Its hard to play at an empty table. Once people start seeing you win, they want a piece of the action too.

The best place to sit? At the Bar. You Can't loose

Bruh i can hear u talk about black jack all day

Only reason I don't like first base as a newer card counter is because of the pressure to make your decision first. Most of the time I would have no problem getting the running count in that amount of time, but knowing I also have to look back at my cards and scan my brain for possible playing deviations and basic strategy to make my decision is a lot of pressure.

Having self control and especially maintaining it as the hours goes by is one of the hardest thing to do inside the loud and sometimes annoying casino.

Thanks! Me personally I like to sit at 1st or 2nd base so I can get a good view of the discard tray.

I like first base. In addition to it being easier to keep the RC, you are less likely to piss off the other players. Oh you just said that lol

My first instinct was to say the first seat for the exact reason you mentioned. I’ve been practicing with those challenges you post and found that after you dealt all the cards, I could pause for second, get the accurate count and decide what I should do based on proper strategy. That little extra time is quite valuable it’s very different thing that with the other seats with one or two players having added cards or cards being taken off the table.

I like the first position because you can see the discard tray without having to turn for it... easier to estimate the true count without looking suspicious.

I like next to the shoe because you can see the cards behind the cut card sometimes depending on how it sits in the shoe. If there are other people at the table I sit last to act.

I personally like 3rd base since it allows me time to think on how I will play my hand. Not a card counter but playing Basic Strategy.

Obviously if you manage to see the dealers face down card that's a huge advantage in many potential hands. If they're showing a 6 the way you play the hand will change significantly if you spot the dealer has a 5 face down and is sitting on 11 rather than having to assume they have 16.

I've caught a glimpse of the dealer's bottom card sometimes, that tiiiiny little mirror that lets them know if they have to flip an ace or keep it face down. I was brand new at blackjack at the time and didn't really put it together that it was useful information. It's good to know though next time I go back.

I find that I am more successful with my decisions whether to double down and when to hit on a 12-16 when going last. Whichever cards dealt dictate if I think on average the next card will differ from that majority that has just shown itself. More often than not seems to work for me but I'm sure Colin would say over time, this would still work out in casinos favour and I understand that better now than when I first started playing. I guess that means I am on the right track 😁

I always sit at 3rd, cause I suck at adding up cards

When I play it's a shoe game. I usually sit in the center: it's easier to see the cards. But when I sit at 3rd base, I usually make the announcement "I don't want to hear any crap about 3rd base messes up the cards.!" Most people laugh. Also, I remember Thorp or Wong saying something about 3rd base is slightly better.

I prefer to sit at 3rd base, because you have more time to check other players' cards, and you can change your tactics when necessary, based on other players' decisions. Cons are you get good cards last since you're sitting at the last, but at least you won't get pressured to make a decision fast while counting cards.

unh hunh, play at an empty table makes sense, you'll only have to become a vampire and play between the hours of 3am and 6am.

I agree that sitting at the first base helps you count card. Cuz you can start counting your cards right before you hit or stand. Or you can start counting cards when dealer is dealing the cards. It's just that you have a bit of time to prepare to count cards or to start counting your first two cards before the round begins. Once you bust and deal takes the card away then you can start counting other players card.

I like first or 3rd base I get to see how the cards are running I like playing a 6 to 8 deck shoe

I play 6 deck shoes. Often cant see where the dealer places the cut card as the shoe is blocking my vision.

You should do a video about dealer tells, if you haven't already. At Excal on my first ever Vegas trip, I picked up on a dealer tell. This dealer would occasionally double-check the down card in the mirror window (10 value was up obviously). On the second time, I noticed that upon revealing, the card was a 4. I assumed correctly that this dealer had a hard time distinguishing a 4 from an A. Every time I saw that tell, I would press my luck by splitting or doubling down or standing when you clearly shouldn't. Probably netted me an extra 5-6 winning hands over the course of the dealer's shift that day.

I do my best to always go one on one with the dealer. I make more per hour that way.

