Newsweek Article

[MartyAce]

http://www.newsweek.com/id/130307?GT1=43002

I found this article not too long ago and thought a few people would be interested in reading it. There are some fallacies in it as well as over exaggerations. Interesting read though.

[ChefJJ]

What kind of fallacies do you mean? Considering it is a "mainstream" article, I thought it was a realistic perception of implications from the glamorization of card counting from both sides of the line...player and casino.

On another note, Swartz' book "Roll the Bones" is a very interesting history of gambling...really long, but very thorough.

[zengrifter]

Originally Posted by MartyAce

http://www.newsweek.com/id/130307?GT1=43002

I found this article not too long ago and thought a few people would be interested in reading it. There are some fallacies in it as well as over exaggerations. Interesting read though.

Tell us what the fallacies are. zg

[MartyAce]

"It perpetuates the myth that blackjack is beatable"

What myth are they referring to? Blackjack IS a beatable game. The properly trained counter who prepares on a regular basis as well as has experience and is properly bankrolled can beat the game.

I think the article is a little harsh saying card counting is too hard and takes "unshakable" concentration. I agree the article is well written. The information however that talks about the movie I think is important for people looking to learn to count as well as people just starting. Especially, about how in the movie it seemed like they won every time they played.

[GeorgeD]

Originally Posted by MartyAce

"It perpetuates the myth that blackjack is beatable"

What myth are they referring to? Blackjack IS a beatable game. The properly trained counter who prepares on a regular basis as well as has experience and is properly bankrolled can beat the game.

I think the article is a little harsh saying card counting is too hard and takes "unshakable" concentration. I agree the article is well written. The information however that talks about the movie I think is important for people looking to learn to count as well as people just starting. Especially, about how in the movie it seemed like they won every time they played.

Yea, the "unshakable concentration" thing may be harsh, but it makes the point that it takes a lot of effort and practice. That's probably good to discourage kids who think they can learn in a couple of weeks and go to the casino with $200 and make a fortune. Also refers to how it can be a grind, but saying that seasoned counters can earn up to $230,000 per year without saying the kind of bankroll one needs is a bit misleading.

Overall it will probably lead some people into trying to count befoe they drop their bankroll at the casino. Some others it will scare away.

BTW: anyone here make $230K on average?