Blackjack Awakening part Two
- Thread starter mdlbj
- Start date
No disrespect to R. Kelly, but I like Wield Al’s version better. If you ever have 11 minutes to kill, check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT060JGp9sQ
-Sonny-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT060JGp9sQ
-Sonny-
Well seems as though ike is pre-occupied with other things so here is an un edited version...
----------
Chan Li's Take on it.
An Unforeseen Adventure: One visit to Vegas and I‚m off and running.
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to catch up with an old friend of mine. The destination was Vegas. Personally, I’ve never had a desire to visit the land of lost wages just to be witness to the thoughtlessness waste of our natural resources, except for the fleeting thought of climbing at Red Rocks, but that would have been many years ago. Putting all my negative attitudes aside, this was a great chance for me to catch up with my old friend from college David Miller. It had been a couple years since we had been in touch so I really had no idea what the man was up to these days. David and I spoke a few times before the trip so I was aware that he had some type of interest in what was going on in Vegas but really, I had no idea to what extreme.
I flew in around 7pm on a Friday night; David had arrived 8 hours earlier. I phoned from the airport and was instructed to have a taxi take me to the MGM. David had already secured a room with his afternoon winnings to give us a place to crash when the going got tough. It was great to see him, a short reunion and off we went. David was unaffected by all the glitz, glamour and commotion that surrounded us. I could tell he wanted to show me around, he wanted me to have a good time, and after all it was my first time in Vegas. Honestly, I really wasn’t that interested in shows or slots or what hotels were being built. I was however shocked at all the people, the wide diversification. I never had expected Vegas to be such an international hot spot. Then there was all the money. People were throwing it away, giving it away to casinos without a second thought. It was flabbergasting for me to watch. All the while I'm thinking to myself, ‚ I am completely out of my element and I don't belong here. It was at that moment that David started talking about blackjack. I was listening, yet my attention was consumed with all that surrounded me. We walked and talked and I began to settle down. It was difficult for me at first, but soon I too became numb to the commotion and my curiosity with his fascination of blackjack took over.
I think it was the table talk, ‚selecting the right table is key‚ he kept repeating as he took me from table to table, ‚”What are the table rules, what is the max bet?” were just some of the questions he would ask me. As I walked around, it didn’t take me long to recognize the variations in table rules. David then started discussing the fundamentals of Blackjack such as Basic Strategy and game selection. Again, I swear I was listening but there were too many things for me to think about like; the table rules, table minimum, deck estimation and how all this pertained to playing the game; well I guess I was and was not listening. Overwhelmed? Possibly, more like intellectually stimulated, it was fun to try to understand the basics but there was still so much around me to absorb. We walked from casino to casino venturing through them, taking in the sites, talking about blackjack and catching up with one another. It was really fun for me.
The next morning was something I really enjoyed; not a lot of people, tables open everywhere, a much calmer atmosphere than the evening before. Plus, the headache I had from all the data input had dissipated. It’s amazing what 5 hours sleep and a triple grandee vanilla latte will do for a person. Amen for coffee
David Miller
David and Chan Li
I’m use to a 2-hour fight from the Rainy City, coming from the east coast took a bit longer and dampened my enthusiasm. Work took a lot out of me for the last 2 months and I was ready for some fun and to see Chan Li again.
The taxi line at McCarran was longer than usual and I was ready to get to the tables as well as get a cold Cranberry and top shelf Vodka. A man in a tux approached me and asked if I would like a limo; what the heck I said.
I knew it would be hours before I met Chan Li,, I thought about how long it has been since we had spent time together. To my surprise I was afforded a comped suit when I arrived at the Casino/Hotel. I checked in my bag and took a look around.
The point of my endeavor to Las Vegas was a self-evaluation. Wondering how I would stack up against the casinos after months of practice and training with other players. It felt surreal and exciting. As I glided through the endless rows of tables I was focused, nothing really seemed to register except what I had been training and practicing for. The only thing I could see was the table rules. Table limits and if there were open seats.
