bj tournament advice

Play alot of bj but never in a tourney. Have read about watching other players chip totals, that players will deivate from basic strategy to get the highest chip total, etc. but I don't want to get bogged down in a tedious process. Host says entry is comped and for first time players it's alot of fun.

So any advice and is it worth it to give it a try?

I haven't played in many tournaments but some strategies to consider: bet the max the first few hands - you will either get a good lead or be the first to bust out. If the opportunity presents itself, split your 10's against a good dealer card (4,5,6). If you're at the end and need a big win to get to the next round, consider doubling on any 2 cards. Double down on a blackjack if that's the only way to advance. You have to play with a little more risk - double as often an you can and hope for the best. You're really going to need a good stretch of luck. Good luck and have fun.

- Linda in TX

Played a couple of them. Lots of people bet big first few hands and are gone. I wait til late in the round before raising bet. Keep eye on other players chip count after every late hand. Do some crazy things like LindaP suggest like splitting 10s, double down, etc.

For more ideas and help with dealing with Blackjack and other tournaments, get Stanford Wong's book called Casino Tournament Strategy which I'm pretty sure that you can get from the Gambler's General Store in LV (on Main Street by Charleston) or the Gambler's Book Store or online. There are (if I'm remembering correctly) coupons for discounted stuff at both of these places in the hard edition of the American Casino Guide.

RecVPPlayer

Not only is it impossible to answer this in one paragraph - it is pretty hard to answer it in 280 pages.
As has been previously mentioned - Stanford Wongs book is pretty good,
But I like like to follow Hollywood Dave Stahn - the bad boy of blackjack.
Very entertaining book - with some good examples. To me the key does not lie in the first few hands - it lies in the last few hands. That is where decision-making kicks in. splitting the most impossible cards can turn loss to victory - it is all about homework.