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  <channel>
    <title>Blackjack Tournament Strategy</title>
    <description>Discuss strategy for blackjack tournaments, and pose questions about situations.</description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:52:07 +0000</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:52:07 +0000</lastBuildDate>
    <generator>Blackjack Tournaments 2024 - Find Tournaments and Events in your area</generator>
    <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/forums/blackjack-tournament-strategy.22/</link>
    <atom:link rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/forums/blackjack-tournament-strategy.22/index.rss"/>
    <item>
      <title>Wong One Winner Example 24</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2024 20:13:29 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/wong-one-winner-example-24.9238/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/wong-one-winner-example-24.9238/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (Ternamint)</author>
      <dc:creator>Ternamint</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Example 24.  The numbers he used don&#039;t add up.  What was he trying to say? His bet of 10 looks like it should be 110.<br />
<br />
A BR3 (Wong&#039;s situation) bet of 10 plus a DD of 10 adds 20 to 1290 if it wins.  That&#039;s 1310 and does not beat BR1 with 1220 + 250 from surrendering for a total of 1470!<br />
<br />
A bet of 110 + DD of 110 by Wong gives him 1510 if he wins (1290 + 220).<br />
A bet of 110 and a surrender, gives Wong 1235 (1290-55).<br />
<br />
BR1 would have 1475 with a surrender, so Wong&#039;s 1510 would win. This is the...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/wong-one-winner-example-24.9238/" class="internalLink">Wong One Winner Example 24</a>]]></content:encoded>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Useful stats and tables</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 20:44:28 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/useful-stats-and-tables.7387/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/useful-stats-and-tables.7387/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (KenSmith)</author>
      <dc:creator>KenSmith</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Here are some threads of particularly useful statistics for tournament strategy:<br />
<br />
Many of these pages refer to original work appearing in Stanford Wong&#039;s book <a href="http://www.blackjackinfo.com/store/blackjack/books/casino-tournament-strategy.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink" rel="nofollow">Casino Tournament Strategy</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blackjacktournaments.com/bb/showthread.php?t=5036" class="internalLink">Push = Win Tables</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blackjacktournaments.com/bb/showthread.php?t=2544" class="internalLink">Revisions to Wong&#039;s page 131</a>...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/useful-stats-and-tables.7387/" class="internalLink">Useful stats and tables</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Revisions to Wong's page 131</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 19:41:03 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/revisions-to-wongs-page-131.2544/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/revisions-to-wongs-page-131.2544/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (KenSmith)</author>
      <dc:creator>KenSmith</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[A <a href="http://www.blackjacktournaments.com/bb/showthread.php?t=2433" class="internalLink">recent thread</a> started by rounder21 mentioned this table in Wong&#039;s <a href="http://www.blackjackinfo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=30" target="_blank" class="externalLink" rel="nofollow">Casino Tournament Strategy</a>, and I noted there that my research disagrees with Wong on many entries in that table.<br />
<br />
As my contribution today to the new <a href="http://www.blackjacktournaments.com/bb/showthread.php?t=2537" class="internalLink">kinder, gentler, more useful BJT</a>, here is a...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/revisions-to-wongs-page-131.2544/" class="internalLink">Revisions to Wong&#039;s page 131</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>21</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tournament help</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 19:33:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/tournament-help.9235/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/tournament-help.9235/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (TJ4justice)</author>
      <dc:creator>TJ4justice</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[I am going to play in somewhat of a different format tournament and would appreciate any input on the best way to play it. It will be limited to 288 players who will play a sit and go style format 18 hands starting with $10,000 bankroll  BJ pays 2 to 1 $100 min, no max bet, mulligans are available.. They are taking the top 18 players with the highest chip totals, not the table winners to  the semi final. I used Wong&#039;s formula to get the goal amount of 288 divided 18 =16 square root =4 x...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/tournament-help.9235/" class="internalLink">Tournament help</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ken Smith, How to Win Even More, Aggressive Doubling, page 95</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 15:27:57 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ken-smith-how-to-win-even-more-aggressive-doubling-page-95.9234/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ken-smith-how-to-win-even-more-aggressive-doubling-page-95.9234/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (Ternamint)</author>