As I sat down the dealer rolled her eyes and she stated that the table minimum was 100. Perfect I thought to myself; I look like a tourist. I said wow that’s a lot. I bought in for 2500. The Running count was +9 and there we 2 decks remaining, last hand of the shoe. 2 Blackjacks. 800 bucks off the top. Not bad. I ask the server for a Cranberry and Vodka.
Walking around the casino, there was something different, this place had changed. The tables were swapped out every few hours. My guess was that they were timing it around the usual meal and show times..
At this point, sliding into a shoe with a positive count was mindless, walking away @ a negative count was rewarding. In the past, I would play through the negative counts but, to take my play to the next level, I had to leave without thinking about it. .
This was a defining moment. During the training sessions with my teammates, I would punish them for betting during a negative count, it was a discipline I knew we had to overcome and as a team we had to view this as a sickness if you will. We know it is to the casinos advantage for us to play through it. Now, it is about the money and the reality is, we do it for the money. At this point grateful would be an understatement to what I have learned from MIT Mike and MR. J.
I received a call on my cell phone and was informed that my room was ready. It was a nice room but it did not interest me, I was ready to get back to the tables. After about 4 hours a 47 minutes I was up $4500, double my initial bankroll. Enough cash for Chan Li and I to enjoy our time together.
The months of hard work caught up to me. As I laid on the bed thinking about Chan Li's arrival, I drifted off.
I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, not realizing that I had drank so much earlier, I was fighting to stay upright long enough to answer the door.
It was relief to see her again. It was like getting home after walking a few miles in the cold rain and getting warm again. She looked great and had the same energy she had when we first met. This is going to be a great weekend.
Deep down I wanted to impress her but, it was all too natural. We just had to look at each other and nothing else mattered. She enjoyed the Suite, enough to mention that she could live like this. It was a nice place but we were both ready to get out on the town.
We have had a few conversations about advantage play but nothing to serious. She knew I had something going on but really was not sure.
She seemed interested in what I had talked about and had a strong curiosity to learn more. Throughout our time together, we mostly spoke about Blackjack. I would explain how to play with an advantage and she would ask questions with a lot of enthusiasm. This was great, not only did we connect on a personal level; we also connected on the intellectual level with a common interest.
We spent the rest of the night walking around and observing table play and paying attention to how people would play with the table rules. It was fun for me to talk with someone about blackjack in Vegas; usually it is all business, dealing with itineraries and making sure everyone was paid correctly. Chan Li caught on fast, fast enough to learn the BS chart in a few hours, which impressed the hell out of me.
In my opinion, it is invaluable to be able to converse with someone who is an experienced player and to have it all being played out right in front of you. She knew this, I knew this and she wanted more. Time passed quickly that night, after visiting several casinos drinking our way into bliss, we were starting to make a plan for the next day.
With sore feet a full stomach and a happy buzz, we made it back to the suite and passed out. We were so tired we did not even undress.
Day2.
What seemed like a few minutes later ( I could swear that I just fell asleep ) Chan Li walk in with a treat. Quad Grande Mocha; my favorite. As we are both former Seattleites, we love our coffee in the morning to fight of the depressing weather of the Pacific Northwest and to get a buzz before we start our day.
Before we checked out of the suite I told Chan Li that our goal was to turn 100 dollars into 200 dollars by applying what I had taught her last night. This would give her a chance to see how it is put into practice. I knew 100 was not enough yet we would only play when we are at a significant advantage on a 10-dollar table with favorable rules.
We stood behind the 2nd place spot counting through half of the shoe carrying on like we were amazed tourists. I would ask her what her running count was and she would tell me without hesitation; I thought she was not paying attention, maybe I was being to anal but she had it down. True count was +4 I jumped in and started betting. Won 3 of 4 hands and left the table up 95 dollars. Not 100 but close enough to our win goal.
She had kept the running count perfectly and had memorized the BS Chart for the rules of the specific games we were targeting; she is a sponge when it comes to learning. That was something that attracted me to her 17 years ago as well as her natural beauty.
