We already hinted that, in general, a very well dealt single-deck game with two players is the most appropriate choice for a card counter, while an eight-deck game with poor rules and level of penetration represents the most inappropriate choice for him/her. However, it became clear that a number of factors are to be taken into account when one is to evaluate a particular game. In the current article we shall present a short list of games, which according to experts in the field, could constitute the groups of appropriate and inappropriate games. They are also divided into games for low-stakes players and games for high-rollers. For a low-stakes player, the maximum bet is usually below $200, while for a high-roller – it usually exceeds $200. Now, let us take a look at the general characteristics of appropriate and inappropriate games.
Appropriate games for low-stakes players
A. Single-deck games offering S17, a level of penetration of 50% or even higher and with three or fewer players.
B. Single-deck games offering H17, a level of penetration of 50% or even higher and with three or fewer players.
C. Double-deck games offering S17, DAS and a level of penetration of 60% or even higher.
D. Double-deck games offering H17, DAS and a level of penetration of 75% or even higher.
E. Six-deck games offering S17, DAS, LS and a level of penetration of 83% or even higher.
Inappropriate games for low-stakes players
A. Any eight-deck game offering H17.
B. Any six-deck game offering H17.
C. Any six-deck or eight-deck game having a level of penetration below 75%.
D. Any double-deck game having a level of penetration below 50%.
E. Any single-deck game, where the dealer deals one hand between shuffles.
Appropriate games for high-roller players
A. Single-deck games offering S17, DAS, LS and a level of penetration of 83% or even higher.
B. Double-deck games offering S17, DAS and a level of penetration of 60% or even higher. In this case, the player needs to be wary of ”heat”.
C. Double-deck games offering H17, DAS and a level of penetration of 60% or even higher. In this case, the player needs to be wary of ”heat” as well.
D. Six-deck games offering S17, DAS, LS and a level of penetration of 75% or even higher, using Wonging or Semi-Wonging.
E. Eight-deck games offering S17, DAS, LS and a level of penetration of 88% or even higher, using Wonging or Semi-Wonging.
Inappropriate games for high-roller players
A. Any single-deck game, as it is considered as a trap for card counters. One should avoid such games.
B. Double-deck games offering S17, DAS, LS. One should avoid them as well.
C. Any six-deck game having a level of penetration below 75%, unless the player employs the Wonging or Semi-Wonging approaches.
D. Any eight-deck game having a level of penetration below 88% and which does not offer LS.
E. Any eight-deck game having a level of penetration below 81%.
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Quitting a play session
An astute player knows very well when to enter a game and also when to leave a particular playing session. In general, if a player is in a good game, he/she should continue his/her participation as long as he/she has some of the session budget left (cash in his/her wallet or credit on the books), or as long as it is OK to remain in play, according to his/her game plan.
In fact, there can be a large number of reasons for a player to leave a game or quit a play session. Let us summarize some of them.
Risk of Ruin and Standard Deviation
Building up and Securing the Bankroll
Approaches Utilized by a Card Counter
Making a Proper Selection of a Game
Appropriate Games
First, the playing conditions have become unfavorable. For example, a new dealer appears at the table, one who does not penetrate the card deck as good as the first. Another example can be a situation when more players gather around the table and join a single-deck game.
Second, the player is put under pressure by the casino surveillance.
Third, the player has a pre-determined time limit.
Fourth, the player has hit a pre-determined win limit, which, in some cases, is meant not to safeguard his/her earnings, but rather to avoid heat.
Fifth, the player feels excessive fatigue. In this case he/she is quite vulnerable to mistakes and the latter could turn a good session into a bad one.
Sixth, the player feels below par because of an illness. In this case he/she will not be able to show his/her abilities in the game.
Seventh, the player has arranged to meet with relatives or friends and is keenly expected to show up. No matter how good the playing conditions are, an arrangement with people one cares for should be observed.
Eighth, the player has drunk way too much alcohol and this will undeniably affect his/her playing decisions at the table. Perhaps, he/she should better quit.
And last but not least, the player should quit a play session on the urge of his/her wife/husband.