      <dc:creator>Ternamint</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[&quot;If you’re wondering how big a difference it makes, let’s look at a few examples: Doubling 12v6 gives you a 40.7% chance, compared to 18.6% by standing. Doubling 15v6 gives you a 31.0% chance, compared to 18.6% by standing. Doubling 17v7 gives you a 25.3% chance, compared to 23.7% by standing. Remember, these are percentages of winning two bets in this hand and the next. So, if you’re in this spot, be aggressive and double your chances.&quot;<br />
<br />
With such a lousy hand, should he wait for the final...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ken-smith-how-to-win-even-more-aggressive-doubling-page-95.9234/" class="internalLink">Ken Smith, How to Win Even More, Aggressive Doubling, page 95</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Last hand semi final round at the Golden Nugget</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 14:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-semi-final-round-at-the-golden-nugget.9205/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-semi-final-round-at-the-golden-nugget.9205/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (jamesmcnulty)</author>
      <dc:creator>jamesmcnulty</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[4 players remaining at the table, winner advances to the final table.  I&#039;m leading by 200 and I have to bet and play first.  All players bet 2000, the max bet.  I&#039;m dealt a hard 13, other players dealt hard hands ranging from 13 to 16.  Dealer has an 8 showing.  Should I stay or double down?]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Power button use @ island resort tournament</title>
      <pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2022 16:31:45 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/power-button-use-island-resort-tournament.9211/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/power-button-use-island-resort-tournament.9211/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (Ewok)</author>
      <dc:creator>Ewok</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Looking for Opinions and experiences from people on how they have used the yellow &quot;ace&quot; button and purple &quot;no bust &quot; button and when, how, at what point in the round etc? I have not played there before and will be there next week.  Thanks in advance.  Hope to see some familiar faces there!]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Playing a tournament after a back off</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2022 22:45:41 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/playing-a-tournament-after-a-back-off.9206/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/playing-a-tournament-after-a-back-off.9206/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (tucson1972)</author>
      <dc:creator>tucson1972</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Do any of you have experience attempting to play a blackjack tournament in a casino after they asked you to not play blackjack?  I wasn’t 86’d. I’m alllowed anything else in the casino. Would you expect this to be an issue if I attempted to play a blackjack tournament on the same property?  Appreciate your thoughts/experience. <br />
m]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Split 10s to lose both hands % ?</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Oct 2021 20:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/split-10s-to-lose-both-hands.8010/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/split-10s-to-lose-both-hands.8010/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (PlayHunter)</author>
      <dc:creator>PlayHunter</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Last hand, Min/Max 100/500, no surrender. BR1 1200 bet 400, BR2 (me) 1101 last to act, bet 300. BR1 stand on his stiff.. me pair of 10s.. dealer up card 2. <br />
<br />
I did split and played a no bust strategy (which I think was correct) - figuring that I have less than 35% chances to lose both hands - still, I may be wrong. <br />
<br />
Would be great if we can have a chart where we can see what is the % to lose both hands after a(ny) split versus each dealer up card. (or 2 to 9 at least)]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>19</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What to Bet and how to play</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Jul 2021 14:24:38 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/what-to-bet-and-how-to-play.9191/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/what-to-bet-and-how-to-play.9191/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BlueLight)</author>
      <dc:creator>BlueLight</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="font-size: 18px">The situation for the last hand is as follows:<br />
<br />
Min Bet 25;  Max Bet 1000;  BJ 2-1<br />
<br />
Player ...........BankRoll.............Bet<br />
<br />
BR2.................3000...............1000<br />
