Creating an 'act'

To be able to play successful blackjack requires both an accomplished skill and one that needs an “act.” Good money management, playing basic strategy, and proper casino and table selection are some of the skills required. Each of these tasks has to be managed smoothly and effortlessly.

After learning those many tasks, a player also needs to develop an “act.” You must remember that casino management has read all the same books as card counters and skilled players have. Management is then trained to look for those players who are skilled enough that they can take away some of their profits.

Therefore, to be a successful skilled blackjack player, you must be able to remain in the game and not be asked to leave. You want to look and play just like all the other players around you who are there to have some fun and are not worried about losing a few bucks.

What, then, are the ways to stay in the game and not get bared? First, consider an hour the maximum time in any one casino. You might play at two or three different tables and pits, but by an hour's time, management will begin to suspect you’re a skilled player that they don’t want in their casino. Staying too long will alert them and will start to take steps against you. Limiting your time in any one casino will allow you to get in and out without too much trouble.

Next, limit your betting spread. With a single deck it’s recommended to one to four units. With multi-decks, one to six or eight units is a safe spread.

The important thing is to gradually build up your wager. For example; after willing a two-unit bet, you might add your winnings for the next hand, thereby doubling your bet of four units. However, jumping from two units to six or eight units in one play might bring too much.

There are literally dozens of other techniques that can be used to camouflage your play. Here are a few more tips:

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

• Never leave the betting square in front of you empty.
• At the start of a new shoe, don’t always bet the minimum amount.
• Don’t hold up the game in any way.
• Dress like the other tourists.
• Try not to be the biggest bettor at the table.
• Play with a male/female companion, but teach him/her basic strategy first.
• Don’t be stubborn and refuse to leave the table a loser.
• Don’t vary the size of your wager when a pit boss is watching.
• SMILE! You are having fun. Don’t look glum or too serious when playing.

This article is provided by the Frank Scoblete Network. Melissa A. Kaplan is the network's managing editor. If you would like to use this article on your website, please contact Casino City Press, the exclusive web syndication outlet for the Frank Scoblete Network. To contact Frank, please e-mail him at fscobe@optonline.net.