On Jan 4, 2008 11:37 PM, James Gray <james / grayproductions.net> wrote:

> Google the "cut card effect blackjack" for some interesting (and I
> *think* semi-related) reading.

Interesting.  This seems to have to do with the Casinos doing away
from using a cut card and using a new machine which continuously
reshuffles used cards back into the "deck".  The traditional way for
casinos to deal blackjack is to shuffle several decks together, place
them into a shoe, insert a cut card towards the back of the deck, put
used cards at the back of the shoe, and reshuffle the whole deck when
the cut card gets near the front.

Of course, the real reason they do this is to minimize losses to card
counters.  In the old-way players could gather information as cards
were removed from play, of course it's quite a skill to remember the
information and be able to mentally keep track of the effect on the
odds.  The one article I just read on the "cut card effect didn't
mention that but only talked about the effect it has on players who
just use a "basic" strategy based on what's in their current hand, and
what the dealer (and others at the same table) are showing currently.

-- 
Rick DeNatale

My blog on Ruby
http://talklikeaduck.denhaven2.com/