Hi , about 5 weeks ago i found this site and i have been reading the posts which i found (many of them) very interesting and insightful. Since english is not my mother language, forgive me when i make mistakes (but i'll try my best). I was introduced to blackjack around 1995, and since then i developed a fascination for the game. I read several books (about 25) and i really enjoyed every single one, even though in many cases i didn't fully took advantage of all the insights i could get from the books since i never learned to count cards due to lack of time. I tried to learn the hi-low system a few years ago, but something always interrupted my practice sessions and then i would never go back to practice. (perhaps i wasn't determined enough to learn it) Despite of i know that card counting is the only way to beat the game, i've been only playing perfect basic strategy shoe games (6-8 decks) since 95' . I can say that i lost more than i won but believe it or not... i t is not that much. Besides, the comps i think make up for some losses. I would appreciate your comments on this part. I think i've been somehow "lucky' (that's all i guess it could be), i can play for hours in most cases 6,8,10,12 hours... and (my record was 26 hours) ..many many times break even or sometimes lose not too much money($100 or so considering i play the $15 and $25 table)... or end up with some winnings. Some times i go to the casinos with friends who also play BS but for some reason most of the time i'm the only one who last at the tables...(others mainly go broke)and when i see that happen i have to leave because most of the time when i played "heads on" with the dealer i lost. I know this is just "the fluctuations" are "being nice to me"...RIGHT??????. I have decided to learn the KnockOut system. I feel ready to learn to count cards,why?..i play BJ very fast, i hit when i have to hit...i stand when i have to stand...i play like a robot..NO EMOTIONS ( except when i win a lucky big bet) I feel is time to go to the next step. Now i have the time and determination to do it. I found out that my brother has casinoVerite (he said he used it only 2 times and has no time to use it)) so he is going to let me practice .Thank you in advance for reading my post, i hope nobody felt to sleep while reading