The best place to sit at a Blackjack table
Blackjack table position. Every card counter knows that one has to pick a table carefully before sitting at it. Indeed, many have made the mistake of sitting at a 6:5 or ante table to realize later that they were losing expected value (EV) because of their poor table choices. But besides picking a table for the payout, you’ll collect on blackjack. They’re other things to consider, such as who’s sitting there already and what seats are available.
This brings us to our next topic. Is there a seat at a blackjack table better suited for card counters? If you ever wonder about that, don’t miss what follows. We’ll dive into the math and things to consider. Plus, we’ll break down your best options. So you never wonder about that again.
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It depends on the variation of blackjack you play
To put it simply, if 6 to 8 deck games are what you specialize in. You’ll be happy to know that you’ll generate the same EV regardless of where you sit. This is well documented by experienced card counters who have spent thousands of hours at the table.
Yet, if double-deck blackjack is what you prefer. It might surprise you to hear that you’ll win 1-2% more EV if you’re last to act. Naturally, this is because when you’re last to make your decision, you’ll hold more information since more cards have hit the table. Thus, the count will be more accurate. However, the difference is minor. So you know, even if the last seat is taken. You can still extract value from a blackjack game if the other elements align in your favor. You can also recover the “lost EV” by playing a few more hands.
Blackjack table position – Other factors to consider
While the position you hold can slightly affect how much money you’ll win. The same can be said about the number of players who sit at the table. Indeed, the savviest card counters would tell you that it’s best to focus on the number of hands you can bet on per hour instead of your position. In other words, the less crowded the tables are, the more EV you can generate. However, fewer players also mean that it’ll take you longer to get a favorable running count.
When is it favorable to take the first seat at a blackjack table?
You’d be wise to take the first seat at a blackjack table if you are new to card counting. Sitting in the first position means you would have had more time to adjust the count between hands. So, you’ll feel less pressure when it’s your turn to act.
Plus, if you sit first, you can dictate the game’s speed in a certain way. Also, sitting first means that sometimes you’ll see the dealer’s hidden card. And in blackjack, this could give you an edge in a game where the slightest margin can affect the EV you’ll generate.
Sitting first also means that you are less likely to get heat from other players. Why? Gamblers have this misconception that the player who sits last is responsible for everyone to win or lose. In other words, the last position can mess up the dealer’s hand if poorly played.
Does table position matter in online casinos?
If you opt to play blackjack in an online casino, the seat you’ll take at the table will have minimal impact on your game. Why? Regardless of where you’ll sit, you’ll never see the live dealer’s hidden card when playing online. Also, remember that many live casino games, such as Evolution’s Infinite blackjack, accept an unlimited number of players. Thus, everyone sits in the same position and makes a decision based on the same information.
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