You can learn a basic card counting technique with 7,8,9 neutral... 2-6 as +1... and tens and aces as -1... in a fairly small number of hours if intelligent enough, which you are, you need perfect basic strategy along with it, then add refinements like standing on 16 against 10 with +count.
Nobody can count perfectly and add every possible refinement to BS adjusted to count. Only a computer can eke out every last bit of expectation.
Nobody can count perfectly and add every possible refinement to BS adjusted to count. Only a computer can eke out every last bit of expectation.
Labeeb said:
Agree, but one can develop a winning game without extreme effort, you just can't play it the way required for long. For example about a 3-1 bet spread is the most you can hope to attempt, if I could bet $25, then $500, it would be cake, but you can't do that.
You can still have fun with it.
I don't know. Counting in the casino environment is challenging. At least it was for me, especially at the rate of speed some games are dealt. I don't know if a 1-3 spead would prove beneficial enough to warrant the work. 1-5 could, 1-10 would be ideal. 1-20 is out of the question now a days. I've been able to pull off 1-10 betting greens in Vegas and AC. But they don't care about that kind of action.
I don't play BJ anymore. I tried once with a tablefull of friends at a bachelor party this past summer. I only lasted about 20 minutes. It's only craps and baccarat for me now.
I don't play BJ anymore. I tried once with a tablefull of friends at a bachelor party this past summer. I only lasted about 20 minutes. It's only craps and baccarat for me now.
You must have basic strategy adjustments based on count memorized in order to be successful in counting now. gamemasteronline.com has the most important ones, I could also give em to you if you wanted.
I use the Hi-Opt I with a side count of aces, the best count system in terms of usability and accuracy, even without side counting aces. With this and proper spreading, leaving on bad counts, starting shoe when alot of smalls on felt, & some other lil tricks, you should be able to expect +1-2 top bets per hour.
So if your a $10-$80 player, expect $80-$160 an hour if you've done everything right. But most likely you'll either have a huge win or huge loss for the day which balances out in your favor in the long run. Definately too stressing to expect sole income from this but I look at it like a profitable hobby, and I get great comps as well to boot! Been doing this about 4 years but only did my learning during my 1st year, from there it's just a matter of speed & repetition which gets better quicker than you probably think.
I use the Hi-Opt I with a side count of aces, the best count system in terms of usability and accuracy, even without side counting aces. With this and proper spreading, leaving on bad counts, starting shoe when alot of smalls on felt, & some other lil tricks, you should be able to expect +1-2 top bets per hour.
So if your a $10-$80 player, expect $80-$160 an hour if you've done everything right. But most likely you'll either have a huge win or huge loss for the day which balances out in your favor in the long run. Definately too stressing to expect sole income from this but I look at it like a profitable hobby, and I get great comps as well to boot! Been doing this about 4 years but only did my learning during my 1st year, from there it's just a matter of speed & repetition which gets better quicker than you probably think.
What helps to learn is a slow dealer, as is found at places like Western, El Cortez. etc. a 1-3 spread should be slightly profitable, a real top shelf counter can win with flat bets and favorable rules, but not much, more of a theoretical thing, it requires extreme modifications to strategy and great memory nearing a computer's abilities.
The lower the limits the easier to win, you might get away with $2-20, but not $25-250 unless continuous shufflers are involved, then it has no value.
The lower the limits the easier to win, you might get away with $2-20, but not $25-250 unless continuous shufflers are involved, then it has no value.
It doesn't take that long. First I practiced on my own and then it probably took about 3 months of casino visits to get it down well.
Even if it seems like you do not make much from it at first, remember it's a long term gain that takes many hours for even the smallest profit. Keep your stakes low at first while you learn and enjoy small comps along the way as well.
Even if it seems like you do not make much from it at first, remember it's a long term gain that takes many hours for even the smallest profit. Keep your stakes low at first while you learn and enjoy small comps along the way as well.
There is a better game than blackjack. The edge is about twice that of card counting, with about one twentieth the effort.
Sorry about the secretive mode but those who want more info will have to vist the reenergized learn21 site. We're just getting that site back up so bear with us and please forgive me for shilling. If this post is placed in a more appropriate shilling site, so be it. Always the best. Further interest contact me via email from learn21.com
Sorry about the secretive mode but those who want more info will have to vist the reenergized learn21 site. We're just getting that site back up so bear with us and please forgive me for shilling. If this post is placed in a more appropriate shilling site, so be it. Always the best. Further interest contact me via email from learn21.com
Quantum -- Terrific to hear from. I'm in the same frame of mind as when we last met, except I am going to actually put in a bit of effort to reenergize the learn21 site. Information this valuable cannot be posted willy nilly. I am considering how best to get the valuable info to those who are committed to putting it to good use, i.e. winning chips on a consistant basis. I have to also consider that casino personal will be looking at these posts. The seminar I taught on blackjack, Blackjack Without Tears, introducing the Signature Card Method, was only allowed to those who signed an affidavit declaring they were not involved as a casino employee or consultant. I may have to do someting along these lines. Possibly a referral only basis. Any suggestions are welcome.
Meanwhile the casinos are vulnerable. They are not protecting their games as they should. They are allowing this terrific single digit percent edge to those who know.
Best,
Meanwhile the casinos are vulnerable. They are not protecting their games as they should. They are allowing this terrific single digit percent edge to those who know.
Best,
Under ideal rules you can expect to get about 1/2 percent edge counting perfectly. You will need to spread at least 10 times your bet on good counts to gain this edge.
It would be far easier to comp hustle then to try counting in today's game. You really need 1000's of hours of playing to perfect even a simple count strategy.
It would be far easier to comp hustle then to try counting in today's game. You really need 1000's of hours of playing to perfect even a simple count strategy.
