Maximizing your edge (what little you have)

[Alythezon]

ok i go to the local cas as you all know.... anyway. There are 3 games types. 2-3 dollar min 50 max with 8 decks, dealer hits on soft 17, you can double after split, uhh black jack pays 3 to 2. Then there is the 5 dollar min with 100 max it is a 6 deck game same rules as above. Also there is the 10 dollar min with 200 max i think with only 4 decks. Know to play to my edge would it be more worth while for me to work up a bank roll, work on cardcounting and perfect everything and just bide my time and play at the highest table so i can maximize my edge because there is only 4 decks or play at the 8 deck game for lower stakes and wong it more.
I am indifferent to the money and i can usually hold the count and go thorugh a deck without mistakes in 40 seconds. I know BS well for the most part. I am just looking for advice. I think i have answered the question for myself but i am just looking for advice for those older and wiser than myself...

So it seems as i should wait because a 4 deck game should work to my advantage more than anything and i could probably wong in if I really want and no one will care. And during that time i can hone my skills and try to become the most proficient i can.
Also if i play and am waiting and say the TC goes to like -3 should i just get up and leave the table and come back in the next shoe? As to not waste my time on a - deck?

[ChefJJ]

All things being equal, less decks should yield a better game. If the rules are the same, you should take stock of how deep the penetration is into the shoes. Look into that a little more and let us know.

good luck

[shadroch]

Okay,we are stipulating that you are a long way from being capable of playing at an advantage. Yes?
For a non-counter,the fewer the decks,the slower you'll lose your money.Not only is the house edge slightly lower with less decks,but you'll have more shuffle breaks.You can't lose when the house is shuffling.
There are many ways to opt out of a negative deck.
Take a bathroom break,hit the ringer on your phone and excuse yourself while you take an important phone call,step away from the table to smoke a cigarette,get upset that someone screwed up The Sacred Flow of The Cards and you have to sit out a hand or two to restore The Balance.What you want is to sit out a few hands until the count swings back in your favor,not necessarily sit out the rest of the shoe.

[Alythezon]

yes i would agree, im long from perfected but im avidly working on it and noticing gains day by day. I think im going to stay away from the casino and maybe go up not play and just practice counting or sit at a 2 dollar table and just focus on improving my game. Ill take 1 month and hone skills and we can see where i am at i guess. I dont know i guess we can see where i go.

[Sonny]

The 4D game is not necessarily better than the other shoe games. You don’t mention the penetration, which is the most important factor and should be the first thing you look at. An 8D game with 2 decks cut off is playable but a 4D game with 2 cut off is probably worthless. Also, heat is another consideration. The 4D game is probably watched more closely than the 8D game. Then again, I would imagine that the whole casino is probably pretty sweaty since they only have $50/$100/$200 table maximums. Also, the 6D and 8D games will require Wonging while the 4D game might be playable just by spreading.

There are a lot of factors to look at. Your choice of playing strategy and betting strategy will have a big impact on which game is better for you. Game selection is probably one of the most important skills that a winning player must have. By the time you’re ready to hit the casino you will know which game is better and why. Then you will be ready to make a game plan.

-Sonny-