2009 year in review
- Thread starter kewljason
- Start date
30 years of play! Is that 30 years of playing with an advantage or did you have some years of ploppie play before you "saw the light"?
Actually this is a question for all you guys that have been playing a while. Did you learn blackjack as a result of learning to count or where you already a BJ player (ploppie) and then learned about counting?
I learned about counting at the same time I learned how to play blackjack and tried to play at an advantage from day 1. Looking back I don't know how much of an advantage I actually had in first year, playing with a small spread, but at least it was my intention. I would have had no interest in learning a game blackjack, roulette, craps ect and playing at a disadvantage as a ploppie. But thats just me.
Actually this is a question for all you guys that have been playing a while. Did you learn blackjack as a result of learning to count or where you already a BJ player (ploppie) and then learned about counting?
I learned about counting at the same time I learned how to play blackjack and tried to play at an advantage from day 1. Looking back I don't know how much of an advantage I actually had in first year, playing with a small spread, but at least it was my intention. I would have had no interest in learning a game blackjack, roulette, craps ect and playing at a disadvantage as a ploppie. But thats just me.
kewljason said:
"just hope to hold your ground"?? You can do that by staying home! Come on froggy, you can muster up a better attitude than that. If you are at your all-time high, forge ahead and set a new alltime high!!
thanks again
Hah... I'm LOLing, but at the same time, you bring up a great point. As a part timer - and small timer - the tax implication for me is zero, as I can hide it all. From my perspective, though, I'm not scared off from prospect of being a full time AP due to taxes, since this problem will arise regardless of what small business an enterprising individual chooses to engage in. From what I've read here and in books, taxes are a very small threat compared to the other sh!t full time APs run into.
KewlJason, this is a great question, and probably worthy of its own thread. Maybe if this thing gets some traction, Sonny can move it off into its own subject line? Ah, anyway...
I used to hate casino games. My grandfather was a hardcore gambler, and as expected, he lost over the long run. I got a degree in computer science, associated with inside-the-box thinkers, and continued to shun casino games. When the dot-com bubble burst, and I not only didn't get my early retirement stock options, but also got laid off without severance pay, I realized I was gonna have to hustle at some level to make it through this journey through life. Unlike the thirty-year-old retirees that Businessweek Magazine glamorized about 26 times a year back then, Darco77 was gonna have to get his nails dirty.
I picked up Humble and Cooper's book first, and became a pseudo-AP, which is a flattering way of saying I was blowing smoke up my own ass - as we all know, the edge is too small to be successful if you're pseudo-anything. Anyways, later I found HiLo, and a library of other books. I learned how to count on the table, playing 5 dollar units. That was 2004. As I've documented on other posts, my game didn't step up to a respectable level until 2009.
So there you go, KewlJason. I deplored casino games until I found myself destitute and realized an edge could be had. But it took me five years to actually get good at it. And by the time I got good at it, I didn't need it to pay the bills, like I did when I first looked into it.
Ain't life a trip? Happy New Year to all I really hope others will post their stories of how they came upon being an AP. We'll all benefit from it greatly.
I used to hate casino games. My grandfather was a hardcore gambler, and as expected, he lost over the long run. I got a degree in computer science, associated with inside-the-box thinkers, and continued to shun casino games. When the dot-com bubble burst, and I not only didn't get my early retirement stock options, but also got laid off without severance pay, I realized I was gonna have to hustle at some level to make it through this journey through life. Unlike the thirty-year-old retirees that Businessweek Magazine glamorized about 26 times a year back then, Darco77 was gonna have to get his nails dirty.
I picked up Humble and Cooper's book first, and became a pseudo-AP, which is a flattering way of saying I was blowing smoke up my own ass - as we all know, the edge is too small to be successful if you're pseudo-anything. Anyways, later I found HiLo, and a library of other books. I learned how to count on the table, playing 5 dollar units. That was 2004. As I've documented on other posts, my game didn't step up to a respectable level until 2009.
So there you go, KewlJason. I deplored casino games until I found myself destitute and realized an edge could be had. But it took me five years to actually get good at it. And by the time I got good at it, I didn't need it to pay the bills, like I did when I first looked into it.
Ain't life a trip? Happy New Year to all
I really hope others will post their stories of how they came upon being an AP. We'll all benefit from it greatly.
Tales from the felt
Good read there Darco, if a little brief. Yep, I agree, stories in this thread like yours, (with more detail) gathered together would probably make for an interesting and entertaining book. There are at least two well-known and respected authors here. Maybe a collection might begin...
darco77 said:
KewlJason, this is a great question, and probably worthy of its own thread. Maybe if this thing gets some traction, Sonny can move it off into its own subject line? Ah, anyway...
I used to hate casino games. My grandfather was a hardcore gambler, and as expected, he lost over the long run. I got a degree in computer science, associated with inside-the-box thinkers, and continued to shun casino games. When the dot-com bubble burst, and I not only didn't get my early retirement stock options, but also got laid off without severance pay, I realized I was gonna have to hustle at some level to make it through this journey through life. Unlike the thirty-year-old retirees that Businessweek Magazine glamorized about 26 times a year back then, Darco77 was gonna have to get his nails dirty.
