Blackjack players can easily divide into two groups that are based on their approach to the game. Those who leave things to chance and those who try to gain an edge against the house.
As for the second type of players. They refer to as advantage players. Since they use various techniques to increase their chances of winning.
There are a wide variety of advantage play techniques out there, and card counting is certainly not the only one. There are countless more such techniques. That is devised by season blackjack players for others to perfect to varying degrees.
This article will focus more comprehensively on hole carding. What is hole carding and what should players be wary of when utilizing this technique? Interested in hole-carding? Here’s some more information.
What is hole carding in blackjack?
Hole carding can define as an advantage play base on the act of obtaining an understanding of cards. And, hidden in the deck from the player’s view, are known as hole cards. Several card games use hole carding. Even, including blackjack and other games where some cards are dealt face down.
Blackjack hole carding, in particular, refers to examining the dealer’s hole card at the right time to determine its value. Knowing the dealer’s down card value can help a player make better decisions.
Making the right moves using a basic blackjack strategy after seeing the dealer’s hole card can sway the odds significantly in the player’s favor. Hole carding can give players an edge of 13% over the casino, depending on their skills and other factors.
Important things to know – while scouting for hole carding opportunities
It may seem simple to master and use hole carding to many. However, this isn’t the case. It is important to remember that not all casinos offer equal hole carding opportunities, and not all blackjack tables offer the same opportunities.
The best blackjack game and blackjack dealer to play with when hole carding at a casino should be found on the casino floor.
What is the best way for players to scout for such opportunities? It could be a number of things, including sloppy dealers with sloppy-ish dealing procedures, less sophisticated shuffling machines, and poorly designed blackjack tables.
The Shufflemaster Ace shuffler and the iDeal shuffler are two common devices that blackjack experts have discovered have weaknesses that hole-card players can exploit. A dealer’s down card can sometimes be almost impossible to conceal due to the design of both machines.
It is usually necessary to design gaming tables in such a way that shuffling machines can be hidden from the players’ view. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. It is not uncommon for a blackjack table to need the shuffler positioned on top of the table. So, a hole carder can spot the dealer’s down card more easily.
Most seats around the blackjack table are vulnerable to shuffling machines when they are placed at first base.
There are times when a sloppy or inexperienced dealer will convince a player to incorporate hole cards into their overall strategy. Look closely at a dealer’s dealing procedures for subtle but consistent problems.
Dealers sometimes grip the cards incorrectly. Exposing just enough for players to spot the hole card or, at the very least, to determine that it’s a face card. It is extremely valuable information in blackjack to know if the dealer’s down card is a face card.
Is hole carding legal?
A short answer would be yes, but a longer one would be – it depends. A 1983 ruling by the Nevada Supreme Court ruled. Those hole-card players who were caught at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas did not violate cheating laws.
Hole carding is not deeming a cheating technique by the Supreme Court. In other words, it involves nothing more than looking for a sloppy dealer, sitting at the right table spot. And keeping an eye on the correct place and time at the right moment.
Nevertheless, a player can prosecute for cheating. Only, if he or she helps the dealer see his hole card by using a mirror or another device.
Additionally, hole-carders are usually escorting out of casinos. Just, if they are spotting at their tables as with all other advantage play strategies.
In order to harness this technique effectively, hole-carders should take extreme precautions. As well as losing a perfect opportunity for hole carding, they will also be asked to leave the casino.
