Quote:
Originally Posted by Fore
Since we don't live (usually) in this magical RFID insta count world for cash games, what has changed such that stack estimation is no longer a game skill?
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IMO, there is actually less need for a count now than in the past. In the past, cash played and getting an estimate of that was FAR more difficult. So if the dealer could not assist then when it was more difficult, why should he assist now that is it easier for the player to do it himself?
What has changed is (sorry for repeating myself) that we now want a game that is friendly and inviting to new players and recs, rather than a rough and tumble, anything goes, every man for himself game like existed when these rules first were written down and reflected the game as it was being played.
It is true that as you get better, you also get better at estimating stack sizes. It is true that as you get better you need to ask for a stack count less and less. That doesn't mean we should tell new players they are on their own, especially since they have alternatives (online) that give them that info.
I do agree that cash playing added a different wrinkle which also made it more important to be able to ask for a count of bills. I just don't agree that now that they are (mostly) gone, there is no longer a net benefit to this rule change. Obviously, not everyone agrees.