- For the best blackjack table conditions, players must consider key factors that improve expected value.
- Consider the rule set, penetration, deck size, table limits, payouts, surveillance, which we’ll cover in this article.
- Skilled blackjack players can get around a 3% edge by utilizing these conditions, and even novice players can get an extra 0.5% edge.
LAS VEGAS – Want an extra 0.5% to 3% edge before even sitting down at the blackjack table? Simply choosing the right table conditions and blackjack game can give smarter players an advantage before even being dealt a card.
In this article, we’ll cover all the best legal blackjack table conditions that can be found at in-person and online casinos. Skilled players who specialize in card counting will have an easier time with online blackjack sites, but these key factors can help players of all skill levels win at any casino in the US.
Key Condition #1: Rule Set
Factors like the number of decks, being able to split aces, and the dealer standing on soft 17 have serious impacts on a player’s expected value (EV) at the blackjack table. Below are some of the top-priority rules that player should look out for and their impact on winning.
| Rule | Best Condition For Player | Expected Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Decks | 1 or 2 (single deck best) | +0.5% per deck removed |
| Blackjack Payout | 3:2 (avoid casinos with 6:5 payouts) | +1.4% compared to 6:5 |
| Stand on Soft 17 | Dealer Stands | +0.2% compared to dealer hits |
| Doubling Down | Any 2 cards + after split | +0.14% for both rules combined |
| Split | Re-split aces, split multiple times | +0.08% |
| Surrender | Late surrender | +0.07% |
| No Hole Card | Avoid European Blackjack | -0.11% |
The +1.4% EV shows why you should only play 3 to 2 and never 6:5 at the casino. Local casinos try pushing 6:5 because it creates a greater house edge, but there are plenty of legal online blackjack casinos that payout 3:2.
The ideal combination of blackjack strategies that best benefits the player looks like this:
- Single or Double Deck
- 3:2 Blackjack Payout
- Stand on Soft 17 (S17)
- Double Down After Split (DAS) + Any 2 Cards
- Re-Split Aces (RSA) + Multiple Splits
- Late Surrender
- No Hole Card
Even without any experience, playing with this set of blackjack dealer rules adds roughly 0.5% in expected value before being dealt a card. Skilled blackjack counters can expect to add 1.5%-2.5% just from the pre-requisite rule set.
Key Condition #2: Penetration
In blackjack, penetration is the percentage of the deck, or decks, that is dealt out before the dealer shuffles. This can be simply measured as: Penetration (%) = Cards dealt divided by the total cards in play.
Penetration is critical for card counting in blackjack because counters must track the ratio of high-value cards (10-A) to low-value cards (2-6) left in the deck. Player advantage is obviously heightened with more high-value cards in the deck, which is when you bet big.
The Impact Of Penetration On Edge
| Number Of Decks | Penetration | Estimated Edge |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Deck | 65% (4/6 dealt) | 0.4% |
| 6 Deck | 75% (4.5/6) | 0.7% |
| 6 Deck | 83% (5/6) | 1.10% |
| 2 Deck | 70% | 0.85% |
| 2 Deck | 85% | 1.65% |
| 1 Deck | 80% | 1.75% |
| 1 Deck | 90% | 2.35% |
The placement of the cut card has a big impact on playing blackjack with multiple decks at the casino. A good cut is placed one deck or less from the back of the shoe, creating about 80% penetration in six-deck games.
Key Condition #3: Table Limits/Conditions
This condition focuses on table limits, bet spread, bankroll management, hands per hour, and more betting conditions. Skilled players bet more when the count is high, so it’s important to know players have the facilities to ramp up a bet when the time comes.
Understanding the lowest allowed bet at the table, the max bet per seat, and the table max per player are important factors to consider. This allows you to camouflage when the count is low and maximize your bet spread for ideal EV.
When playing at the local casino, heat tolerance is another factor to consider when counting cards. This determines your longevity and how much cash you can walk away with before the pit boss steps over, so target a high-limit room or a casino located off the main strip. At mobile blackjack sites, there’s no heat to worry about.
For skilled blackjack players, the ultimate combination is this:
- 2-deck pitch, 3:2, S17, DAS, RSA, 85+% penetration, $100-$2,000 limits, no heat
Some of these conditions can be found at Las Vegas casinos, but the best spot is online. Playing online blackjack is the easiest way to establish prime conditions for winning big without any heat.