There is no doubt about it, there are many advanced strategies for the game of blackjack.  One of the most well known strategies for blackjack is card counting, and one such variation is called shuffle tracking.  This is not a technique that every player can employ because it is quite difficult, and in some instances impossible.  The idea behind card counting is that the player gives a value to each of the cards, but this can become quite difficult when more than one deck is used, commonly referred to as shoes.  A player can track the different decks through the shuffle with the shuffle tracking technique, which gives them an obvious advantage.

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This technique is admittedly quite difficult because the player must follow all of the decks of cards through the shuffle.  When this is done the player is then able to play and bet according to when those specific cards come from the new shoe.  The reason that this technique is so difficult is because it requires the player to have good eyesight and also requires that the player be able to estimate quite well, which can be difficult in a multi-deck game for even the most advanced player.

Many players like the shuffle tracking strategy because they are able to throw off casino personnel that may be looking for card counters.  The reason for this is that the shuffle tracker can actually bet or play exactly the opposite the way that a traditional card counter would, and this throws off casino personnel that are used to straight forward card counting strategies.

This method of play can be very advantageous for those that are able to master it, but it is difficult to learn and even more difficult to conceal from others that are playing as well as those that are watching for such strategies.  One has to remain relaxed when they are shuffle tracking, and this can be difficult because it does require a lot of concentration.  This is definitely a strategy that takes a lot of practice, and most find that they get the best practice by playing with friends, or not trying to win every hand when they first begin.  The best shuffle trackers are those that have been doing it for quite some time.

Card tracking becomes difficult when the casino uses a half cut or The Big C.  When the casino does this they are only using half a shoe.  Card tracking in this manner is difficult because the strategy relies on the elimination of cards, and when you are using a half cut it is difficult to know what is left to play, therefore what will be played next.  Casinos that use automatic shuffler machines also make it difficult or impossible to count cards or track the shuffle.  While these strategies are not illegal, they are generally not condoned, and that is why more and more casinos are turning to the half cut and automated machines to make the game more unpredictable for all players.

Card counting is a strategy that many advanced players opt for because it gives them some distinct advantages.  To be successful with card counting one needs to know the basic rules of the game and have some basic strategy.  Card counting is not easy if you cannot easily employ deck estimation, division, counting, and side counts skills.  These are all a necessary part of counting cards and if you cannot do these things well, the fact that you are counting cards will be very obvious to everyone who is playing with you, and that is something that you do not want.

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Card counting works because, as we all know, once cards begin being dealt the deck is no longer complete.  When players keep track of what cards have been played, it then becomes possible for the player to know what cards are still remaining, and this knowledge can be used to the player’s advantage.  Those that are good at card counting are generally more consistent in their plays, which give them a winning edge with every hand.  With any blackjack strategy consistency is always key to being successful, and this just cannot be said enough.

Generally speaking, card counting can benefit the player in two different ways.  First, the player is able to place larger bets when he or she has the advantage.  For instance, the player may want to increase their starting bet if they can determine that there are quite a few aces and tens left in the deck.  In addition, the player can use the information that they can ascertain about the remaining cards to create the best strategy.  An example for this would be if the player could determine that there were quite a few tens left in a deck.  If this was the case the player could decide to double down as often as possible, creating what could be a winning hand.

There are many different ways to count cards; players don’t simply have to try to remember what cards have been played and which have not.  Instead, a point system is usually used, which allows the player to keep track of a point count rather than numerous cards.  These strategies usually work quite well with one deck, though some have a difficult time using these systems if cards are being dealt from a variety of decks, also known as a shoe.

Card counting is usually not illegal, but it is something that most players do not condone.  Many times casinos will use obvious card counting as a way to dismiss a player from the table, and other casinos will ask the player to leave the premises and not come back to play again.  Electronic counting devices are always illegal and will definitely lead to a ban on the player, at least in most casinos that are in the United States.  Card counting is only as effective as the player is at being relaxed about it.  Effective card counters can do so without anyone else knowing, and this is why it is considered an advanced blackjack strategy.