your specialty. Get in on all their doubles for less that you can -- even many incorrect doubles. Let them buy into all your small pair-splits against baby up-cards --they're long term losers in spite of being correct basic strategy. Make side-bets with them that that the dealer won't bust this time with her 5 or 6 up -- lay them 6-to-5 odds as an inducement. Go halves with them on their 18 vs 8, their 19 vs playable 10 and their 10 vs a playable 10 or Ace.
Sit at only crowded tables and bet only the table minimum. This will give you more opportunities for hand interaction, and their bets will likely be bigger than those on your own hand.

[happyjack21]

Scavenger blackjack

Brilliant!

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[PinkChip]

The Overlooked Realm:
Make side-bets with them that that the dealer won't bust this time with her 5 or 6 up -- lay them 6-to-5 odds as an inducement.

This reminds me of the great blackjack quiz at the beginning of your Bluebook II, containing such questions as "The dealer will bust... 1, 2, 3, 4... out of 7 times". 2/7 is a very good approximation of 28-29 percent and 3/7 a good approximation of 42 percent, so these fractions are a good rule of thumb on how often the dealer will bust overall (independent of his upcard) and when he has a weak 5 or 6 up. A fair quote for this side bet would thus be 4:3. If you only pay him 6:5, it's good for you. Apart from the fact that players should mistrust any 6:5 payoff :-)

Go halves with them on their 18 vs 8, their 19 vs playable 10 and their 10 vs a playable 10 or Ace.

What do you mean with "playable"? Ah, you mean "after dealer has checked for blackjack and had no blackjack", so the round (and dealer hand) is played out?

[RickK]

Fred,
At the suggestion in an earlier post, I just finished reading some articles in your archives regarding hand interaction.
Ever get any comments from dealers or pit people about "extra curricular" betting?

[Renzey]

Fred, Ever get any comments from dealers or pit people about "extra curricular" betting?

The only situation that ever brought on a jaundiced eye from the pit was paying another player 102% x even money for his blackjack against an Ace, before he accepts even money from the house. Because of its air of discomfort, I've shied away from that one.