1) Two basically different styles of blackjack are played in the casinos; single or double deck "pitch" games dealt from the dealer's hand -- and four to eight deck "shoe" games. The shoe games outnumber hand held blackjack by about a 10 to 1 ratio.

2) All else being equal, the fewer the decks used, the better the percentages are for the player--even if he doesn't keep track of the cards.

3) In some casinos the dealer must stand on all 17's, and in others he must hit a "soft" 17. It's moderately better for the player if the dealer stands with this hand.

4) The options the player may use to manage his hands are hit-ting, standing, doubling down, splitting, taking Insurance and in some casinos, surrendering.

5) Most poor players think the surrender option is a sucker play, but good players understand that it can be used to their advantage.

Making the decision on where to play is similar to choosing your favorite place to take a new date or significant other for dinner. You want to make sure that the menu has the right kind of food, great wine, and great service, all of which will optimize your chances of having a terrific night out. Deciding where to play blackjack is no dif¬ferent. Make sure you play at an establishment that provides the key components for you to optimize a winning trip should always be your prime concern.

This chapter offers guidelines on finding a casino with the right deck configurations and the most liberal variations on the rules of play, analyzing the play of others before you sit down at the table, watching the dealer, and, last, watching the floor supervisors (or pit bosses).