It was time to have fun so we decided to take a spin on the rollercoaster at the NYNY. Looking at it from the street one does not realize that it is much higher than what it appears. At the first peak it is about 175 feet, enough to give one second thoughts about looking down. Personally, I like to keep both feet firmly on the ground, now we were at the mercy of a piece of machinery maintained by who knows. Taking the first drop you become airborne out of your seat and you get that feeling of point of no return.
After the ride and downing a few motrin to help the recovery from last night, we visited a neighboring casino. As we sat at a bar located in a somewhat hidden part of the casino floor, I noticed a group of tables. The minimum bet was 100 and the rules were outstanding. I could not let the opportunity pass by. Chan Li and I walked over to the pit and immediately started back counting a table. The man sitting there was betting anywhere from 400 to 1500 per hand. The pit boss did not seem to notice his action and this added to my enthusiasm. Chan Li realized that this was a great opportunity as well.
His bets were varying and did not follow the count whatsoever. His BS play was awful. He did not seem drunk. Sad, just another guy giving his money away. We were not within earshot of the pit, so I gave Chan Li the plan of attack. I told her to follow my bets and get ready to leave as soon as I stood up.
The count was good and we went in for the kill. In three hands we had both gotten blackjacks and beat the dealer on the other two. The pit boss walked over and asked how we were doing and asked why we were giving advise to the player? ( that was loosing his ass ). I replied that we were having a great time. No response to the other question. She was scowling at me and asked for a players card. We both stood up and gathered our chips as I waited to get my card back. The Pit Boss huffed as she handed it back. Chan Li was visibly shaking as she held her chips. She was in disbelief on how much money we had just made in such a short time.
Our total win was 8500 (9300 for the weekend). She understood BS, EV, SD and bankroll requirements. It surprised me as well. Nice take in such a short period. This brought my lifetime winnings at the blackjack tables to over 70k. The years of effort in training and intense focus are starting to pay off. Looking back at the time I spent with Mike Aponte and Dave Irvine I realize that one cannot take a lack luster approach to playing the game, or use a go it alone approach. You have to want it and dedicate your self to be a skilled player.
I had arranged to meet with Teddy at 5:30. He works for a major casino as a network engineer. Teddy and his girlfriend live in south Las Vegas in a typical stucco style home, which I use as a crash pad to get away from the hustle of the strip. Chan Li was ecstatic at this point, her first trip to Vegas and she has seen it in such a different way than most will ever experience, now we were about to go lo-key and chill at a friends house. I could tell she wanted to get back to the action yet, I knew that she would soon see the ugly side of standard deviation. We enjoyed the warm evening on the deck reflecting back on Chan Li’s thoughts about her first experience in Las Vegas. Teddy and I did some catching up as well.
Somewhere over the southern U.S is a sleek jet, I thought about what I had really accomplished on the trip. I found that it was another turning point for me, I had come well prepared to play and did it perfectly also, I walk away with some nice coin. The best part of it was seeing Chan Li again and finding that she too, enjoys the challenge of taking on the casinos.
----------
Chan Li's Take on it.
An Unforeseen Adventure: One visit to Vegas and I‚m off and running.
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to catch up with an old friend of mine. The destination was Vegas. Personally, I’ve never had a desire to visit the land of lost wages just to be witness to the thoughtlessness waste of our natural resources, except for the fleeting thought of climbing at Red Rocks, but that would have been many years ago. Putting all my negative attitudes aside, this was a great chance for me to catch up with my old friend from college David Miller. It had been a couple years since we had been in touch so I really had no idea what the man was up to these days. David and I spoke a few times before the trip so I was aware that he had some type of interest in what was going on in Vegas but really, I had no idea to what extreme.
