Basics of Shuffle Tracking

Basics of Shuffle Tracking

Have you ever wondered about blackjack shuffle tracking? It's a relatively new technique that blackjack players use to gain an even bigger advantage over the house than card counting provides. While it would be impossible to go into detail in one article, we will try to give the basics of shuffle tracking here.

What is Shuffle Tracking?

Shuffle tracking is an advantage gambling technique in which you follow specific clumps or slugs of cards during a shuffle so you will know when they will appear during play. Knowing when and where certain cards will appear, you can increase or decrease your wagers accordingly.

How Does Shuffle Tracking Work?

First, the shuffle tracking expert identifies the type of shuffle the dealer uses. Every casino has its own preferred shuffling method. The simpler (less thorough) the shuffle, the easier it is to track.

Next, the shuffle tracking expert counts cards. He or she keeps an eye on the high count and low count clumps of cards as they go into the discard tray. He or she has chips assigned for each unit of a shoe - say, 12 units if there are 6 decks. He or she then uses playing chips to mark what the count of each unit is and where it is in the shoe/discard tray. You can use clock rotation to tell what count it is and color coding to show whether it is a positive, negative or neutral count.

Now during the shuffle, the expert simulates the dealer's shuffling method by moving his or her chips the same way the dealer moves the deck units around. If the dealer cuts the shoe in half and places the first half on top of the other, for instance, you will do the same with your chips.

After the shuffle, you have a good idea where the good and bad count clumps are and when they will appear.

What Happens After the Shuffle?

Basically, you adjust your bets depending on what count you are expecting. When the negative count cards - that is, the high cards - are near according to your prediction, you should bet more. The reverse is the case if it is a positive count coming.

How Accurate is Shuffle Tracking?'

It depends partly on how basic or thorough the shuffle is. If you the dealer's shuffle is too complex, you are probably right. Complex shuffles are not worth tracking. Look for basic shuffles and your predictions will be more reliable.

Accuracy also depends on the shuffling tracking expert. You need to have a good eye and fast mental skills. You should also be familiar with card counting to the point it is second nature to you.

What About Card Cutting?

The option to cut cards is part of shuffle tracking. When you have the chance to cut the shoe, you should use the opportunity to cut bad cards - the high count, low value cards - out of the way. Put the low count, high value cards on top or as near to the top as you can. Since dealers cut off after a certain penetration - say 65% - then cards beyond that don't get played. That's where cutting cards is useful.

Is Shuffle Tracking Illegal?

No. But the casinos reserve the right to eject you if you are suspected of or caught shuffle tracking. Be discreet and watch those who are watching you.