Strong player rules

Look for 3:2 blackjack, S17, double after split, late surrender, and deep penetration. Avoid 6:5 games unless there is a very specific reason to practice only.

Counting conditions

Penetration controls how much of the shoe is seen before shuffle. Heat controls whether the casino tolerates a practical spread. Both affect real-world EV.

Game selection

A strong table must also fit the bankroll. A good $100 minimum game can be worse for a small bankroll than a lower-edge $25 table with playable conditions.