Is there more chance of winning by standing behind a random player then count the card. Bet in the same box as that player when the count is high? Melbourne Casino only has BlackJack with shoes with $50 minimum bet. And for a student, couple of grands bankroll are not that easy to have

Thanks for your helpful trano5 on pro BlackJack🌷, please make video on side bet on Blackjack( i mean on 21+3 /pair). Thanks so much

How do I know when to sit at a table? Am I supposed to wait for a new deck to start counting? Or is it as simple as sit whenever and just start counting?

When cards are dealt face down I prefer the middle seat I can see more cards in the middle. Also if a player doubles for less I like to make up the difference and win or lose with them.

I have a huge question, card counters should always count every players hand right? I should be able to play with an edge with just counting my cards and the dealers card it just might be enough to make money. What if I can't see the players hand all the way at the hand? What if I'm scared of looking like I'm reading every player's hand? Any help would be appreciated.

I never minded sitting at 3rd base because I was able to have a laugh and joke about controlling the outcome, especially if I was varying my play due to the count and saved the table with what might seem like a dumb play. Unfortunately I can't play anymore because of shuffle machines, but I did once love it so much when I could play with an edge.

Give me the middle anytime. Easier to see everyone else's cards without looking like I'm looking. Got called out by a dealer just my 3rd time counting for staring across the table for the cards on the other end. She claimed she didn't care but of course I said "no, why do you think that?" when she asked "are you counting?" "Because you're paying attention" Yeah, got better at being more subtle at watching the cards and pick the middle when I can.

i always like the 1st seat

People who are regulars to this channel should no by now that nothing superstitious like where you sit or what hat you are wearing or--most importantly--the last hand (unless you are car counting) has anything to do with your odds of winning. Each hand is independent, and the cards don't care what hat you're wearing or where you are sitting.

I always like the first seat bc my hit/stand won’t matter that much

Colin!-When I Come to A Blackjack Table-I Sit-In The Middle!-When It's Just-The Dealer-There!-Only!-Raymond :Mike: Hong!&(At The Poker Room Tables!-I Sit@Any Seat!&Then-There's A Greater Chances Of Me-WINNING!@The Poker Tables!-With A Winning Hole-Cards!-Mike!)😎👍!!!!!!!!!

Absolutely the last chair is the best place because you can Best control the speed of the game and therefore keep the best count.

Real story: I'm at first base, betting $25-$200. TC+2. Dealer pulls from the shoe to hit 3rd base, he gives clear stand signal. The card was an Ace! Clearly. The dealer stands and settles all bets. I have $800 in chips and bet it all. Dealer looks at me and gives me the Ace, then paints it. I like first base. Similar issues: cut card easily seen. discard tray better for me at first base (better perspective.) Easier to count. Never been backed off at first base. Total b/os 8.

When you’re counting cards are you only Counting your own cards or are you also counting the dealers too as well as your own? Also do you need to count the other peoples cards at the table? I’m just confused on who’s cards you’re supposed to keep track of

have you done simulations on no bust strategy vs basic?

For me its as close to 3rd as possible. I use low bankrolls so I rely heavily on whether or not the count dictates that I use basic strategy, illustrious 18, or index plays. Also anyone with low bankrolls who want to play blackjack and not get wiped MUST learn some form of shuffle tracking too. You need to be able to notice patterns in the cards that come out. The optimum for a counter is to play heads up, and play three separate hands if possible. But your bankroll has to be several thousand for that lol. Question for the apprenticeship guys: How much more EV can someone generate if they have completely memorized Illustrious 18 and Index plays? I already have basic strategy completely memorized now I am working on index plays and illustrious 18.

3:05 ive gotten flack from both ends. Going first and i bust, then the person after me says i coulda used that card. Or going last and getting blamed because i didnt make the dealer bust.

Where can I run those simulations? They are super useful

Great videos. You should do one about software. And could i get your opinion on freebet/push 22 is it worth playing over standard blackjack?

i prefer playing at a table where im alone. lets me have the freedom to play how i want. play more hands cause dealer is faster and then no one to annoy me

Sitting first has the advantage of knowing how much money you will bet and even better for the card counter resulting from the last round of cards that had been passed out. You will bet more if the last round of cards has more small cards, chances are you will get higher cards coming to you first and vice versa. The idea that you want to lose less money and get more when you win.

