There are no high-limit blackjack tables near me

Dear Frank and Dan Pronovost [creator of Speed Count]:

I have been doing well with Speed Count from Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution. I play the highest table in my area ($25 - $250). I don't play a lot; I probably average about 1 to 2 hours per week. I am up $2,500 for the year. I would like to increase my game to the $100 game. The problem is that that would decrease my betting spread to 2.5 chips. I could go to a $75 game, which would bring my spread to 3.3 chips; still not good. I could also go to two hands at $50 each to increase my spread to 5 chips.

I have run these scenarios through the Blackjack Audit (I didn't know how to do the two-hand scenario) and nothing comes out good. The other alternative is to spend $500 to $600 each weekend jumping on a plane and flying somewhere in the country where they have better games. I don't like the idea of having to win $600 to $700 just to break even.

In your opinion is there anything in this situation that is workable or not?

Yours truly,
Barry

Dear Barry:

Yes, that is a common problem (I have it too). Here in Ontario Canada, the government casinos ("Charity Casinos") that are common have very low limits. I have to travel three to four hours to get to higher stakes casinos, and even so it's still six-deck games at best (with high minimums).

There is no way to win well at a low bet spread, as you note, unless you're playing a healthy two-deck game (DAS/S17). If you're allowed to sit out hands generously at low counts, that's one way to improve your edge with a low bet spread (you can simulate that in Blackjack Audit).

One approach is to travel, but use comps generously and sign-up for casino cards, that will generate promotional offers in the mail and the like (AC is well known for this). This can trim your costs, but not the hassle and time.

If you have any further questions or problems please feel free to contact us.

Dan Pronovost
DeepNet Technologies
dan@deepnettech.com
www.deepnettech.com