Position may impact how you experience the game
Unlike poker, where position plays a critical role in strategy, blackjack operates under a different set of rules. However, seating position at the blackjack table can still have an impact on a player’s experience and, to some extent, their decisions.
The most discussed position in blackjack is the last seat at the table, commonly known as “third base.” This is the player who acts last before the dealer reveals their hole card.
Many believe that the third-base player has more influence over the outcome of the hand because their decision can affect whether the dealer receives a strong or weak card. While this perception is common, it does not change the fact that blackjack is a game of independent hands where each player competes against the dealer rather than each other.
First base, the seat immediately to the dealer’s left, is the first to act. Players in this position must make quick decisions since they have less time to analyze the dealer’s upcard and other players’ choices. While this does not impact the odds mathematically, some players prefer sitting further down the table to have more time to consider their moves.
Card counters sometimes favor certain positions, particularly third base, as it allows them to see more cards before making a decision. This extra information can be useful when determining whether the count is favorable. In casual games, position does not influence basic strategy, as each hand should be played optimally regardless of seating.
