One of the most important aspects of good card counting is deck penetration. It relates to how far inside the shoe dealers penetrate before shuffling. Certain offline casinos provide the level of deck penetration required for sustained profitability. But, as skilful card counters have proven, they can still prevail against traditional casinos.
Is there adequate deck penetration in online casinos as well? This article tackles the topic and explores why blackjack that uses real money is or isn’t open to card counting.
Deck penetration – What is it?
The proportion of the shoe dealt until the dealer shuffles is known as deck penetration. Here’s an illustration of the concept:
- You are participating in a table game that has eight decks.
- Prior to shuffling, the dealer deals 5 decks.
- 5 / 8 = 0.625
- Deck penetration – 62.5%
In principle, deck penetration is simple to comprehend. However, casinos do not have a display that indicates the actual penetration % over the blackjack tables.
This variable must be visually estimated. If you are playing at a 6 deck table, you may predict that the dealer would finish dealing after 4 decks (means 66 percent penetration).
What is the importance of deck penetration?
Many inexperienced players believe that card counting is just a matter of talent. They are convinced that anyone who is successful as a card counter may make money.
Nevertheless, for long-term counting to be successful, deck penetration must be sufficient. The latter has a major effect on your trust in a count.
Shuffling of decks after a hand
Physical casinos cannot afford to shuffle their decks more regularly, therefore making deck penetration worse. The house always has an edge in blackjack games. Casinos may earn greater profits in the long run by increasing the number of hands dealt per hour.
The game is considerably slowed by halting every alternate hand to shuffle the shoe. This situation would also result in a significant reduction in the casino’s revenues. Keeping that in mind, land-based businesses must walk a fine line between too much and too little shuffle. They are more vulnerable to card counters in the latter situation.
Internet casinos don’t have to deal with this problem because their technology shuffles the shoe in real time. As a result, mobile casinos may easily reduce deck penetration to 0%. It is useless to use card counting at any online casino. There is no way to count cards when playing online since your shoe is shuffled after every hand.
Live casino blackjack and deck penetration
Live casino blackjack is available at several casino sites. This is a combination of online as well as offline blackjack that is broadcast live from any casino studio. A live casino, much like any land-based casino, has to keep the games running to turn a profit. Stopping to shuffle all the time isn’t going to make them a lot of money.
Even if that is the case, some level of deck penetration is possible with live dealer casinos. You should anticipate live dealer blackjack deck penetration to be anywhere from 30% and 50%.
You may try to increase your odds by card counting in live casinos. However, despite having a high penetration rate of up to 50%, you won’t generate significant profits over the long haul.
The accuracy of your count relies on the extent of the penetration of your deck. Penetration of 50% is of course better than having no penetration, but it’s still not enough to assure long-term success.
Is online blackjack still a good bet?
As you can see, card counting isn’t possible with online blackjack. Nonetheless, you should have a look at this version. When determining whether or not online blackjack is suitable for you, keep the following factors in mind.
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Blackjack bonus deals are on offer
Blackjack bonuses are available at several online casinos. In these situations, the bonuses might be used to boost your bankroll.
The disadvantage of blackjack incentives is that they have a greater rollover requirement than slots incentives. The reason for this is because blackjack has a lower house edge than other games. Thus, casinos seek to encourage greater play when they provide a bonus. Then again, every time you enjoy real cash blackjack, these deals are worthwhile.
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Compete for the lowest stakes available
Playing online blackjack does not require a large sum of money. It’s possible to play this game for just $1 each hand, thanks to mobile casinos. As a result, you may play mobile blackjack for a lot less money than you would at a traditional casino. Minimum bets at physical venues can range from $5 to $25.
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Excellent resource for learning the game
A traditional casino isn’t necessarily the greatest location to learn how to play. Players and dealers will put additional stress on you if you aren’t proficient at blackjack.
Online casinos, on the other hand, do not have this added strain. Besides, you’re the only one there. Furthermore, after registration, you may play free online blackjack. You may practise without risking anything by using the free version.
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Online casinos provide the best odds
You will be up against a house edge unless you’re a competent counter playing in the correct conditions. You should seek ways to reduce the house edge and maximise your chances of winning.
Online casinos usually have a smaller house edge and, as a result, a higher likelihood of success. The casino only has a 0.5 percent edge in most online blackjack games.
Several land-based tables, by contrast, have a house edge of between 1% and 1.5 percent. With that in mind, you are looking at possible losses that are twice or treble that of a typical land-based casino.
Visiting a land-based casino is necessary to count cards
You won’t get much out of the online blackjack version if you are a card counter. In order to count cards properly, you must play in a traditional land-based casino. Online casinos just do not provide the level of deck penetration required.
Counting cards isn’t a simple task, to be sure. You’ll need to be able to retain an exact count despite the casino’s distractions. In order to endure the volatility, you will also need a sizable bankroll.
Furthermore, with a favourable count, you must considerably raise your bets. As a result of the greater stakes, the risk element rises. But if you are fully committed to counting cards, then you may proceed with this undertaking.
Conclusion
Deck penetration is not available in online blackjack. As a result, counting cards on virtual tables isn’t going to make you any money. Live casino blackjack may give up to 50 percent penetration. However, this amount is also insufficient to ensure constant profitability.
If you want to be a professional player, you will have to live out your dreams at a real casino. In fact, you can get the penetration you need from certain physical venues. Online blackjack at places like Winissimo is unquestionably useful for all other reasons. It combines low stakes, incentives, and a modest house edge into a potent package.