The opportunity to see a hole card is one of the most advantageous situations an AP can find. Because blackjack is so abundant, it is usually the first game that is considered when an AP scouts a casino. In blackjack, the edge can get over 10% by hole carding. But that’s a small edge by comparison with the edge obtainable by seeing the hole card in some proprietary games.
The opportunity to hole card proprietary games is much more common than blackjack. Poor training of the dealers, supervisors who don’t take the games seriously and low house limits all lead to complacent security. However, there is a more substantial reason these opportunities abound: the Ace Shuffler. In addition to having a cradle that is 3 inches above the layout, many casinos place obstructions in the way. The result is a configuration that makes it nearly impossible for the dealer to properly and quickly bring the cards to the felt.
The following slide show speaks for itself. I invite you to send in your picture to include in this gallery.
If you see a horror like this in your casino, do something about it.
I would not begrudge players who “take a shot” at exposed cards due to some poor layout arrangement or a dealer who doesn’t speak up, but I put the burden on the dealer to protect his game and that includes telling the Floor “I don’t care what the latest memo said, its in my way and causing me to expose cards to public view prematurely”. Dealers deal, but they have to so knowingly and aware of any problems about a shiny new plastic tray for the rules pamphlet being a real good mirror.
By ‘do something about it’, you mean sit down and play, right?
The table top “real estate” is limited and has to suit a variety of dealers of various heights and arm lengths. Signs, drink holders, a place to put the players card while awaiting the arrival of the Floor Person, a pamphlet on problem gambling, a guide to the game pamphlet, etc. all compete, but its up to the dealer to speak up and make certain things are correct. A cheap plastic ash tray thats in the dealers way can be a very expensive ash tray for the casino if there is a team of crossroaders taking advantage of it.