Blackjack question

[FLcruiser2011]

On Caribbean Princess, do they deal out of a shoe at any of the higher limit blackjack tables or is there a shuffling machine at every blackjack table. Thanks.

[love to cruz]

In July all black jack was deal from a machine, which we personally do not care for.

[RickEk]

On my last cruise on Caribbean Princess (last December), they had two methods, the shuffling machine or a 6-deck shoe.

[texdan]

I have heard,,, that dealing from those continuous shuffle machines.....that it doesn't hurt the player, because it eliminates the swings of bad cards. I actually prefer a shoe.. I like the break when they shuffle and set up a fresh shoe.

 

I have not played in the casinos on a cruise ship.. only played in Las Vegas.......but next cruise, I may play some Blackjack.

[Thrak]

I used to play Blackjack many years ago (although not on a ship). I played on the low stakes tables where the minimum bet was only $1. One could play for hours and hours at those stakes and, even if one lost, it wasn't too bad financially. I am a terrible gambler. I mean really terrible. I pretty much lose at everything but, as long as the stakes were that low I could have a good time gambling and, with blackjack, I could actually win a bit. Once the table stakes increased I had to quit gambling because, as I said above, I am really a terrible gambler. :)

 

It's kind of too bad though as I really did enjoy playing blackjack. I just don't enjoy watching all of my money disappear quite so quickly as is now required.

 

Note: I'm the guy who could be dealt 19 or 20 every time and STILL lose! You "real" gamblers need people like me to make up the "loser odds" so you can win. :rolleyes:

[Duane T]

In July all black jack was deal from a machine, which we personally do not care for.

 

I used to play on the machines too. It seemed to have certain patterns that repeat but you have to play for hours to notice them.

[ggprincess2004]

I used to play on the machines too. It seemed to have certain patterns that repeat but you have to play for hours to notice them.

 

The continuous shuffling machines will tend to obscure the sine wave of the decks. It is easier to maintain patterns and recognize them when the hands are dealt from a shoe, and they play 2/3 of the way into the shoe consistently, hence greater use of the shuffling machines.

[BEFdoc]

Working in the industry I can tell you it is all about HPH or hands per hour.

The more hands per hour that a table provides the casino the greater the profit. Shuffle machines, especially continuous shuffle machines have no "down time" for the shuffle. Therefore, they provide higher HPH or hands per hour. It really is simple mathematics. The same logic goes for players. The longer the player stays seated at a table playing, the greater opportunity the casino has of separating them from their hard earned money. Hint: the free alcoholic beverages are there to keep the players in their seats and to get them "loose" with their play. Another strategy that is used in traditional casinos of Nevada and elsewhere is to "comp" players meals, rooms, shows, etc. to keep them in the casino and give the casino another chance at their bank roll. No luck involved just mathematics.