Deck penetration

 An important consideration for blackjack card counters is deck penetration. How much of the deck does the dealer cut off when placing the cut card into the deck? This is very important for the player, particularly near the end of the deck. Here are some guidelines to consider:

Single deck   advantage

¼ (cut off)       good

   ½     “            poor

2-decks

½ deck          good

¾   “                fair

4  “                poor

 4-decks

1 deck             good

1 1/2                fair

6                     poor

 6-decks

1½                  good

1                         fair

2 ½ +               poor

 8-decks

1                     good

2+                    poor