I picked up Humble and Cooper's book first, and became a pseudo-AP, which is a flattering way of saying I was blowing smoke up my own ass - as we all know, the edge is too small to be successful if you're pseudo-anything. Anyways, later I found HiLo, and a library of other books. I learned how to count on the table, playing 5 dollar units. That was 2004. As I've documented on other posts, my game didn't step up to a respectable level until 2009.
So there you go, KewlJason. I deplored casino games until I found myself destitute and realized an edge could be had. But it took me five years to actually get good at it. And by the time I got good at it, I didn't need it to pay the bills, like I did when I first looked into it.
Ain't life a trip? Happy New Year to all I really hope others will post their stories of how they came upon being an AP. We'll all benefit from it greatly.
I used to hate casino games. My grandfather was a hardcore gambler, and as expected, he lost over the long run. I got a degree in computer science, associated with inside-the-box thinkers, and continued to shun casino games. When the dot-com bubble burst, and I not only didn't get my early retirement stock options, but also got laid off without severance pay, I realized I was gonna have to hustle at some level to make it through this journey through life. Unlike the thirty-year-old retirees that Businessweek Magazine glamorized about 26 times a year back then, Darco77 was gonna have to get his nails dirty.
I picked up Humble and Cooper's book first, and became a pseudo-AP, which is a flattering way of saying I was blowing smoke up my own ass - as we all know, the edge is too small to be successful if you're pseudo-anything. Anyways, later I found HiLo, and a library of other books. I learned how to count on the table, playing 5 dollar units. That was 2004. As I've documented on other posts, my game didn't step up to a respectable level until 2009.
So there you go, KewlJason. I deplored casino games until I found myself destitute and realized an edge could be had. But it took me five years to actually get good at it. And by the time I got good at it, I didn't need it to pay the bills, like I did when I first looked into it.
Ain't life a trip? Happy New Year to all
I really hope others will post their stories of how they came upon being an AP. We'll all benefit from it greatly.
Katweezel said:
Good read there Darco, if a little brief. Yep, I agree, stories in this thread like yours, (with more detail) gathered together would probably make for an interesting and entertaining book. There are at least two well-known and respected authors here. Maybe a collection might begin...
Tell your story now. Give those authors something to talk about.
I have always attempted to share my experiences which included my results with other members, but have now decided to be not quite so open with such information. Some people took it as bragging, which really wasn't my intent. While I am thrilled with my results to date, believe me, my success and income is very modest by most people standards. At any rate, a couple minor incidents where people attempted to ID/contact me in the casino environment convinced me there is really no benefit to sharing such info in detail.
I will tell you that I have had what I consider a fantastic year. I am healthly, happy and have made enough money to support myself, pay my small mortgage and the few other bills that I have, with enough left over to enjoy life a little. What more can a person ask for?
Professionally, I continue to learn and grow, thanks in great part to the members of this site, yourself included, and the other site that I frequent regularly. I have had some new experiences, like far greater deviation and volitility than I have experienced in the past. It really was much more of a rollercoaster ride than I was used to, which I like to think will better prepare me for the future. Most important for me, is that I still enjoy what I am doing. Yes there are times of boredom and times of frustration, especially during negative or stagnant periods, when getting motivated to play becomes more of a chore, but overall I most definately still enjoy and am excited about what I have choosen to do for a living.
I will tell you that I have had what I consider a fantastic year. I am healthly, happy and have made enough money to support myself, pay my small mortgage and the few other bills that I have, with enough left over to enjoy life a little. What more can a person ask for?
Professionally, I continue to learn and grow, thanks in great part to the members of this site, yourself included, and the other site that I frequent regularly. I have had some new experiences, like far greater deviation and volitility than I have experienced in the past. It really was much more of a rollercoaster ride than I was used to, which I like to think will better prepare me for the future. Most important for me, is that I still enjoy what I am doing. Yes there are times of boredom and times of frustration, especially during negative or stagnant periods, when getting motivated to play becomes more of a chore, but overall I most definately still enjoy and am excited about what I have choosen to do for a living.
Other site is BJ21.
I have played more of a variety of BJ games this year. While the majority of my play is 6 deck games, I have played quite a bit more double deck than ever before. (I rarely play single deck) Also concentrated on a game with a nice side bet advantage for about 5 weeks in the spring, so it is not quite as easy to figure my precise EV, but I would guess that I am reasonably close, maybe a bit to the upside.
I have played more of a variety of BJ games this year. While the majority of my play is 6 deck games, I have played quite a bit more double deck than ever before. (I rarely play single deck) Also concentrated on a game with a nice side bet advantage for about 5 weeks in the spring, so it is not quite as easy to figure my precise EV, but I would guess that I am reasonably close, maybe a bit to the upside.
Yes, I know exactly what you’re talking about.
The smaller they are, the worse their jealousy.
It turns out that even the veterans who should know better are not immune to envy.
Envy/jealousy is human nature, and very few, if any, are immune to it.
When I was playing red and green chips, advice and suggestions were plenty and generous.
When I advanced to black and purple chips, not only were helpful advice/suggestions rare, but there was some hostility for being at this level.
