Playing Together While Playing Apart in Blackjack (Part 1)

January 15, 2008 – 10:24 am

Another team approach involves playing together in one sense while playing apart in another. This is a lot less complicated than Big Player team play, in that interaction among team members is virtually nonexistent - except in one small but very important way: behind the scenes several counters share a joint bankroll.

Sharing a bankroll allows each counter to make larger bets. In fact, each counter can play as if the entire bankroll were his, assuming each counter upholds the same risk of ruin percentage and plays with the same level of proficiency. A third counter of equal ability contributing the same amount to the joint bank would allow all three to again increase their betting levels while maintaining the same risk of ruin - and substantially increase earnings potential. And the total amount won doesn’t just equal three times the original counter’s expectation - it’s three times each counter’s original expectation, or the number of players on the team squared times any solo counter’s expectation.

To be continued…


Communication Signals in Blackjack Team play

January 14, 2008 – 10:17 am

These can be of any kind, as long as discretion is maintained. In a few instances some may be developed that might suggest, just by nature, the desired bit of information being communicated. For instance, I’ve often used rubbing my eyes as a way to signify the desire to “call it an evening.”

It’s natural, especially late at night, and it’s also something people do when they’re tired. Of course, you must be careful not to rub your eyes at just the wrong moment. The last thing you want to do is have a spotter start to get up from a table just as the true count goes through the nearest bubble.