bankroll/spread/ill 18

[skunkfunk9]

HI,

I am fairly new to the blackjack world and would like to try to make a little cash playing. I recently purchased "Play blackjack like the pros" and feel very confident in my basic strategy. A local casino offers the following rules.

Double down on any first two cards
Double after split
Dealer stands on soft 17.

This seems like it would be a profitable game. The only downside is that the minimum bet is 5$ and i don't have the funds to play the 1-20 spread Kevin Blackwood recommends in his book. With a bankroll of only about $1000, what is a reasonable spread to play in this game that would still be profitable, or is it ridiculous to play a game like this with only $1000. What are the chances of my busting? Also I was wondering how significant it is to play a Hi-Lo count incorporating the illustrious 18. Is the profit significant? I find it much easier to just remember basic strategy. Any comments about anything here would be greatly appreciated.

Skunkfunk9

[zengrifter]

You can play with a 5-20 spread (which 1000 is still insufficient) PROVIDED that you "wong-in" only at TC of +1 and higher. zg

[Canceler]

Originally Posted by skunkfunk9

Also I was wondering how significant it is to play a Hi-Lo count incorporating the illustrious 18. Is the profit significant? I find it much easier to just remember basic strategy.

Seems like you're asking whether counting cards is worth doing, as opposed to just playing basic strategy. With card counting you have a chance to be a long-term winner. With just basic strategy, you don't.

[skunkfunk9]

Isn't it possible to be a long term winner using just basic strategy if you use a spread and raise your bets appropriately according to the count? I thought changes in strategy such as the 18 was just a way of increasing this already existing edge. I'm new to this so correct me if i'm wrong. sf

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by skunkfunk9

Isn't it possible to be a long term winner using just basic strategy if you use a spread and raise your bets appropriately according to the count? I thought changes in strategy such as the 18 was just a way of increasing this already existing edge. I'm new to this so correct me if i'm wrong. sf

You are correct. However if you are going to count and not learn the top20 departure indices, then there is a DIFFERENT BS that is already weighted for the count. zg

[skunkfunk9]

Thanks. I have another question. Are the strategic changes based on the TC consistent for the same counting method no matter what spread you use? For example, if I use a Hi-Lo count, will the changes in strategy be the same if I use a 1-12 spread, or a 5-20 spread, or do I need to adjust to the different spread? Is there any way to figure out the correct strategy changes? sf

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by skunkfunk9

For example, if I use a Hi-Lo count, will the changes in strategy be the same if I use a 1-12 spread, or a 5-20 spread, or do I need to adjust to the different spread?

The changes will be the same. There are risk-averse (RA) indices that vary based on your bet spread, but they are not worth the extra effort. Most players stick to one set of changes. You will only have to learn one set of changes that will work for any bet spread and any number of decks.

-Sonny-

[zengrifter]

No matter what spread. zg