I’m at a point where winning/losing couple of hundred dollars has absolutely no affect on me. When I win only a few thousand dollars, I’m not moved by the experience anymore. Winning/losing $5k or more gets me going.
Playing at this level brings about a whole new set of problems that I never had to deal with, and no books or resources could possibly have prepared me for this. Ian Anderson’s book was useless. He says that a lifetime winning of some amount of money will alert the security. Bullshit! A lifetime winning/losing of zero amount will alert the security. How can you play hundreds of hours over years, and lose nothing?! This is a game where you’re supposed to lose, so any amount of cumulative winning will alert the security.
Why not play anonymously? If you play at the $100 table and spread to 2x$600, and lose $5k in one shoe without a blink, the hostess comes over and asks, “Why don’t you get rated, so I can give you the top floor suite?” How do you answer that?
If you win $5k in one shoe and then leave, the pit immediately gets on the phone and starts talking at length. I know because I watch them from a distance.
The high-limit room is a small community, so if you go in there too often, the dealers and the pit crew will start to recognize you. If you’re the only one winning money while everyone else is losing money, there’s no cover play or Oscar winning act that will fool them.
Kewljason, you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about sharing your experiences. If the little ones spew hatred out of jealousy, you just have to develop a thick skin and ignore them.
I play Blackjack part-time on weekends, and play mostly 6D, and some 8D. I play DD in Las Vegas.
I started with Hi-Lo early this year, and then advanced to a level two system (Ace reckoned), and finally to a level three system (Ace reckoned). I’m sure a level two system would’ve yielded a similar result.
So far this year, I won slightly over $100k. My bankroll was $40k.
I would never quit my “legitimate” job, but Blackjack is a fun side gig.
The smaller they are, the worse their jealousy.
It turns out that even the veterans who should know better are not immune to envy.
Envy/jealousy is human nature, and very few, if any, are immune to it.
When I was playing red and green chips, advice and suggestions were plenty and generous.
When I advanced to black and purple chips, not only were helpful advice/suggestions rare, but there was some hostility for being at this level.
I’m at a point where winning/losing couple of hundred dollars has absolutely no affect on me. When I win only a few thousand dollars, I’m not moved by the experience anymore. Winning/losing $5k or more gets me going.
Playing at this level brings about a whole new set of problems that I never had to deal with, and no books or resources could possibly have prepared me for this. Ian Anderson’s book was useless. He says that a lifetime winning of some amount of money will alert the security. Bullshit! A lifetime winning/losing of zero amount will alert the security. How can you play hundreds of hours over years, and lose nothing?! This is a game where you’re supposed to lose, so any amount of cumulative winning will alert the security.
Why not play anonymously? If you play at the $100 table and spread to 2x$600, and lose $5k in one shoe without a blink, the hostess comes over and asks, “Why don’t you get rated, so I can give you the top floor suite?” How do you answer that?
If you win $5k in one shoe and then leave, the pit immediately gets on the phone and starts talking at length. I know because I watch them from a distance.
The high-limit room is a small community, so if you go in there too often, the dealers and the pit crew will start to recognize you. If you’re the only one winning money while everyone else is losing money, there’s no cover play or Oscar winning act that will fool them.
Kewljason, you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about sharing your experiences. If the little ones spew hatred out of jealousy, you just have to develop a thick skin and ignore them.
I play Blackjack part-time on weekends, and play mostly 6D, and some 8D. I play DD in Las Vegas.
I started with Hi-Lo early this year, and then advanced to a level two system (Ace reckoned), and finally to a level three system (Ace reckoned). I’m sure a level two system would’ve yielded a similar result.
So far this year, I won slightly over $100k. My bankroll was $40k.
I would never quit my “legitimate” job, but Blackjack is a fun side gig.
My experience with the membership of this site has been quite the opposite. I have found most members to be extremely helpful and generous as far as sharing their experiences and knowledge during my time as a member here. I have learned a great deal from many, for which I am grateful.
Why do you feel the need to state your bet level when asking for advice and suggustions? If you don't throw it out there, I don't see how it would be an issue?
100K is a lot to win in a year, at the bet levels you have spoken of throughout the year (not breaking the purple barrier until August), Can I ask how much time you devote to this "fun side gig"?
Why do you feel the need to state your bet level when asking for advice and suggustions? If you don't throw it out there, I don't see how it would be an issue?
100K is a lot to win in a year, at the bet levels you have spoken of throughout the year (not breaking the purple barrier until August), Can I ask how much time you devote to this "fun side gig"?
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Strangely enough - this echos for me - Since I've played blackjack for years - playing lower limit blackjack with higher #'s of decks have rarely yielded any good results for me in the long run, its odd actually winning (albeit short term) on a double deck with the total amount time played seeming to be almost equal to about 1/2 a year playing. My log for the year indicates to me something has to be odd. 9 months of almost straight losing and now that I've switched to a double deck, 2 months of net wins (big wins). Would it seem that I've found a better niche with the double deck as it does require less time counting during a deck? Or can you really get a lucky streak for this long (and be a bad blackjack player) and with that high of bets? Someone figure out the odds?
