Tried to count 1st time

rennyboy

Active Member
#1
I went to AC yesterday with the intention of trying to at least keep pace with the count. I practiced for a few weeks at home and didn't know if I would be able to do it. Man do I need more months of practice!! I was totally lost trying to keep the count and deciding what I needed to do with my cards, etc. I didn't have the full expectation of being able to count, it is too soon, but I had the urge to play. I played for 1 and a 1/2 hours, 2 hands, $25 each and was up $500 playing BS and took off. So it wasn't a waste. When I got home, in the mail was the Casino Verite software I ordered and I will be installing that today and practicing daily. Thanks for all the help,opinions and posts so far. I know I will be able to get it, but I like things done yesterday so I need to just relax and practice. I also got the KO book yesterday and I am waiting on the Blackjack Bluebook II.
 

rennyboy

Active Member
#3
Yes, but I still have to think about a few hands, like soft 12-15 doubling, and 4-4 gives me trouble, that's it. So not 100% BS but close
 
#4
rennyboy said:
Yes, but I still have to think about a few hands, like soft 12-15 doubling, and 4-4 gives me trouble, that's it. So not 100% BS but close
Yeah, the soft doubles are always confusing. They change significantly between S17 and H17 games, and even the uncommon rule where you can double on 3 or more cards changes BS for doubling.

At least on double and split plays you are expected to hesitate for a bit, so it's no big deal if you have to take a few seconds to remember what you're supposed to do.
 

moo321

Well-Known Member
#5
Work on basic strategy first. That's got to be an autonomic nervous system response if you're going to keep up with a fast dealer.
 

EasyRhino

Well-Known Member
#7
I found it took me several "tries" before I could count even minimally proficiently. It was an interative cycle. Practice at home, go to casino, fail, go back home and practice, later rinse repeat.

Backcounting at the casino is a cheaper way to experiment with it.
 

aslan

Well-Known Member
#8
Automatic Monkey said:
Yeah, the soft doubles are always confusing. They change significantly between S17 and H17 games, and even the uncommon rule where you can double on 3 or more cards changes BS for doubling.

At least on double and split plays you are expected to hesitate for a bit, so it's no big deal if you have to take a few seconds to remember what you're supposed to do.
Plus, in AC all the games are pretty much the same.
 

aslan

Well-Known Member
#9
moo321 said:
Work on basic strategy first. That's got to be an autonomic nervous system response if you're going to keep up with a fast dealer.
I'm new, too, and find that I must have plenty of rest between sessions to keep up with a fast dealer. But you will get to like the challenge of a fast dealer once you get the count ingrained in you and are well-rested. And it is better for you, if you think about it. The longer you play...
 

aslan

Well-Known Member
#10
moo321 said:
Work on basic strategy first. That's got to be an autonomic nervous system response if you're going to keep up with a fast dealer.
And don't be afraid to take control of the pace. Just stop and think or consult your card no matter how the dealer pressures you to keep up with him. He shines with management if he deals more hands per hour, but that is not your concern. You shine if you can get through a shoe without losing the count or making a single BS mistake. It takes confidence to take control of the pace, but that's all it takes. I chide the dealer if need be, "You don't have any money in the game, but I do." Then I take as long as I please.
 

shadroch

Well-Known Member
#11
when playing with a fast dealer,make him play at your pace. If he is scooping up the cards too fast,ask him to show you the cards from the last hand.When he goes to scoop the cards,tell him to wait. Make him play at your pace,it's your money,not his.
 
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