Blackjack Rankings

When I played with a high-stakes blackjack team, we had a rating system based on skill level. Where do you rank?

Civilian

The blackjack player who relies completely on intuition or some simple system, such as "Mimic The Dealer" or "Never Bust".

Neophyte

The player who has mastered basic strategy.

Intermediate

The player who has mastered both basic strategy and a count system. He is capable of determining the value of a given game based on penetration, rules, etc. and determining bankroll requirements.

Advanced

The player who has mastered card counting and is fluent in a range of advanced counting techniques, such as opposition betting and backcounting.

Master

The player who is familiar with almost the complete body of blackjack literature. This individual has to some extent transcended card counting. He is familiar with advanced external techniques, such as shuffle-tracking or card location. He is capable of going into any casino and evaluating the most effective technique to be used, then executing it. Such players make up the bulk of professional players.

Elite

One in 10,000 players belongs to this class. These are individuals who are capable of developing their own advantage play techniques. They have transcended advantage play altogether and have become versed in a number of disciplines.