You..................5525...................?...............What do you bet?<br />
<br />
</span>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Fundamental Theorem of Casino Tournaments</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jun 2021 14:34:28 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-fundamental-theorem-of-casino-tournaments.8862/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-fundamental-theorem-of-casino-tournaments.8862/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (Monkeysystem)</author>
      <dc:creator>Monkeysystem</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[I have never seen a Fundamental Theorem of Casino Tournaments spelled out concisely. David Sklansky&#039;s Fundamental Theorem of Poker has got me thinking that we need a general one for all casino tournaments. A good Fundamental Theorem of Casino Tournaments could serve as a template for deriving a fundamental theorem of blackjack tournaments, etc. It could also be a reference that casinos could use for determine what players want so they can more intelligently design their tournaments.<br />
<br />
Here&#039;s...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-fundamental-theorem-of-casino-tournaments.8862/" class="internalLink">The Fundamental Theorem of Casino Tournaments</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Simplifying Tournament Strategy</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 14 Feb 2021 06:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/simplifying-tournament-strategy.9172/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/simplifying-tournament-strategy.9172/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[I know we have a # of formidable blackjack tournament players here (Ken, gronbog, KungFox, monkeysystem, etc) so I&#039;d appreciate your help in providing some tips that I will be printing up for my wife in preparation for her 1st Blackjack tourney in quite some time next week!  This would also be an excellent way for others to brush up on simplifying their tournament strategies as well.<br />
I&#039;ll start out with some that I know off the top of my head but as I cut about 15 packs of meat tonight in...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/simplifying-tournament-strategy.9172/" class="internalLink">Simplifying Tournament Strategy</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>20</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>On the button, at a two advance table</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2021 12:34:42 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/on-the-button-at-a-two-advance-table.9095/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/on-the-button-at-a-two-advance-table.9095/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (KenSmith)</author>
      <dc:creator>KenSmith</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[I&#039;ve been mostly absent from strategy discussions here for the last few years, only posting or replying occasionally.  I play only 4 or 5 times a year these days, often even less. And this stuff is not at all like riding a bicycle. I feel rusty ever single time I play now!<br />
<br />
But, when someone asked me some questions via private message about an example in Wong&#039;s book, I decided my replies would do more good posted publicly. And besides, it will be fun to see others chime in with more recent...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/on-the-button-at-a-two-advance-table.9095/" class="internalLink">On the button, at a two advance table</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Double for Less Shift</title>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2021 15:57:41 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-double-for-less-shift.8985/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-double-for-less-shift.8985/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BlueLight)</author>
      <dc:creator>BlueLight</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Almost anyone who visits Blackjacktournaments.com knows about Smith&#039;s quandary<br />
of Doubling for Less when trailing as in Example(1) below shows.<br />
<br />
Infinite Deck...................Last Hand..................Min Bet = 5.....................Max Bet = 500<br />
<br />
Player..........BkRoll...................Bet...................Cards<br />
<br />
BR2...............1000...............500 + 250..............2+3<br />
BR1................1195.....................500.................10+10...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/the-double-for-less-shift.8985/" class="internalLink">The Double for Less Shift</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>CTS - Example 21</title>
      <pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2021 02:43:34 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/cts-example-21.9133/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/cts-example-21.9133/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[One winner.<br />
Min 5<br />
Max 500<br />
<br />
We are BR1 and tied for the lead with BR2 with 540.  BR3 has 290 and bets last while we bet 1st.  Solution says:  <i>You are tied for the lead &amp; BR3 has a chance.  Bet the max.</i><br />
<br />