I think of it this way, even if you play first, you are playing as if there was one extra person after the dealer on the previous hand. It’s not like any secret cards that got burned or something. The count is the count anyway

done.

Third base!

My only regret is..I can’t ‘like’ ur videos more than once hahaha

I definitely favor 3rd base or next to it. Being last to act before the dealer does give you an advantage of being able to alter your strategy as the count changes with other players hitting

I want to sit at first position. The count changes as cards are dealt. Why wouldn’t I want my bet to be based on the actual running count vs the running count before 5 previously unseen cards are dealt?

Can you give me any advice on how to keeping self control inside any casino?

I like third base

Something that I use, as a smoker I sit at 3rd base at a shoe game and stand my cigarette pack near the discard rack. Knowing the exact spots on the pack for 1-2-3 deck thicknesses (taking into consideration the thickness of the plastic on the bottom of the rack) I can more accurately estimate the number of decks that have been discarded. This also helps in fractions of decks discarded to calculate a more accurate true count. I’ve done this for years and have never been challenged by a dealer or pit boss. I usually play at an Indian casino in Oklahoma that has a 4 deck shoe and is a $10/$400 table. With only an allowed 40 unit spread they don’t get too fussed at a 10-12 bet spread, thinking the low max bet is sufficient to thwart card counters.

Your tattoo on your arm is so nice

Last I’m able to rough gauge whether or not it’s a 10 coming or not

What about the fact that you're basing your bet size on the count, and therefore if you're playing first base the count will be accurate at the time your first card comes out, and the count will likely change less by the time your second card comes out when compared to sitting third base where the count could have significantly changed by the time your hand is dealt, particularly when only 1.5 decks left in the shoe.

Were you ever a "recreational" gambler or was it always more of a job for you? Would be interesting to hear more of what got you started. Keep up the good videos in any case!

I couldn't find a video but does anyone know if Colin ever covers EV when playing one hand vs. two?

Here in the UK I used to think having the last box was the best bet as you have the "Control box" HOWEVER I now like to go first..Play correct method and let the other players f+++ there hands up..

I remember doing Blackjack one time and I was doing crazy stuff because I didn't know anything, this one guy was getting pissed off so I did it more. I won about $200.

Either first or last. Don’t sit in the middle. If you sit in the middle it’s far easier to see your head movements intently watching cards come out.

A guy at third base once decided to split fives against a dealer six. He ended taking at least three face cards. The dealer had sixteen and hit a five.

Definitely true people will get mad at you if u sit last and hit on a soft 15 lol

Question: when the count is say in a true -1, is it ever a strategic play to double on 12s or 13s against say a 6?

Colin, @0:53 you had mentioned that in DD about first and third base. However, you didn't mention anything on the middle. Did you find anything for that? ETA: when you mentioned sitting at 3rd base and the 1% - 2%, it could also be that yes your count is more accurate, however, the "effective pen" is higher too. So yes you get more info but also the effective pen is also better. So the player doesn't necessarily have to put more unseen cards "behind the cut card."

My favorite is when one of the sheeple lose a double down and then won’t do it again. The pain of that first loss weighing heavily on their soul.

I prefer the middle seat in a facedown game I can see more cards in players hands and make better decisions.

in the far east, we only have csms, i have not seen a shoe game... i found most profit on sitting first base though... playing against the dealer one on one is the worst ...

Where you can see!

I do not like playing last, because then you get more feedback from other players who are wrongly convinced your choices effect their chances.

