Playing Multiple Spots

There's an evident problem in playing at multiple spots at a table. The gambler will need to make more decisions during a particular time span. As a rule that is completely obvious, when 'n' positions are in action at a table with experienced dealer and very skilled gamblers, each place should average like 420 / (n+1) resolutions per hour.

Assuming you are at a blackjack table with 3 other gamblers. All of you are betting at only one spot each. You should be averaging 105 decisions per hour. If than you will choose to play at two spots and the others will remain at one, for each position you will receive 2x84 or 168 decisions per hour.

Playing at more than one spot temperates bankroll balance for the same total bet (for situations when one bet loses and another one wins). The phenomenon can be described accurately in terms of the characteristic bankroll fluctuation per round -- a quantity the statistics crowd calls "standard deviation".

Starting a round with $30 on one position yields an average gain or loss of $33.90. Fluctuation drops to $28.28 with $15 on each of two spots, and $26.14 with $10 on each of three. After 500 rounds, roughly half of all players will be from $590 behind to $430 ahead betting $30 on one spot, $500 down to $350 up with $15 on two spots, and $470 poorer to $320 richer at $10 on three spots. For the same total, spreading the bets narrows the range.

That idea of playing at multiple spots concerns players who 'count cards'. Adding positions brings you more money on the table without necessarily hitting the maximum limit on wagers the casinos. Also avoids attracting attention of the pit bosses.

An interesting fact is that if you will ask the players who are playing at multiple spots, why they do it, you will see that are a few chances to get one of the above answers. The most likely it will be to hear that 'changes the flow of the cards' when everyone is doing bad.

So finally, for this way of playing, as for explanation don't expect math or science, because this is more like alchemy and astrology. It has to do with cards clumping or forming patterns that favor some number of spots over others.

And now, back to our first question, should you play multiple spots at Blackjack

If you are a person who trust on unreliable evidence rather data, Yes. Nobody knows for sure and we tend to reject strategies that involve patterns in the cards being drawn.