What's the downside to counting.

[ThunderWalk]

I intend to become proficient in an easy counting system soon -- something like K-O. My question is:

You always hear about the success stories regarding counting systems, and how it's the best method to use; but what are the drawbacks to counting?

Off the top, I'm guessing the first issue is getting caught and banned from that particular casino. Secondly, I'd imagine the next problem might be (assuming you're already good at the system) a talkative dealer, or overly friendly players distracting you. Then, there's the too-fast dealer who picks up cards before you've made the count.

Anything else?

[scanner]

Probably the biggest downside is that you won't use the system 100% effectively and lose more money than you would have if you'd just been playing basic strategy, causing you to give up this goddamned rigged game where the casinos all cheat you, man.

[Automatic Monkey]

Ha ha no the downside is losing all your money! There is this thing called variance and every last one of us here has seen the ass end of it. I'll take getting thrown out of a casino over walking out under my own power because I have no bankroll left any day!

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by ThunderWalk

Off the top, I'm guessing the first issue is getting caught and banned from that particular casino.

That’s not a very big problem for most card counters. It’s pretty easy for most small-mid stakes players to stay under the radar if you know how to avoid the heat. And even if you do get backed off, you can just show up on a different shift and start playing again.

Originally Posted by ThunderWalk

Secondly, I'd imagine the next problem might be (assuming you're already good at the system) a talkative dealer, or overly friendly players distracting you. Then, there's the too-fast dealer who picks up cards before you've made the count.

All of those factors can be overcome with enough practice. Once you get the hang of card counting it will become instinctual. You will be able to do it in your sleep without even realizing it. You’ll be able to joke around with the dealer and other players without missing any cards.

In my opinion, the biggest downside of card counting is the variance! The bankroll swings will be very large and very frustrating (but also euphoric at times!). You will need a big bankroll and nerves of steel to survive some of the bad beats.

Probably the next biggest downside is finding a playable game. Most people do not have good games nearby so they must travel to get to them. Traveling costs money and also limits the amount of time you can spend playing. Unless you can find a way to turn an unplayable game into a playable one you will have to spend lots of time looking for a good game.

Blackjack is definitely not easy. It takes lots of practice and discipline, but it can also be very rewarding.

-Sonny-

[QFIT]

Originally Posted by Automatic Monkey

Ha ha no the downside is losing all your money! There is this thing called variance and every last one of us here has seen the ass end of it. I'll take getting thrown out of a casino over walking out under my own power because I have no bankroll left any day!

AM nailed the downside. The #2 problem is that you cannot be both a card counter and a gambler. Too many 'counters' lack the discipline and patience to stick to the game plan. The #3 problem is that most counters play a negative expectation game due to ignoring the rules or penetration, playing with too low a spread, using too much cover, inadequate practice or far too much risk.

[ScottH]

Originally Posted by ThunderWalk

I intend to become proficient in an easy counting system soon -- something like K-O. My question is:

You always hear about the success stories regarding counting systems, and how it's the best method to use; but what are the drawbacks to counting?

Off the top, I'm guessing the first issue is getting caught and banned from that particular casino. Secondly, I'd imagine the next problem might be (assuming you're already good at the system) a talkative dealer, or overly friendly players distracting you. Then, there's the too-fast dealer who picks up cards before you've made the count.

Anything else?

The downside is variance. You can easily lose a lot more in one session than you would by not counting, and that is because you will be raising your bets and can lose due to bad luck. But on the other hand you can win a lot more than you would not counting. Just make sure you have a decent size bankroll or you may find yourself busting out and thinking that counting doesnt work.

[NDN21]

Don't forget all the practice time you absolutely need to have in order to even begin to play effectively.

I have heard of many people trying to learn to count in two/three weeks, just in time for their big Vegas trip. But it's not really possible to learn to count cards and hope to apply what you have learned in an efficient and effective manner in such a short timeframe.

[sagefr0g]

Originally Posted by Sonny

All of those factors can be overcome with enough practice. Once you get the hang of card counting it will become instinctual. You will be able to do it in your sleep without even realizing it. You’ll be able to joke around with the dealer and other players without missing any cards.
-Sonny-

excepting for us folks that can't chew gum and walk at the same time.
for us it's a total concentration deal, no joking and talking or the count goes out the window
i can interject a little superlative act in short spurts but for the most part i got stay focused and quite.
at least that's how it is for me after about a year of giving it a serious effort.

[jomoats]

Originally Posted by ThunderWalk

I intend to become proficient in an easy counting system soon -- something like K-O. My question is:

You always hear about the success stories regarding counting systems, and how it's the best method to use; but what are the drawbacks to counting?

Off the top, I'm guessing the first issue is getting caught and banned from that particular casino. Secondly, I'd imagine the next problem might be (assuming you're already good at the system) a talkative dealer, or overly friendly players distracting you. Then, there's the too-fast dealer who picks up cards before you've made the count.

Anything else?

What's hidden behind the cut card can give you misinformation on the count.
When you arrive at the cut card and your balanced count isn't balanced you know the information you've been betting on wasn't correct.

Being barred from a casino is no small matter. You then have their attention no matter what you do, even playing other games.