While you can adjust your playing strategy based on the TC when it's your turn to play your hand vs. what the TC was when the round started (hitting your hard 16 vs. Dealer 10 with a negative count instead of standing with a positive count), you can't adjust your bet. Therefore, isn't sitting at "first base" the best place to be, especially in a 2-deck game where the count can change drastically? Let's say you are at 3rd base with a table of 5 players, the TC is +5 with a 1/2 deck left. Then, when the cards are dealt you have a hard 12 (10,2), the other 4 players all got high cards, and the Dealer's up card is a 6. Now, with a TC of -9, you've got a big bet out there (because of that TC of +5 before the round was dealt), and you've got to hit that 12 against the Dealer 6. Yes, it could work the other way around as well. The TC could be at 0, so you bet the table minimum, and when all the cards are dealt you have 2 10s, everyone else got low cards, including the Dealer 2. So now the count is +14, which is all fine and dandy. The Dealer could very well bust; however, you bet the table minimum. In either scenario, your bet could end up being much higher or lower than it should be when it's your turn to play out your hand. Sitting at 1st base would cut the potential wild swing just about in half. So, while your hand winning % may not change (much at all, if any) based on where you sit, wouldn't sitting last as opposed to first hurt your EV, assuming you are spreading your bets based on the TC?

Almost every casino where i live use csm's, making is impossible to count cards

Third base is best. But that is my opinion and my best win rate.

When the dealer shows 10 or face upcard and they eventually have blackjack but they still let players continue to bet and in case they double or split they will lose more. Should I play at that table? Its online with live dealer BJ. Tks

None the less I sit at the end of the table cuz I know I'll see everyone's cards much easier making it a bit easier to count.

I'm surprised you didn't say to try to make the table seam crowded. Like sit in the middle of 3 open seats so that no one new can sit down without having to sit next to a stranger and hopefully they go to a different table.

Would you prefer to play head up as a card counter or with people? And would you play the side bet?

I've got a photographic memory; I just haven't developed it yet.

Here is a couple of questions about basic strategy: • Basic strategy for card counters? Or B •Basic strategy period? I've stayed many many times on 15 and 16 vs a face card cause of a high + count, but basic blackjack strategy calls for a hit, correct?

4:00 Wouldn't you always just include that bottom in your running count? It's part of the deck after all, right?

First base seems like a safe bet for a newbie

Can’t keep track on help me Dexter using that’s my question

3rc base would help deviations but not bets

I like to sit last place, find it easier to count

Wouldn’t it be better to play last not only to see more information from other cars but also a potential for a sloppy dealer to see the hole card?

Wouldn’t it make sense to be 1st because then you know the count that your hand receives versus if it becomes more unfavorable when it comes to you? (For double or single deck obv)

when it comes to avoiding flak from gamblers... it really doesn't matter where you sit. They always find something to complain about in the way you play. I was recently at a casino, and I was criticized for not playing through the entire suite. ( I stopped when the count was very low)

Isn't it harder to count with multiple spots in play? We practice counting at home, maybe deal two spots to ourselves, but what if there are four or more people playing blackjack and hitting? Doesn't that make it more of a challenge to keep the count?

I implore a no bust strategy when the dealer has a 4-6 up card

Is this the same for an ENHC game?

Do you still play perfect strategy even if you have a 15 or 16 if count is positive ,or just always play perfect strategy no matter what count is ?

How many hands before shuffling allows card counting? The casino I play at shuffles the whole deck every 3 to 4 hands.

Does anyone know if when counting a 6 card deck if the results should always be -4 ?

I just finished playing blackjack with three others players. One had no idea how to play, another hit 14 with a dealer up 4 and hit and the third double down a ten with dealer up 10 the next hand. The dealer was trying to explain to the players how to play. I know basic strategy. I hit 12 against a 2 up card and the dealer begins to tell me how to play because I busted. It was a joke.

How to count closed cards of the dealer ? Or we just ignore it by the counting?

I like lAst . . . for a six shoe game ! 😎

Any free video's about how to card count?

Considering my last loss, I’d say home!

I don't understand why your statistics don't support an advantage to the 3rd base position when you have the best assessment of the count from all the cards that have been played

I like your videos, very well done, informative, etc. I just have to wonder though, if you put the well spoken, smart, disciplined, organization and leadership skills you have into some king of, lets say, typical, or more typical business... Say consulting or software, you'd have a whole lot more than $600K and a piece of four million over the same time period. You'd probably have a Fortune 1000 or better company. I mean this as a compliment but if you see this brother, maybe consider your next move and what to invest your time in... Just sayin.