I flew in around 7pm on a Friday night; David had arrived 8 hours earlier. I phoned from the airport and was instructed to have a taxi take me to the MGM. David had already secured a room with his afternoon winnings to give us a place to crash when the going got tough. It was great to see him, a short reunion and off we went. David was unaffected by all the glitz, glamour and commotion that surrounded us. I could tell he wanted to show me around, he wanted me to have a good time, and after all it was my first time in Vegas. Honestly, I really wasn’t that interested in shows or slots or what hotels were being built. I was however shocked at all the people, the wide diversification. I never had expected Vegas to be such an international hot spot. Then there was all the money. People were throwing it away, giving it away to casinos without a second thought. It was flabbergasting for me to watch. All the while I'm thinking to myself, ‚ I am completely out of my element and I don't belong here. It was at that moment that David started talking about blackjack. I was listening, yet my attention was consumed with all that surrounded me. We walked and talked and I began to settle down. It was difficult for me at first, but soon I too became numb to the commotion and my curiosity with his fascination of blackjack took over.
I think it was the table talk, ‚selecting the right table is key‚ he kept repeating as he took me from table to table, ‚”What are the table rules, what is the max bet?” were just some of the questions he would ask me. As I walked around, it didn’t take me long to recognize the variations in table rules. David then started discussing the fundamentals of Blackjack such as Basic Strategy and game selection. Again, I swear I was listening but there were too many things for me to think about like; the table rules, table minimum, deck estimation and how all this pertained to playing the game; well I guess I was and was not listening. Overwhelmed? Possibly, more like intellectually stimulated, it was fun to try to understand the basics but there was still so much around me to absorb. We walked from casino to casino venturing through them, taking in the sites, talking about blackjack and catching up with one another. It was really fun for me.
The next morning was something I really enjoyed; not a lot of people, tables open everywhere, a much calmer atmosphere than the evening before. Plus, the headache I had from all the data input had dissipated. It’s amazing what 5 hours sleep and a triple grandee vanilla latte will do for a person. Amen for coffee
David Miller
David and Chan Li
I’m use to a 2-hour fight from the Rainy City, coming from the east coast took a bit longer and dampened my enthusiasm. Work took a lot out of me for the last 2 months and I was ready for some fun and to see Chan Li again.
The taxi line at McCarran was longer than usual and I was ready to get to the tables as well as get a cold Cranberry and top shelf Vodka. A man in a tux approached me and asked if I would like a limo; what the heck I said.
I knew it would be hours before I met Chan Li,, I thought about how long it has been since we had spent time together. To my surprise I was afforded a comped suit when I arrived at the Casino/Hotel. I checked in my bag and took a look around.
The point of my endeavor to Las Vegas was a self-evaluation. Wondering how I would stack up against the casinos after months of practice and training with other players. It felt surreal and exciting. As I glided through the endless rows of tables I was focused, nothing really seemed to register except what I had been training and practicing for. The only thing I could see was the table rules. Table limits and if there were open seats.
As I sat down the dealer rolled her eyes and she stated that the table minimum was 100. Perfect I thought to myself; I look like a tourist. I said wow that’s a lot. I bought in for 2500. The Running count was +9 and there we 2 decks remaining, last hand of the shoe. 2 Blackjacks. 800 bucks off the top. Not bad. I ask the server for a Cranberry and Vodka.
Walking around the casino, there was something different, this place had changed. The tables were swapped out every few hours. My guess was that they were timing it around the usual meal and show times..
At this point, sliding into a shoe with a positive count was mindless, walking away @ a negative count was rewarding. In the past, I would play through the negative counts but, to take my play to the next level, I had to leave without thinking about it. .
This was a defining moment. During the training sessions with my teammates, I would punish them for betting during a negative count, it was a discipline I knew we had to overcome and as a team we had to view this as a sickness if you will. We know it is to the casinos advantage for us to play through it. Now, it is about the money and the reality is, we do it for the money. At this point grateful would be an understatement to what I have learned from MIT Mike and MR. J.
I received a call on my cell phone and was informed that my room was ready. It was a nice room but it did not interest me, I was ready to get back to the tables. After about 4 hours a 47 minutes I was up $4500, double my initial bankroll. Enough cash for Chan Li and I to enjoy our time together.
