Good Playing Conditions

It is important to play under favorable conditions. These include both the house rules and the casino environment. The first thing to calculate when looking for favorable playing conditions is that the house advantage is not too large. Find out who has the advantage from the table below:

All figures are from Professional Blackjack* (Page 35)

All figures are from Professional Blackjack* (Page 35)

If the casino’s advantage is more than 0.7% – Don’t play.

Good playing conditions also include:
- Relaxing casino atmosphere
- Well mannered and proficient casino personnel
- Complimentary services and goods offered by the casinos
- Location of the casino

When you play Blackjack you want to feel comfortable. This involves not only Casino environment but also the clothes you wear. If you are a non-smoker, then sit in the non-smoking section if the smoke bothers you. If certain people aggravate you then don’t sit at the same Blackjack table as them. If you are card counting, any distractions could prove disastrous if mistakes are made. If you are playing on the internet the same conditions apply.

Casino “Comps” are the complimentary incentives – the lurks and perks supplied by the house to the players. Comps are provided to encourage players to stay on and play more and to lure them back to the casino later. Always be alert to possible occasions where you might be able to receive comps. Some players using basic strategy concentrate on receiving as many “comps” as possible. Always use your “Comps” to your advantage.