Greasy john: A question for single-deck players...

[Greasy john]

Suppose you are playing SD at casino's that don't sweat the game very much (3:2 BJ of course). If you were playing at a $10 min table, would you consider a $50 to $200 bet range with an opening bet of $100 on the first round to strong? By opening for $100 one would be no more than doubling one's bet by going to $200, and you would only go to $200 after a win, not a push. (You would raise or lower your bets gradually.)
Or what if you were playing $25 to $100 and you occasionally open for $100, you win, the count goes up and you play the next round for $200? Would this be considered to strong a play--having a $200 bet out--when your lowest bet is $25? I know that it all depends on the situation. But if you don't feel any heat, the dealer is not hostile, your act is good, you're not getting the "we're-on-to-you" look from the pit--does this betting scenario seem doable? Oh yeah, I play at places where the average better is usually playing reds. Any opinions on SD heat/tolerance would be appreciated-- GJ

[bjmagic]

That's kinda like I play. 2 units off the top, then up to 4 units if count goes positive and 1 unit if count goes negative. I haven't had any heat problems with this method but my top bet is about $50 as I am still trying to build (ie win) my bankroll. I suppose that if you only raise/lower your bet based on winning/losing the previous hand that will also provide plenty of cover. Personally I feel that this betting strategy looks like a 1-2 spread when in actuality it is a 1-4. This spread doesn't hurt your ev that much either because a "good" single-deck game is essentially even off the top.

[Shaggy18VW]

If you are not experiencing heat, play as optimally as you can. The spreading you describe is also similar to the way I bet, but I don't play in places that have "no heat". Bet as little as you can and jump your bets to the appropriate amount when the count justifies it. That is if you won't get heat because of it.

[Shaggy18VW]

I just re-read your original post. You stated the house doesn't sweat the game too much. I initially took this as them not sweating it at all. With a little sweat, I would limit my time at this game, keeping my play down to one hour per shift. Hopefully the location you are playing has a few houses with this type of game. Then you can rotate around. If you are able to bounce between houses, you may be able to play shorter sessions with a bigger spread. Still starting at a buck, but going up to 3 and down to a quarter.

[Greasy john]

play single-deck, I'd like to hear your opinion. Thanks.

> Suppose you are playing SD at casino's that
> don't sweat the game very much (3:2 BJ of
> course). If you were playing at a $10 min
> table, would you consider a $50 to $200 bet
> range with an opening bet of $100 on the
> first round to strong? By opening for $100
> one would be no more than doubling one's bet
> by going to $200, and you would only go to
> $200 after a win, not a push. (You would
> raise or lower your bets gradually.)
> Or what if you were playing $25 to $100 and
> you occasionally open for $100, you win, the
> count goes up and you play the next round
> for $200? Would this be considered to strong
> a play--having a $200 bet out--when your
> lowest bet is $25? I know that it all
> depends on the situation. But if you don't
> feel any heat, the dealer is not hostile,
> your act is good, you're not getting the
> "we're-on-to-you" look from the
> pit--does this betting scenario seem doable?
> Oh yeah, I play at places where the average
> better is usually playing reds. Any opinions
> on SD heat/tolerance would be appreciated--
> GJ

[Parker]

I don't play single deck nearly as much as I used to, since (real) single deck games in Las Vegas are getting increasingly difficult to find.

> Suppose you are playing SD at casino's that
> don't sweat the game very much (3:2 BJ of
> course).

If you know of a single deck game with 3:2 BJ, RO6 or better pen, that "doesn't sweat the game very much," please e-mail me with details.

And don't tell anybody else! :-)

> If you were playing at a $10 min
> table, would you consider a $50 to $200 bet
> range with an opening bet of $100 on the
> first round to strong? By opening for $100
> one would be no more than doubling one's bet
> by going to $200, and you would only go to
> $200 after a win, not a push. (You would
> raise or lower your bets gradually.)

Sure. This is a common tactic. The only downside is that sharp pit critters are hip to it.

> Or what if you were playing $25 to $100 and
> you occasionally open for $100, you win, the
> count goes up and you play the next round
> for $200? Would this be considered to strong
> a play--having a $200 bet out--when your
> lowest bet is $25? I know that it all
> depends on the situation. But if you don't
> feel any heat, the dealer is not hostile,
> your act is good, you're not getting the
> "we're-on-to-you" look from the
> pit--does this betting scenario seem doable?

Just because you're being ignored does not mean that nobody is paying any attention to you (Yogi Berra ain't got nothin' on me!). Back-offs often come from the sky, without warning.

Or, you may end your session thinking you have them fooled, only to be immediately backed off the next time you try to play that casino, because they reviewed the tapes after you left.

> Oh yeah, I play at places where the average
> better is usually playing reds. Any opinions
> on SD heat/tolerance would be appreciated--

The main thing to remember is that being the biggest action in the casino is going to get you a lot of attention. Keep in mind that the reason a gambler (as opposed to an advantage player) plays in such conditions is because he enjoys all the attention.

[Myooligan]

> Keep in mind that
> the reason a gambler (as opposed to an
> advantage player) plays in such conditions
> is because he enjoys all the attention.

Insights like this keep me coming back to read what you have to say, over and over again. Thank you for your posts Parker. I'm looking forward to reading your book!

-Myoo