[VLM]

Three players off the same deck is not unheard of, I suppose it depends on state regulators and casino policy.

I agree theres no direct me vs you money transfer but plenty of "we're all gonna start with $500 and whoever has more at the end of the night is the winner".

Although I would agree with you in spirit, if you want to feel like you're playing poker, theres no point in simulating it poorly with blackjack unless theres extenuating circumstances (one of your buddies is nuts for the game, or thinks he's gods gift to the card counting art, etc)

[jknightco]

It doesn't matter how many people are playing off the same deck, you're only playing against the dealer, and they're following protocol. When its your turn, its you vs. the state of the game.

You can add rules on top of a game all you want (e.g. we're all gonna start...) but that doesn't change the actual game that's being played.