Dear Mr. Tamburin,

Many thanks for your helpful reply which clarifies the issue regarding penetration. On randomness in dealing, you said it is "supposed" to be random. But how can we be reasonably sure. In casinos, we can see the shuffling, the cut and the deal. But in internet gambling, it is possible that it is programed like the games machines. If it is programed, it still has some randomness in the short run, but you are certain to lose some percentage in the long run irrespective of your strategy. Is there any industrial watchdog to ensure true randomness? You are perfectly right that if it is programed, not many people want to play blackjack which is a good game precisely because it allows for the fruitful use of strategies. I like playing BJ but hesitate to do so because of no assurance of true randomness. I think the industry should clarify and ensure this. This would attract many more players like me. Your response will be appreciated.

Though I have long known the mandate of Heaven, I still have illusions (?)?

With best wishes from Prof. Yew-Kwang Ng

Dear Prof. Yew-Kwang Ng

I do not have the time to study all the internet sites to determine whether they are programmed to deal the cards randomly. There are colleagues of mine that do it. I would suggest you check out these two web sites: www.thewizardofodds.com and www.gamemasteronline.com

Another good source is Bill Haywood's book, BeatWebCasinos.Com.

Regards, Henry Tamburin