I don&#039;t quite understand going all-in here... even if BR3 wins his all-in max bet that he will prob bet, that brings him only to 580.  If there were 4+ players instead of 3, sure I would prob agree with the all-in bet but I&#039;m more inclined to bet either 5, taking the low on our tied BR1...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/cts-example-21.9133/" class="internalLink">CTS - Example 21</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Best method to attack a 1 advance (out of 7!) Tourney?</title>
      <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2020 00:55:58 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/best-method-to-attack-a-1-advance-out-of-7-tourney.9132/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/best-method-to-attack-a-1-advance-out-of-7-tourney.9132/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Blackjack enthusiasts &amp; fellow tournament players:<br />
<br />
First off I want to say that I hope each and every one of you are doing well and staying safe in these trying times amidst the whole COVID-19 mess currently going on!  <br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
**WARNING** Lengthy post.  Skip the 1st paragraph if you want to get to the <b>meat</b> of this topic.<br />
<br />
Let it be known that I&#039;m a <b>very </b>competitive...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/best-method-to-attack-a-1-advance-out-of-7-tourney.9132/" class="internalLink">Best method to attack a 1 advance (out of 7!) Tourney?</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Blackjack Tournament Strategy</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:31:24 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/blackjack-tournament-strategy.9131/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/blackjack-tournament-strategy.9131/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[In light of most of us being hunkered in, I thought this would be the perfect time to improve our tournament strategy by posting and discussing examples!<br />
<br />
The following is example 31 in CTS. <br />
Min 5<br />
Max 500<br />
<br />
We are BR2.  2 advance and we act 2nd.  BR1 bet 5 and has 595 after the bet, we have 500 and BR3 has 280.  The solution says if we bet 115-215 we&#039;re high if all hands win and 2nd if all hands lose with 86% advance rate <b>but</b>, as BR3 can only end up with 700 max (BJ on all-in 280 bet...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/blackjack-tournament-strategy.9131/" class="internalLink">Blackjack Tournament Strategy</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>12</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Ranking bad beats!!!!!</title>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:14:44 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ranking-bad-beats.6456/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ranking-bad-beats.6456/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (swog)</author>
      <dc:creator>swog</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[I just finished my unsuccessful run through the Riverwind tournament, and started to wonder, statistically, where this ranks among all-time bad beats.<br />
<br />
Quarter Final action, 3 of 6 advance, starting BR $2,000, Min bet $25, no Max bet, BJ pays 2 to 1, no Insu, even money, nor Surr.<br />
<br />
Final hand, I&#039;m on the button, betting and acting first, although the &quot;last action&quot; button is to my left, don&#039;t ask me why they do it that way.<br />
<br />
Just to steam me a bit more, I&#039;m on the button because with 6...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/ranking-bad-beats.6456/" class="internalLink">Ranking bad beats!!!!!</a>]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>17</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Last Hand Question!</title>
      <pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2020 04:02:56 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-question.9124/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-question.9124/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[Got a hand situation for you that just happened to me 30 mins ago.  You are 1st to act and have 445. 2nd place has 400. Betting limits are 25 to 500. BJ pays 3-2 no surrender.  What do u bet?<br />
<br />
I was BR1 and bet 40 and BR2 bet 100.  Dealer BJ&#039;d so I won instantly on my hard 17.  BUT!  Had the dealer NOT had BJ what would be my correct move?  Double?  Or stand and hope BR2 doesn&#039;t win?  Cards are hidden btw!]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Last Hand - BR2 Strategy</title>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Feb 2020 15:28:17 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-br2-strategy.9092/</link>
      <guid>https://www.blackjacktournaments.com/threads/last-hand-br2-strategy.9092/</guid>
      <author>invalid@example.com (BughouseMaster)</author>
      <dc:creator>BughouseMaster</dc:creator>
      <content:encoded><![CDATA[In Stanford Wong&#039;s book, &quot;Casino Tourament Strategy,&quot; it states that on the last hand if you have the 2nd highest chips (BR2) you should bet <i>at least</i>  <b>double the amount you are behind BR1 plus a chip</b>.... My question is:  what is the mathematical reasoning behind this?  Could someone further explain?<br />
<br />
It&#039;s a great book but doesn&#039;t mathetmatically explain the exact reasoning of what I bolded above.  Would be great if someone here can break it down for me.  Thanks!]]></content:encoded>
      <slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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