Table Selection
Choose the right table to minimize the house edge
3:2 vs 6:5 Payouts
The blackjack payout is the single most important rule to check before sitting down. A natural blackjack should pay 3:2, not 6:5. The difference is massive.
The 6:5 payout costs you roughly $14 more per hour compared to a 3:2 table, assuming average play speed and bet size. Over a session, that adds up fast.
Never play 6:5 blackjack. It's the single biggest mistake you can make at the table. Always check the felt or the placard before sitting down.
Number of Decks
Fewer decks generally mean a lower house edge. Here's how the number of decks affects the house edge with standard rules:
For counters: Fewer decks mean higher true count swings, which creates more profitable betting opportunities. A single-deck game with good rules is the holy grail.
Watch out: Single-deck games often come with 6:5 payouts, which completely negates the deck advantage. A 6-deck shoe with 3:2 payouts is far better than a single-deck game with 6:5.
Rule Variations
Table rules vary between casinos and even between tables in the same casino. Each rule change shifts the house edge. Here's how common rules affect you:
| Rule | Description | Edge Impact |
|---|---|---|
| H17 | Dealer hits soft 17 | +0.22% |
| S17 | Dealer stands on soft 17 | baseline |
| DAS | Double After Split allowed | -0.14% |
| RSA | Re-Split Aces allowed | -0.08% |
| Late Surrender | Surrender after dealer checks for blackjack | -0.08% |
| No Surrender | Surrender not available | +0.08% |
How to read this: Negative values (green) are good for the player and reduce the house edge. Positive values (red) increase the house edge. Look for tables with S17, DAS, and surrender.
Deck Penetration
Penetration refers to how far into the shoe the dealer deals before shuffling. For card counters, this is one of the most important factors when choosing a table.
Why Penetration Matters
The deeper the dealer deals, the more accurate your count becomes and the more hands you play with a true edge. Poor penetration means fewer profitable opportunities and more time spent at a disadvantage.
Good: 75-85%
Most cards are dealt before shuffling. Plenty of profitable situations develop.
Bad: <65%
Too many cards unseen. The count rarely becomes meaningful before the shuffle.
How to eyeball it: Look at where the cut card is placed in the shoe. If it's about 1-1.5 decks from the back of a 6-deck shoe, that's 75-83% penetration. If it's 2+ decks from the back, move on.
Red Flags to Avoid
Not all blackjack tables are worth playing. Watch for these warning signs and walk away if you see them:
Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs)
These machines shuffle cards back in after every hand, making card counting completely impossible. There is no shoe to penetrate and no count to track.
6:5 Payouts on Shoe Games
A 6:5 payout on a 6- or 8-deck shoe is the worst combination. You get the disadvantage of more decks plus the reduced payout. The house edge skyrockets.
Side Bets
Side bets like Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Lucky Ladies carry a house edge of 3-10% or more. They are high-margin distractions designed to take your money faster.
Poor Penetration (<65%)
If the dealer cuts off more than a third of the shoe, your count will rarely become accurate enough to be useful. Look for tables dealing at least 75%.
No Surrender Allowed
While not a dealbreaker on its own, lack of surrender costs you 0.08% on the house edge. Combined with other unfavorable rules, it adds up.
Crunch the numbers yourself
Toggle any combination of rules and see the estimated house edge.