The matches between I.B.M.'s super-computer "Big Blue" and the chess master of the world were a big challenge for I.B.M. in 1997. The machine proved to understand the game more deeply and quickly than its human opponent. This is not the first time I.B.M.'s computers have been used to beat a game of skill. An I.B.M. 704 computer was used decades ago to perfect a way to beat the game of Blackjack. Unlike chess, a Blackjack player does not face an intelligent opponent, just a dealer and his cards and the mathematical advantage set out by the rules of the game. It makes sense a simple game with only four decisions to make (hit, stand, split, double) could be easily beaten by a machine if it can beat the game of chess with its thousands of possibilities and outcomes. Much more exciting than this is the fact it is far easier to make money playing Blackjack than it is chess! It is also far easier to learn to play Blackjack than chess.
The I.B.M. computer recognized that there are times when the decks of cards have more 10s in them and this gives the players an advantage over the dealer. The dealer must take a card until s/he has 17 and is very likely to bust when the decks are full of 10s. The players are more likely to get Blackjack during this time, and can decide not to hit when they know they are likely to bust, the exact decision the dealer can't make. Betting more during this time will turn a profit for the players, and the rest of the time they can bet smaller amounts. These findings had a big effect when they were first discovered and casinos changed some rules to protect themselves. So many people that just played for fun stopped playing Blackjack that the casinos had to change the rules back and let the 1 out of 100 players who could beat the game play along with the other 99 faithful contributors to casino profits.
Anyone can learn to beat the game of Blackjack. Why don't they? Many people don't understand what card counting is and how simple it is to learn. They imagine card counting is one thing, but it is something much simpler. Other people think it is not true because most of the other games in a casino can't be beaten. People are naturally skeptical about "get rich quick" schemes and the people that try to sell them to them. I am too. The fact that casinos ask people they find counting cards to leave proved to me this is a definite opportunity to make money while having fun.
With some simple flash cards and a deck of cards a person can learn to make money playing Blackjack. With a little tact, a person can learn to act like a loser while they are winning and never have their advantage discovered. By not being greedy and betting huge amounts when you know the odds of the game call for it, you will keep your secret hidden. Start piling stacks of $100 chips on the felt and everyone will begin to watch you. Slow and steady wins this game.