The months of hard work caught up to me. As I laid on the bed thinking about Chan Li's arrival, I drifted off.
I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, not realizing that I had drank so much earlier, I was fighting to stay upright long enough to answer the door.
It was relief to see her again. It was like getting home after walking a few miles in the cold rain and getting warm again. She looked great and had the same energy she had when we first met. This is going to be a great weekend.
Deep down I wanted to impress her but, it was all too natural. We just had to look at each other and nothing else mattered. She enjoyed the Suite, enough to mention that she could live like this. It was a nice place but we were both ready to get out on the town.
We have had a few conversations about advantage play but nothing to serious. She knew I had something going on but really was not sure.
She seemed interested in what I had talked about and had a strong curiosity to learn more. Throughout our time together, we mostly spoke about Blackjack. I would explain how to play with an advantage and she would ask questions with a lot of enthusiasm. This was great, not only did we connect on a personal level; we also connected on the intellectual level with a common interest.
We spent the rest of the night walking around and observing table play and paying attention to how people would play with the table rules. It was fun for me to talk with someone about blackjack in Vegas; usually it is all business, dealing with itineraries and making sure everyone was paid correctly. Chan Li caught on fast, fast enough to learn the BS chart in a few hours, which impressed the hell out of me.
In my opinion, it is invaluable to be able to converse with someone who is an experienced player and to have it all being played out right in front of you. She knew this, I knew this and she wanted more. Time passed quickly that night, after visiting several casinos drinking our way into bliss, we were starting to make a plan for the next day.
With sore feet a full stomach and a happy buzz, we made it back to the suite and passed out. We were so tired we did not even undress.
Day2.
What seemed like a few minutes later ( I could swear that I just fell asleep ) Chan Li walk in with a treat. Quad Grande Mocha; my favorite. As we are both former Seattleites, we love our coffee in the morning to fight of the depressing weather of the Pacific Northwest and to get a buzz before we start our day.
Before we checked out of the suite I told Chan Li that our goal was to turn 100 dollars into 200 dollars by applying what I had taught her last night. This would give her a chance to see how it is put into practice. I knew 100 was not enough yet we would only play when we are at a significant advantage on a 10-dollar table with favorable rules.
We stood behind the 2nd place spot counting through half of the shoe carrying on like we were amazed tourists. I would ask her what her running count was and she would tell me without hesitation; I thought she was not paying attention, maybe I was being to anal but she had it down. True count was +4 I jumped in and started betting. Won 3 of 4 hands and left the table up 95 dollars. Not 100 but close enough to our win goal.
She had kept the running count perfectly and had memorized the BS Chart for the rules of the specific games we were targeting; she is a sponge when it comes to learning. That was something that attracted me to her 17 years ago as well as her natural beauty.
It was time to have fun so we decided to take a spin on the rollercoaster at the NYNY. Looking at it from the street one does not realize that it is much higher than what it appears. At the first peak it is about 175 feet, enough to give one second thoughts about looking down. Personally, I like to keep both feet firmly on the ground, now we were at the mercy of a piece of machinery maintained by who knows. Taking the first drop you become airborne out of your seat and you get that feeling of point of no return.
After the ride and downing a few motrin to help the recovery from last night, we visited a neighboring casino. As we sat at a bar located in a somewhat hidden part of the casino floor, I noticed a group of tables. The minimum bet was 100 and the rules were outstanding. I could not let the opportunity pass by. Chan Li and I walked over to the pit and immediately started back counting a table. The man sitting there was betting anywhere from 400 to 1500 per hand. The pit boss did not seem to notice his action and this added to my enthusiasm. Chan Li realized that this was a great opportunity as well.
His bets were varying and did not follow the count whatsoever. His BS play was awful. He did not seem drunk. Sad, just another guy giving his money away. We were not within earshot of the pit, so I gave Chan Li the plan of attack. I told her to follow my bets and get ready to leave as soon as I stood up.
