Mike,

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>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)
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You're correct on your first assertion -- the used cards are discarded. Blackjack is the ONLY game in the casino where past plays affect the odds for future plays.

However, you're incorrect on your second assertion -- the effect on the next hand IS predictable, calculable AND usable by an intelligent player. This has been proven both by mathematicians AND expert players on several occasions.

I'll direct you to three books: Beat the Dealer by Edward Thorp (old, but still good for the basics), Playing Blackjack as a Business by Lawrence Revere (the book I orignally learned from), and Playing Winning Blackjack by Ken Uston (a great read even if you don't play the game).