Mike,

>I might be wrong on this, but I think with blackjack the used cards are discarded and what is left of deck is then used to deal.

>Again, this has an affect on the next hand, but in no predictable way (ie, it chaotically may be more or less likely a winner in the next deal)

Yes you are right. If cards are being dealt from an N-deck shoe or discarded between hands then yes, the played cards must be taken into account because they affect the odds of succeeding hands. Keeping track of played cards will also give the casino owners the opportunity to escort you from the premises. *bg*

If every game is played from a full well shuffled 52 card deck the games are independent.