A Card Counter's Guide: Where to Sit at the Blackjack Table

How much does it affect your edge whether you sit first, in the middle, or last at the blackjack table?
Find out the mathematical answer, along with some considerations when choosing where to sit as a card counter.

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[sergiosausedo]

Its hard to play at an empty table. Once people start seeing you win, they want a piece of the action too.

[davidmj]

Having self control and especially maintaining it as the hours goes by is one of the hardest thing to do inside the loud and sometimes annoying casino.

[MegaJohnhammond]

The best place to sit? At the Bar. You Can't loose

[jonscool]

Only reason I don't like first base as a newer card counter is because of the pressure to make your decision first. Most of the time I would have no problem getting the running count in that amount of time, but knowing I also have to look back at my cards and scan my brain for possible playing deviations and basic strategy to make my decision is a lot of pressure.

[tyreekmls]

Bruh i can hear u talk about black jack all day

[anonanon]

I like first base. In addition to it being easier to keep the RC, you are less likely to piss off the other players. Oh you just said that lol

[Anthony]

I like the first position because you can see the discard tray without having to turn for it... easier to estimate the true count without looking suspicious.

[scottsponaas]

My first instinct was to say the first seat for the exact reason you mentioned. I’ve been practicing with those challenges you post and found that after you dealt all the cards, I could pause for second, get the accurate count and decide what I should do based on proper strategy. That little extra time is quite valuable it’s very different thing that with the other seats with one or two players having added cards or cards being taken off the table.

[DystopicEdits]

I prefer to sit at 3rd base, because you have more time to check other players' cards, and you can change your tactics when necessary, based on other players' decisions. Cons are you get good cards last since you're sitting at the last, but at least you won't get pressured to make a decision fast while counting cards.

[bradyh]

I always sit at 3rd, cause I suck at adding up cards

[MondoLeStraka]

When I play it's a shoe game. I usually sit in the center: it's easier to see the cards. But when I sit at 3rd base, I usually make the announcement "I don't want to hear any crap about 3rd base messes up the cards.!" Most people laugh.

Also, I remember Thorp or Wong saying something about 3rd base is slightly better.

[gorrillawarfair]

3:05 ive gotten flack from both ends. Going first and i bust, then the person after me says i coulda used that card. Or going last and getting blamed because i didnt make the dealer bust.

[sirving]

Obviously if you manage to see the dealers face down card that's a huge advantage in many potential hands. If they're showing a 6 the way you play the hand will change significantly if you spot the dealer has a 5 face down and is sitting on 11 rather than having to assume they have 16.

[DragonPupEclipse]

I agree that sitting at the first base helps you count card. Cuz you can start counting your cards right before you hit or stand. Or you can start counting cards when dealer is dealing the cards. It's just that you have a bit of time to prepare to count cards or to start counting your first two cards before the round begins. Once you bust and deal takes the card away then you can start counting other players card.

[eddie-xils]

I personally like 3rd base since it allows me time to think on how I will play my hand. Not a card counter but playing Basic Strategy.

[zacharybaker]

I like next to the shoe because you can see the cards behind the cut card sometimes depending on how it sits in the shoe. If there are other people at the table I sit last to act.

[pranksterguy]

I play 6 deck shoes. Often cant see where the dealer places the cut card as the shoe is blocking my vision.

[Boogenhagen]

unh hunh, play at an empty table makes sense, you'll only have to become a vampire and play between the hours of 3am and 6am.

[mercadoa]

How do I know when to sit at a table? Am I supposed to wait for a new deck to start counting? Or is it as simple as sit whenever and just start counting?

[paymansharifi]

i prefer playing at a table where im alone. lets me have the freedom to play how i want.
play more hands cause dealer is faster and then no one to annoy me