The count was good and we went in for the kill. In three hands we had both gotten blackjacks and beat the dealer on the other two. The pit boss walked over and asked how we were doing and asked why we were giving advise to the player? ( that was loosing his ass ). I replied that we were having a great time. No response to the other question. She was scowling at me and asked for a players card. We both stood up and gathered our chips as I waited to get my card back. The Pit Boss huffed as she handed it back. Chan Li was visibly shaking as she held her chips. She was in disbelief on how much money we had just made in such a short time.
Our total win was 8500 (9300 for the weekend). She understood BS, EV, SD and bankroll requirements. It surprised me as well. Nice take in such a short period. This brought my lifetime winnings at the blackjack tables to over 70k. The years of effort in training and intense focus are starting to pay off. Looking back at the time I spent with Mike Aponte and Dave Irvine I realize that one cannot take a lack luster approach to playing the game, or use a go it alone approach. You have to want it and dedicate your self to be a skilled player.
I had arranged to meet with Teddy at 5:30. He works for a major casino as a network engineer. Teddy and his girlfriend live in south Las Vegas in a typical stucco style home, which I use as a crash pad to get away from the hustle of the strip. Chan Li was ecstatic at this point, her first trip to Vegas and she has seen it in such a different way than most will ever experience, now we were about to go lo-key and chill at a friends house. I could tell she wanted to get back to the action yet, I knew that she would soon see the ugly side of standard deviation. We enjoyed the warm evening on the deck reflecting back on Chan Li’s thoughts about her first experience in Las Vegas. Teddy and I did some catching up as well.
Somewhere over the southern U.S is a sleek jet, I thought about what I had really accomplished on the trip. I found that it was another turning point for me, I had come well prepared to play and did it perfectly also, I walk away with some nice coin. The best part of it was seeing Chan Li again and finding that she too, enjoys the challenge of taking on the casinos.
Glad we had a chance to meet the other night. I knew I had some holes in my game - primarily my lack of incorporating enough indices in my play. It didn't take you long to discover them 
The primary takeaway I got was the differences between playing blackjack on my own as a hobby compared to a truly professional level of team play. When playing solo at relatively small stakes (2x$200 max bet), I've come to accept mistakes which don't have a significant impact on my bottom line. As long as such mistakes are kept to a minimum and I still make money, I was willing to let things slide. However, when playing at a professional level to MIT team standards, even the small mistakes are not tolerated. When making such errors with thousands on the line with each hand, these seemingly minor errors can add up to a pretty significant chunk of real money.
I also discovered how much the effort required to play at a professional level will take away some of the fun in the game. Over the past year, I played primarily for recreation. I also enjoy the challenge of beating casinos at their own game. The fact I make money at something I enjoy if gravy. However, for me to take my play to the next level, I would have to change my focus to be more toward eeking out every ounce of EV possible to make money while putting less emphasis on the entertainment value of the game. Playing at this level takes a lot more effort than learning a simple basic strategy table, count system, and betting ramp. The number of indices you're expected to learn and the zero tolerance for errors can be downright grueling. I expect playing at this level feels a lot more like a job than a form of entertainment.
The primary takeaway I got was the differences between playing blackjack on my own as a hobby compared to a truly professional level of team play. When playing solo at relatively small stakes (2x$200 max bet), I've come to accept mistakes which don't have a significant impact on my bottom line. As long as such mistakes are kept to a minimum and I still make money, I was willing to let things slide. However, when playing at a professional level to MIT team standards, even the small mistakes are not tolerated. When making such errors with thousands on the line with each hand, these seemingly minor errors can add up to a pretty significant chunk of real money.
I also discovered how much the effort required to play at a professional level will take away some of the fun in the game. Over the past year, I played primarily for recreation. I also enjoy the challenge of beating casinos at their own game. The fact I make money at something I enjoy if gravy. However, for me to take my play to the next level, I would have to change my focus to be more toward eeking out every ounce of EV possible to make money while putting less emphasis on the entertainment value of the game. Playing at this level takes a lot more effort than learning a simple basic strategy table, count system, and betting ramp. The number of indices you're expected to learn and the zero tolerance for errors can be downright grueling. I expect playing at this level feels a lot more like a job than a form of entertainment.
