Is this useful practice for a beginner?

[Lonesome Gambler]

I suppose I should not just ask if it's "useful" but if it's "worth" the usefulness. There's a bar downtown that offers a blackjack game, which I've always thought was odd because I was aware of an actual cash buy-in. I decided to finally go scope it out, thinking that maybe they used some sort of loophole to trade units for drinks (a la bar-Texas hold 'em), but there is absolutely no prize whatsoever.

I immediately forgot about the game but recently had the idea to go and play for a while just to practice. My reasoning: loud, smoky, distracting environment; actual dealer (I'm pretty sure this guy is an ex-croupier); drunk players spilling drinks on the table, and so on. The game somewhat realistically simulates casino play (5-deck shoe, 80%, S17, DAS, RSA). The question now is this: if $10 buys you 6000 "points" and there's a 100-point minimum, would this game be playable on occasion simply for practice purposes?

I only played for a few minutes because last call was coming up, but I found it to be good for testing my focus. If you were an absolute beginner that wasn't ready to throw down on the $25 min 8-deckers at the local joint, would you find it justifiable to blow a couple of bucks on this game?

Side note: I'm up 3 units...

[Tarzan]

This sounds like something you could do for fun but as far as it actually helping your game there are other things, such as buying up a few books, some decks of cards, some pencils and paper, memorize a basic stategy chart, etc. and "going to town" with it all in preparation. I must admit that this has it's merits in learning to play proficiently while someone blasted drunk with an overwhelming stench of vodka on their breath is talking at you VERY LOUD... can you keep count as he is obviously about to puke all over your shoes???Hmmm...

Seriously though... for $10 and playing for fun like that can't hurt and will only help your game and gain you experience playing without risking large amounts of money to get casino experience under your belt.

[standard toaster]

Well of course it would be if its actual cash you can def play it as a real game.. which it is... which is most likely illegal mind you. The point system really might mess with your mind for your beting structure but if you figure it out it should be worth your time. The rules dont seem bad either unless they pay 6 to 5 or some other terrible rule. Whats the max? You might be able to even make some money during your practice.

[Lonesome Gambler]

See, the thing is, they don't pay out in money at all. Strictly entertainment. So you can buy in for $10 and keep a running total of points for the next time you're in. For example, last week I bought $10 in chips (6000 points) and left with a voucher for 6300 points (63 units). The chips and denominations are normal, and the rules are normal (3:2, etc.). The main benefit I see from this is getting down the playing under distractions while holding a conversation, as well as playing with a dealer that deals professionally and at full speed. At earlier hours, there's plenty of opportunity to play head to head, but the table fills up pretty quick toward midnight.

As for other practice, my regimen usually consists of lots and lots of reading, counting down decks in ones, twos, and threes (around 25-30 seconds for each), playing BS drills on my phone, and playing home games. My friends and I have built a table, complete with cupholders, a shoe, discard, chips, and the whole lot. In fact, we're about to start a $0.25 min game in a couple of minutes. I'm the house...

On a similar note, a friend of a friend claims to be a good counter and says he makes good money gambling. Primary game: roulette! I'm offering him a game at my house with 6 decks, 80%, all good rules and surrender. I need the cash!

[Kasi]

Originally Posted by Lonesome Gambler

if $10 buys you 6000 "points" and there's a 100-point minimum, would this game be playable on occasion simply for practice purposes?

Seriously, a 60 unit roll for $10?

Why the heck not, lol.

Worst case, a year or 2 later, I'm out $10. Best case, I'm still out $10 but it's years and years later.

Play BJ for 5 extra cents an hour when I'm out drinking anyway?

I'd pay my wife to go play there and flat bet 100 units while I stay home enjoying a few hours of blissful silence

That's what I call ENTERTAINMENT

[standard toaster]

Originally Posted by Kasi

Seriously, a 60 unit roll for $10?

Why the heck not, lol.

Worst case, a year or 2 later, I'm out $10. Best case, I'm still out $10 but it's years and years later.

Play BJ for 5 extra cents an hour when I'm out drinking anyway?

I'd pay my wife to go play there and flat bet 100 units while I stay home enjoying a few hours of blissful silence

That's what I call ENTERTAINMENT

stereostype crash...3...2...

?ou want to send your wife out to play blackjack and drink while you stay home for silence????

[standard toaster]

Originally Posted by Lonesome Gambler

See, the thing is, they don't pay out in money at all. Strictly entertainment. So you can buy in for $10 and keep a running total of points for the next time you're in. For example, last week I bought $10 in chips (6000 points) and left with a voucher for 6300 points (63 units). The chips and denominations are normal, and the rules are normal (3:2, etc.). The main benefit I see from this is getting down the playing under distractions while holding a conversation, as well as playing with a dealer that deals professionally and at full speed. At earlier hours, there's plenty of opportunity to play head to head, but the table fills up pretty quick toward midnight.

As for other practice, my regimen usually consists of lots and lots of reading, counting down decks in ones, twos, and threes (around 25-30 seconds for each), playing BS drills on my phone, and playing home games. My friends and I have built a table, complete with cupholders, a shoe, discard, chips, and the whole lot. In fact, we're about to start a $0.25 min game in a couple of minutes. I'm the house...

On a similar note, a friend of a friend claims to be a good counter and says he makes good money gambling. Primary game: roulette! I'm offering him a game at my house with 6 decks, 80%, all good rules and surrender. I need the cash!

Ohhh i see i didnt realize you were not getting anything back. So yeah it would be a perfect game for practice. Buy in for 30 bucks and you would have a realistic bankroll size. I guess it could be a slower more entertaining version of live casino verite

[nottooshabby]

I really don't see any downside in anything that could pass for what I would consider "live practice", especially if it's only a $10 investment . . . unless it were your last $10!

[Kasi]

Originally Posted by standard toaster

stereostype crash...3...2...

?ou want to send your wife out to play blackjack and drink while you stay home for silence????

I have no idea why I said that lol. On the other hand, I'm sending her to Puert Rico for a week this Sat to golf, gamble drink and swim. With her girlfriends. Allegedly lol.

That's a whole week of silence lol.

God, I'll miss her and suffer like a pig the whole drive back home.

Open house begins Sat morning

Seriously, I was wondering if something like this would be legal in bars? It doesn't sound like gambling - maybe more like paying for a service?

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by Kasi

I have no idea why I said that lol.

It reminded me - of what is the best part of a bl*wjob AFTER you are married - THE FIVE MINUTES OF SILENCE! zg