Is counting fun?

[techster]

Several recent posts from non-counters suggest one reason they don't count is because they just want to have fun. That's ok for them, but to me the counting part is what makes blackjack fun. Many people I know either flat bet while playing hours on end (yawn!), or raise and lower their bets based on hunches (dangerous!) I like counting for the same reason I like driving a sports car with a standard rather than automatic transmission--I feel like I am in control and THAT is fun!

[sagefr0g]

Originally Posted by techster

Several recent posts from non-counters suggest one reason they don't count is because they just want to have fun. That's ok for them, but to me the counting part is what makes blackjack fun. Many people I know either flat bet while playing hours on end (yawn!), or raise and lower their bets based on hunches (dangerous!) I like counting for the same reason I like driving a sports car with a standard rather than automatic transmission--I feel like I am in control and THAT is fun!

this is an interesting question to me. from my perspective counting is fun when you get lots of juicy counts and your positve expectation is realized.
the flip side is when you have long stretchs of poor counts and negative fluctuation results for the decent advantage situations that present.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by techster

Several recent posts from non-counters suggest one reason they don't count is because they just want to have fun. That's ok for them, but to me the counting part is what makes blackjack fun.

I feel the same way, but I can easily understand why most people have more fun without counting.

The main problem is that learning to be a good counter takes study and practice. Most people don’t find that to be fun. Memorizing basic strategy is a chore. Practicing until you are faster than any casino dealer you might find is long, repetitive work. Sure, the playing part is lots of fun, especially when you are winning. It really makes you feel confident and the money can be quite rewarding. But all that time spent reading, practicing, crunching numbers just isn’t fun for most people.

Also, the excitement from gambling is often due to the uncertainty of the game. Non-counters get a rush from suddenly throwing out a big bet or doubling-up several times without knowing what is going to happen. They see streaks or patterns and jump on board. They are full of hope and optimism. When they win, they actually feel as though they beat the odds and made a smart decision. Sometimes they even think that they were able to predict it! Basically, it makes them feel the way we feel all the time except without all the boring work.

-Sonny-

[EasyRhino]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Basically, it makes them feel the way we feel all the time except without all the boring work.

Or there's guys like me, who as the max bet is out, and then the hand starts splitting and doubling, realizes that there is only a tiny to be had, and starts girding himself for the seemingly inevitable bankroll trainwreck that is approaching.

But then again, I'm a naturally optimistic sort.

[QFIT]

Is Chess, Bridge, Gin Rummy or Tennis, Handball, Golf fun? Anybody can learn the rules and play these games/sports. But, you are going to lose if you do not play to win. That means training, discipline, effort. BJ is the same. When you play Bridge, Rummy, Stud Poker, you haven't a chance unless you pay attention to the cards that you have seen. You simply are not playing correctly if you ignore the cards as they pass by. The same is true with BJ. If you ignore the cards that you see; you aren't playing correctly. There is nothing magical about card counting. It is simply the correct way to play BJ. If you aren't going to play correctly, why play at all?

At least that's the way I look at it.

[shadroch]

I enjoy standing on the line to cash in my chips more than the line at the ATM machine,so to me,counting is fun.

[Mimosine]

i enjoy sitting at a table, knowing that the count is rising and that strange and exciting things are about to happen to my bankroll.

[ScottH]

Originally Posted by techster

Several recent posts from non-counters suggest one reason they don't count is because they just want to have fun. That's ok for them, but to me the counting part is what makes blackjack fun. Many people I know either flat bet while playing hours on end (yawn!), or raise and lower their bets based on hunches (dangerous!) I like counting for the same reason I like driving a sports car with a standard rather than automatic transmission--I feel like I am in control and THAT is fun!

Counting is kind of fun at first, but it will lose it's attraction after a while and will get boring. It might stay fun for some poeple forever, but for me it's not really that fun anymore. It's still a little fun, certainly more fun than working!

[Cardcounter]

Is card counting fun? Only when you are winning, when you are losing it sucks big time. Winning money is a lot a fun especially when the other players at the table are thrilled at breaking even! When a card counter breaks even he just had a medorcore session. Plus getting comped is a lot fun as well.