6) Strategy: Taking The HIgh / Taking The Low

Throughout this Blog specific examples will be given to illustrate key strategic and tactical concepts. Look at these examples as representative of the message but not absolutes. There are an infinite number of situations that can occur during an EBJ tournament. The reader should try to understand the principle each example presents and look to apply it in future situations.

Each example will present a hand that takes place in either a preliminary round or the final table. The betting limits designate the table type. The reader will be placed in Seat 1 and the button assigned to various seat positions. In all examples the action starts with the button seat and proceeds to the next highest seat number.

Taking the High/Taking The Low
Two of the most basic strategies in tournament blackjack are taking the high or taking the low. These two simple strategic concepts form the foundation of most advanced betting actions. As strategies they benefit from the concept of the table sharing similar results versus the dealer. Having good position and or the lead makes using these techniques easier. Although easy to understand, applying their nuances will separate winners from losers.

Taking The High
Taking the high is a betting strategy that gives you the lead if most if not all players win their bets. You simply calculate what bet size is needed to take the lead if all players win their bets. Realize that during an EH or heads up play you must account for other outcomes. In these situations consider factoring in the possibility of an opponent doubling or making a blackjack prior to selecting your bet. Because of the finality of being eliminated, an appropriate buffer should be built into your wager if your bank allows it.

EXAMPLE - Hand 11 @ 25,000 max/500 min
You 24,500 chips - bets 5,000
Seat 2 19,000 chips - bets 5,000 (Button)
Seat 3 19,500 chips - bets 3,500
Seat 4 25,000 chips - bets 3,000
Seat 5 22,000 chips - bets 7,000

Seat 5 has decided to take the high and bets 7,000 chips after seeing the bets made by the first three players to act. You now have the option to retake the high since your are last to act. A bet of 5,000 chips will accomplish that.

Taking The Low
Taking the low is a betting strategy that gives you the lead if most if not all players lose their bets. You simply wager an amount that leaves you with largest remaining stack if the dealer beats everyone. In this scenario be cautious about splitting or doubling unless the situation is favorable. A loss could throw your calculations off and drop you in the standings.

EXAMPLE - Hand 11 @ 25,000 max/500 min
You 24,500 chips - bets 500
Seat 2 19,000 chips - bets 5,000 (Button)
Seat 3 19,500 chips - bets 3,500
Seat 4 25,000 chips - bets 3,000
Seat 5 22,000 chips - bets 7,000

Seat 5 has decided to take the high and bets 7,000 after seeing the bets made by the first three players to act. You now have the option to take the low by betting 500. If the dealer beats the table you take the chip lead.