Quick Takeaways
- First base acts first; third base acts last.
- Position can change which specific cards you personally receive in a given hand, but it does not change the overall fairness of the game.
- The idea that “third base controls the table” is mostly frustration, not math.
If you want the full blackjack foundation first (rules, scoring, dealer rules, payouts, and table selection), start with The Complete Guide to Blackjack. This article focuses on what table position changes, what it doesn’t, and how to handle the “first base vs third base” debate calmly.
What Do “First Base” and “Third Base” Mean in Blackjack?
At a blackjack table, seats are usually named like baseball bases:
- First base = the first seat to the dealer’s left (first player to act)
- Third base = the last seat before the dealer (last player to act)
In most table formats:
- first base plays first on every round
- third base plays last right before the dealer reveals the hole card and plays their hand
How Dealing Works (Why Position Feels Important)
The dealer deals cards in a fixed order around the table.
That means:
- the sequence of cards is already determined once the shoe/pack is in motion
- changing a player’s decision can change which card gets dealt to which seat next
This is where the “you took my card” argument comes from.
But that argument skips a key point:
You can’t know what card was “yours” in any meaningful way. The shoe doesn’t assign cards to players. It just produces a sequence.
What Position Actually Changes
1) When You Act
- First base acts immediately after the deal
- Third base sees how every other player acted before choosing
That can change comfort level:
- some players like acting first because it’s straightforward
- others like acting last because they get more table information (even if it doesn’t change the correct move)
2) What You See Before You Decide
As third base, you see:
- how many players hit
- whether multiple players stood early
- whether anyone doubled or split
This “information” can feel helpful emotionally, but it does not change basic strategy. Basic strategy is built on your hand and the dealer upcard, not table vibes.
3) Which Card You Physically Receive Next
Because cards are dealt in order, the specific card that lands in your hand can differ if earlier players make different choices.
This is real. But it’s also where players overreact.
What Position Does Not Change (The Important Part)
1) It Doesn’t Change the House Edge Long-Term
Blackjack is still you vs the dealer. Position doesn’t make the dealer stronger or weaker.
2) It Doesn’t Change What the “Correct” Move Is
Basic strategy decisions don’t change based on seat position.
They are based on:
- your total (hard/soft)
- whether you have a pair
- the dealer’s upcard
3) It Doesn’t Make Another Player Responsible for Your Results
Blaming other players is a short-term emotional reaction.
Over many hands, each player experiences:
- good runs
- bad runs
- weird card sequences
- “how did the dealer get that?” moments
Those things happen regardless of where you sit.
Why the “Third Base Controls the Table” Myth Exists
This myth survives because of two things:
Visible Cause and Effect
If third base hits, the next card in the sequence changes who receives what. People see the sequence shift and assume it caused their loss.
Memory Bias
People remember the one dramatic hand where:
- third base took a “bad hit,” and
- the dealer improved, and
- everyone lost
They forget all the hands where:
- third base hit correctly and saved the table, or
- first base took the “wrong” hit and the dealer still busted, or
- the dealer drew perfectly no matter what anyone did
It’s human nature to remember pain more than randomness.
The Best Way to Think About Position
Here’s the healthiest mindset:
- You are playing against the dealer, not the other seats.
- You make the best decision for your hand based on strategy.
- You cannot control the shoe sequence, only your decisions.
If you want to reduce mistakes, focus on:
- playing clean basic strategy
- avoiding bad rule tables (especially 6:5 payouts)
- managing pace and bankroll
Those matter far more than seat position.
Should You Choose First Base or Third Base?
Choose First Base If You Want Simplicity
First base is straightforward:
- you act first
- you don’t get distracted by others
- you focus on your own decision process
Choose Third Base If You Prefer Seeing the Table First
Third base can feel calmer for some players because you see:
- what other players did
- the flow of the round
- the “tempo” of decisions
Just remember: it shouldn’t change your correct move.
Choose Any Seat If You’re Playing Online
In most online blackjack formats, seat position is more of a visual/layout detail than a meaningful advantage lever. The biggest advantage online is still:
- rules
- payout
- decision quality
How to Handle Position Drama at a Table
If someone complains about “taking their card,” you don’t need to argue.
A calm response:
- “I’m just playing my hand.”
- “I’m following the standard strategy.”
Then keep playing.
If the table gets hostile, the best move is simple:
leave and find a better vibe. The stress isn’t worth it.
Mini FAQ: Blackjack Table Position
1) Does Third Base Really Control the Table?
No. It can change the card sequence, but it does not control outcomes long-term.
2) Is It Better to Sit at First Base?
Not “better,” just different. Some players prefer acting first and staying focused.
3) Does Position Change Basic Strategy?
No. Basic strategy is based on your hand and the dealer upcard.
4) Can a Bad Player Hurt My Chances?
They can influence short-term card flow, but they don’t change the long-run odds of the game.
5) What Matters More Than Position?
Payout rules (3:2 vs 6:5), dealer soft 17 rules, and playing clean strategy.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand table position, the next step is learning how to manage your bankroll properly—because bankroll mistakes are far more expensive than seat selection mistakes.
Continue with Bankroll Management Strategies for Blackjack Players.
