Dealer flashed a 5 at the bottom of the shoe before the cut

2 Decks, ~75% Penetration, dealer flashed a 5 of diamonds at the bottom of the shoe for some reason (Isn't the yellow card supposed to cover that? Whatever, it is what it is). And then handed me a cut card to cut however I wish.

I didn't know how to take advantage of that so probably ended up getting 0 EV from it.


How do I maximize advantage of seeing the last card of the pre-cut shoe, and having the full ability to cut almost wherever I want?

What if it's an 10 instead of a 5?

What if it's any other number?


In retrospect, the best thing I could currently think of is cutting that 5 beyond the 75% penetration point, essentially turning the entire double deck into a RC+1 game. But I'm sure there are better ways to take advantage of it. I'm also suspecting some people have deeply researched into this already and I'd like to hear their findings...

I recently found a casino in town where this one dealer lifts the cards so far up when coming out of the shoe that you see maybe not every card, but around 50% if you're sharp eyed enough. I won't even mention which card game this is at, but it's crazy. I'm just starting to take advantage. I may not report results from those sessions because they'll be so outlandish.

Quote: MDawg

I recently found a casino in town where this one dealer lifts the cards so far up when coming out of the shoe that you see maybe not every card, but around 50% if you're sharp eyed enough. I won't even mention which card game this is at, but it's crazy. I'm just starting to take advantage. I may not report results from those sessions because they'll be so outlandish.
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I’m sure something like that has happened to many of us. Various degrees of hole carding is found in many places on many games. It happened to me decades ago at Aladdin. I felt so nervous using the information! If I reported a win I’d say ‘I won $100 thanks to hole carding help.

I don't see the connection between my situation and hole carding - Unless you can somehow magically make the 5 dealer's hole card. But the only way to guarantee that is to cut razor thin (2 cards cut) and no casino would allow that. Am I right?

Quote: IWannaBeAP

I don't see the connection between my situation and hole carding - Unless you can somehow magically make the 5 dealer's hole card. But the only way to guarantee that is to cut razor thin (2 cards cut) and no casino would allow that. Am I right?
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I was answering MDawgs comment, not your OP. If you can know exactly what card is going to be a 5 for that one hand it is likely to help you. Like hitting your 16 against a dealer 4 as an example. Or if it is the very next card to start a hand you would sit out the hand. Other examples are easy.

keep thinking, there is no need to talk about it and keep the strategy to yourself . it has been talked about in many places , including books. Just like many AP plays , big mouth ruins it for everyone.

Seems to me it starts your count out at +1 before seeing any cards. If you are not counting, it makes no difference. If you are, you have 1 more card of info you normally would not.


ZCore13

Quote: IWannaBeAP

2 Decks, ~75% Penetration, dealer flashed a 5 of diamonds at the bottom of the shoe for some reason (Isn't the yellow card supposed to cover that? Whatever, it is what it is). And then handed me a cut card to cut however I wish.

I didn't know how to take advantage of that so probably ended up getting 0 EV from it.


How do I maximize advantage of seeing the last card of the pre-cut shoe, and having the full ability to cut almost wherever I want?

What if it's an 10 instead of a 5?

What if it's any other number?


In retrospect, the best thing I could currently think of is cutting that 5 beyond the 75% penetration point, essentially turning the entire double deck into a RC+1 game. But I'm sure there are better ways to take advantage of it. I'm also suspecting some people have deeply researched into this already and I'd like to hear their findings...
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https://www.888casino.com/blog/blackjack-tips/my-single-deck-blackjack-skilled-cutter-fantasy

This has been discussed a few times on GWAE, so I don't mind parroting Richard's answer from there... basically you can cut the deck a specific number of cards and steer the card. Yes this is a real skill that you can practice for hours on end until you can reliably get it right or within 1 card... For example cut exactly 1/2 deck or 1 deck and then you'll know when that card is coming out. You could also add a couple hands to ensure you catch the card if that's what you desire, the -EV is nothing compared to the +EV of getting a good card (like an ace for an ~50%+ edge). However as Richard properly points out, it's worth much more if you can steer a bad card as the dealers down card, then play hole card strategy.

Quote: Romes

This has been discussed a few times on GWAE, so I don't mind parroting Richard's answer from there... basically you can cut the deck a specific number of cards and steer the card. Yes this is a real skill that you can practice for hours on end until you can reliably get it right or within 1 card... For example cut exactly 1/2 deck or 1 deck and then you'll know when that card is coming out. You could also add a couple hands to ensure you catch the card if that's what you desire, the -EV is nothing compared to the +EV of getting a good card (like an ace for an ~50%+ edge). However as Richard properly points out, it's worth much more if you can steer a bad card as the dealers down card, then play hole card strategy.
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So that means you're also doing a "side count" for the total amount of cards right?

But wouldn't it look super suspicious if you know the bad card is in the 10th spot or something but in order to make that dealer's hole card, you have to hit your hard 19 or something. Followed by a very big bet standing on hard 13? I guess I'm saying if you're trying to manipulate the known card to a certain position, the kind of moves you have to do for that manipulation might look extremely awkward

Quote: IWannaBeAP

So that means you're also doing a "side count" for the total amount of cards right?

But wouldn't it look super suspicious if you know the bad card is in the 10th spot or something but in order to make that dealer's hole card, you have to hit your hard 19 or something. Followed by a very big bet standing on hard 13? I guess I'm saying if you're trying to manipulate the known card to a certain position, the kind of moves you have to do for that manipulation might look extremely awkward
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When's the last time you saw someone do something stupid at a blackjack table? =) Pro's know how to massage situations appropriately. It's fairly trivial to steer the card where you want it, imo.

Yes, you would need to know when the card is coming out. Usually people playing "cuts" don't worry about counting the main game, as the hand you're after is worth a lot more than counting the entire shoe.