Louisiana Blackjack Rules

TXTiger · #1 02-10-2005, 04:40 AM

Hello all,

Can anyone tell me what the rules are for the typical blackjack game in Lousiana casinos? Or is it casino specific? I'm especially interested in doubling after splitting and dealer soft 17 rules, since that effects what I memorize. Also typical deck number and are the games generally beatable based on rule set and penetration?

I'm moving to TX soon so I thought I might learn to play BJ since I'll be playing poker in LA. Mainly I thought it would be fun, but I was also thinking of comps. I'm a casino newbie though. If I'm spreading 5-25 or 5-50 can I expect any comps? I'll be going mainly to play poker but I thought it would be fun to learn to beat BJ. I don't have any dreams of making big money, unless I felt I was very good at it several years form now. I would just like to able to play a +ev game.

So if you were in my situation would you join the player clubs etc for comps, or does joining the clubs matter. I've read not to join the clubs if you are counting, but I'm going to be playing small time for 2 or 3 days once or twice a month. And even on those days I'll be playing more poker than BJ.

cardcounter0 · #2 02-10-2005, 12:47 PM

Rules vary by casino. Even within the same casino, they might offer different blackjack games with different rules.

If you are counting, penetration is of number one importance (how many cards do they deal before shuffling), and the amount of penetration will vary by dealer. All of the above is subject to change without notice.

So go to what ever casino you are thinking about, scout out the conditions (rules, number of decks, penetration, etc), and report back.

Wake up CALL · #3 02-10-2005, 08:10 PM

[ QUOTE ]
So if you were in my situation would you join the player clubs etc for comps, or does joining the clubs matter. I've read not to join the clubs if you are counting, but I'm going to be playing small time for 2 or 3 days once or twice a month. And even on those days I'll be playing more poker than BJ.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can't have it both ways, if you want comps you need to be rated so the card is a must.

TXTiger · #4 02-10-2005, 10:04 PM

Okay thanks for the responses. I have Snyder's blackbelt in BJ so I am aware of the penetration importance. He describes a standard Vegas strip game so I was hoping there was a standard game in different areas. Sounds like I'll need to join some club, that should be fine since I can't imagine them worrying about a small time player using a simple count to get a small advantage as a counter.

Does anyone think it would be a mistake to concentrate on the red seven count? I am just learning and I would prefer a simple count even if it means a small advantage.

cardcounter0 · #5 02-10-2005, 10:14 PM

Red7 is a perfectly acceptable count system.

MicroBob · #6 02-11-2005, 12:21 PM

Agreed.....most of the simple-counts don't lose much EV vs. the ultra-complicated ones.

And what you might lose in EV you are gaining in simplicity and, hopefully, less chance of mistakes.

Snyder talks about the 'typical' Vegas game...but it varies within Vegas too and you shouldn't really put TOO much stock in the idea that the games are going to all be the same by region.

That said....I don't think you're going to find too many single-deck and double-deck games in Louisiana (Shreveport or New Orleans) but I could be wrong.
most of the games will be 'typical' 6-deck shoe games.

If you REALLY want some advance info on this stuff you can consider ordered CBJN (Current Blackjack Newsletter) from BJ21.com (assuming they still do this). They'll have reports on decks, typical pen, casino-heat, etc...by casino.
But I don't think it's necessary in your case (I think a single issue costs $30 or $40 or so).
You'll be better off just learning the red-7's system and going to scout out the games yourself.

If you're going to New Orleans for BJ then you may want to consider going the extra hour to Gulfport, MS on occasion.

The Copa-Casino there has a pretty good $5 double-deck game including early-surrender (again...this is assuming they still have it....haven't been there in awhile).
But you'll be fine trying out your red-7's count at Harrah's in New Orleans or any of other other Louisiana casinos.

you won't get very rich ....but at least you'll be playing an even or +EV game

Nonononono · #7 02-13-2005, 03:55 PM

The typical Louisiana game is 6 decks (maybe 8) with the dealer standing on all 17's, and allowing doubling on any two, including doubling after splits. You'll find an occasional double-deck game, usually with the same rules, but probably at least a $25 minimum and bad penetration.

With a $50 max bet, I wouldn't hesitate to join the slot club and ask to be rated when sitting at a table. Comps may be quite limited at your betting level, but mail offers can be surprisingly good. Harrah's in particular, with locations in both Shreveport and Lake Charles, is known for sending lots of mail.

Your chances of being backed off for counting would seem remote unless you table-hop aggressively. Your spread will be limited because of the difficulty of finding $5 tables.

Regarding your choice of count system, I think simpler is usually better, so Red 7 should be fine. I believe it's especially well-suited to the shoe games you'll be playing.

Good luck