Seat position and more

[Alythezon]

Does it really make a difference at all where you choose to sit in a game? i see people mentioning how they like third or first base but why? Is it because at first you can play and your hand really isnt affected by anyone elses? and for third base is it better because you get to see more cards before you act? Is it all preference? just wondering

Also im playing lower stakes at the casino i play at (for fun and because i dont have a ton of money) i was wondering if i should just back count more and wait till a game gets hot rather than just sitting and playing BS for a couple of shoes before the deck starts to warm up? I dont think i will generate that much heat because they are not to wise at the casino.

Also would it be even worth it to make a team at lower limits or just hone my skills as much as i can and work as an individual because at lower limits woudl it even be worth my time?

I know this is a repeat question and you might not want to answer it but ill ask because i am somewhat lazy right now. How big of a bankroll should you have to start? and how much should you first sit down with at the table?

[rukus]

Originally Posted by Alythezon

Does it really make a difference at all where you choose to sit in a game? i see people mentioning how they like third or first base but why? Is it because at first you can play and your hand really isnt affected by anyone elses? and for third base is it better because you get to see more cards before you act? Is it all preference? just wondering

there's no difference in where you sit in the long run really, however if you play 1D, sitting at 3rd base essentially gives you the opportunity to see more cards before making your decisions, though this addtional advantage is still nothing to write home about. it just comes down to preference. some sit at 3rd to give them more time to count the cards on the table before acting on their hand.

Originally Posted by Alythezon

Also im playing lower stakes at the casino i play at (for fun and because i dont have a ton of money) i was wondering if i should just back count more and wait till a game gets hot rather than just sitting and playing BS for a couple of shoes before the deck starts to warm up? I dont think i will generate that much heat because they are not to wise at the casino.

yes, definitely do this. it is called "wonging in". a quick search on these boards will give you more ideas on how to do it, when to do it, how much to bet, etc.

Originally Posted by Alythezon

Also would it be even worth it to make a team at lower limits or just hone my skills as much as i can and work as an individual because at lower limits woudl it even be worth my time?

this question is starting to come up often these days (hmm, wonder why?). dont even think about the concept of team play until you can succeed as a single player. ill repeat for those of you just getting into this "counting" thing - do not worry about team play.

Originally Posted by Alythezon

I know this is a repeat question and you might not want to answer it but ill ask because i am somewhat lazy right now. How big of a bankroll should you have to start? and how much should you first sit down with at the table?

i'm somewhat lazy too - without any information on the rules of the game you would be playing, no one can answer this question. i just wont.

[QFIT]

Just answered the seat position question in another thread:

Third base is better in pitch games. See http://www.blackjackincolor.com/penetration10.htm

[RenoRenagade]

Originally Posted by Alythezon

Does it really make a difference at all where you choose to sit in a game? i see people mentioning how they like third or first base but why? Is it because at first you can play and your hand really isnt affected by anyone elses? and for third base is it better because you get to see more cards before you act? Is it all preference? just wondering

Also im playing lower stakes at the casino i play at (for fun and because i dont have a ton of money) i was wondering if i should just back count more and wait till a game gets hot rather than just sitting and playing BS for a couple of shoes before the deck starts to warm up? I dont think i will generate that much heat because they are not to wise at the casino.

Also would it be even worth it to make a team at lower limits or just hone my skills as much as i can and work as an individual because at lower limits woudl it even be worth my time?

I know this is a repeat question and you might not want to answer it but ill ask because i am somewhat lazy right now. How big of a bankroll should you have to start? and how much should you first sit down with at the table?

well I sit at what would be short stop cuz most counters are known for sitting in 3rd base . So one off 3rd base.

I play lower stakes as well... is your low 2$,3$ or 5$ ? I play 2-3$ mainly and use a 1-5 spread on the 2$ and 1-4 on the 3$ and so far its worked for me. You just play BS till the count is good and increase your bet, get a big hand and walk away and move on to another casino . Even though you dont have much to fear playing the low ball tables its still better to be safe than sorry.I prefer playing BS till I can get my money in at a good spot over wonging it since you are playing lower stakes on bigger stakes I would wong it.

teams are not easy to pull off these days so i would get together a group of players to help each other out and to scout for places to play that have good pen and take turns hitting them in a rotation.

and you bankroll is based on what you got and how much you are able to lose.

[shadroch]

Here is why I prefer first base.
I'm a very big guy,6'3 350 pounds(give or take a few). The middle positions are much too tight for me. I like to sit in the far chair but play the second position,leaving the first so I can occasionally spread to two hands. It also puts me in a better position to chat with the pitboss when he's there.This is a learned skill. First base also lets you capitaize on sloppy dealers in hand dealt games.I think I can make bigger speads sitting at first than if I was at third.

[ChefJJ]

Originally Posted by shadroch

I think I can make bigger speads sitting at first than if I was at third.

Interesting...why is that though?

Thanks in advance.

[shadroch]

I suspect the pit pays much more attention to third base,as everyone KNOWS thats where card counters sit.Hence,first base gets less attention. But thats just my perception.Perhaps I'd get away with the same spreads at third base,but I'm in no hurry to find out.

[EasyRhino]

Little mathematical difference, except for "depth charging" single deck games.

But there are some intangibles:
- Usually easier to see the entire layout without turning your head from first or third
- Easier to chat up pit boss from first or third
- Harder to see pit area behind you from first or third.
- More likely to have an open spot next to you from a middle-ish position
- Less ploppy heat at anywhere but third
- Further towards the players' left (like third base) will give you more time to make your play decision if you're struggling with counting and playing at the same time

[QFIT]

Originally Posted by shadroch

I suspect the pit pays much more attention to third base,as everyone KNOWS thats where card counters sit.Hence,first base gets less attention. But thats just my perception.Perhaps I'd get away with the same spreads at third base,but I'm in no hurry to find out.

Not sure about that. Remember, for 30 years books have said that 3rd base is best. For 30 years, many counters have avoided third base. I know that PB's are slow. But, after 30 years -- it's possible that they have figured it out that many counters don't sit at third base.

[shadroch]

Originally Posted by QFIT

Not sure about that. Remember, for 30 years books have said that 3rd base is best. For 30 years, many counters have avoided third base. I know that PB's are slow. But, after 30 years -- it's possible that they have figured it out that many counters don't sit at third base.

Hence,my hedging.What I do know is that pit guys tend to be a lot friendlier talking to me at first base than to third. Besides,anyone who is still a pitboss after doing it for thirty years is pretty slow.