Towards a psychology of the blackjack table
In his books, Turning the Tables on Las Vegas, and Burning the Tables in Las Vegas, Ian Andersen offers us a new psychology for casino behaviour. Andersen says that the more adversarial stance taken by most blackjack players is a mistake, and ends up working against them. Andersen offers us a more personable strategy based on finding common ground with the dealer. Andersen makes a point of befriending both dealers and pit bosses. He is also emphatic about coming across as humble and even feigning ignorance of the game. “A complete paradigm shift” is needed, Andersen says calling for a more considered and more nuanced response to the house, one based on strategic alliances that are sub-conscious, subtle, and aware of the range of dynamics in the casino player interaction.