Well dont take away from what you have, most self proclaimed APs I have met in the past can not answer some of the most basic Blackjack questions. You have your play down pretty darn well considering that you have taught yourself. As for the CE adjusted numbers plays, they will become second nature with a little practice. I think you play well but like most out there, just need to focus a bit more on the game and not on the shiny objects around you With just a bit more practice you will be out with the best tearing it up.
I wish I could sit down with someone like wvblackjack and help him out of his rut. I'm sure it is a simple adjustment he has to make in his game.
I think it is a great experience to sit with a pro and to see how your game is. I thought I was a good player until I met up with a few seasoned people, I was wrong.
And yes EmeraldcityBJ, it does seem like a job at first and should always be treated that way but, the rewards are well woth the effort.
Cheers, it was a pleasure to talk with you.
See you this summer.
With just a bit more practice you will be out with the best tearing it up. I wish I could sit down with someone like wvblackjack and help him out of his rut. I'm sure it is a simple adjustment he has to make in his game.
I think it is a great experience to sit with a pro and to see how your game is. I thought I was a good player until I met up with a few seasoned people, I was wrong.
And yes EmeraldcityBJ, it does seem like a job at first and should always be treated that way but, the rewards are well woth the effort.
Cheers, it was a pleasure to talk with you.
See you this summer.
EmeraldCityBJ said:
Glad we had a chance to meet the other night. I knew I had some holes in my game - primarily my lack of incorporating enough indices in my play. It didn't take you long to discover them
The primary takeaway I got was the differences between playing blackjack on my own as a hobby compared to a truly professional level of team play. When playing solo at relatively small stakes (2x$200 max bet), I've come to accept mistakes which don't have a significant impact on my bottom line. As long as such mistakes are kept to a minimum and I still make money, I was willing to let things slide. However, when playing at a professional level to MIT team standards, even the small mistakes are not tolerated. When making such errors with thousands on the line with each hand, these seemingly minor errors can add up to a pretty significant chunk of real money.
I also discovered how much the effort required to play at a professional level will take away some of the fun in the game. Over the past year, I played primarily for recreation. I also enjoy the challenge of beating casinos at their own game. The fact I make money at something I enjoy if gravy. However, for me to take my play to the next level, I would have to change my focus to be more toward eeking out every ounce of EV possible to make money while putting less emphasis on the entertainment value of the game. Playing at this level takes a lot more effort than learning a simple basic strategy table, count system, and betting ramp. The number of indices you're expected to learn and the zero tolerance for errors can be downright grueling. I expect playing at this level feels a lot more like a job than a form of entertainment.
The primary takeaway I got was the differences between playing blackjack on my own as a hobby compared to a truly professional level of team play. When playing solo at relatively small stakes (2x$200 max bet), I've come to accept mistakes which don't have a significant impact on my bottom line. As long as such mistakes are kept to a minimum and I still make money, I was willing to let things slide. However, when playing at a professional level to MIT team standards, even the small mistakes are not tolerated. When making such errors with thousands on the line with each hand, these seemingly minor errors can add up to a pretty significant chunk of real money.
I also discovered how much the effort required to play at a professional level will take away some of the fun in the game. Over the past year, I played primarily for recreation. I also enjoy the challenge of beating casinos at their own game. The fact I make money at something I enjoy if gravy. However, for me to take my play to the next level, I would have to change my focus to be more toward eeking out every ounce of EV possible to make money while putting less emphasis on the entertainment value of the game. Playing at this level takes a lot more effort than learning a simple basic strategy table, count system, and betting ramp. The number of indices you're expected to learn and the zero tolerance for errors can be downright grueling. I expect playing at this level feels a lot more like a job than a form of entertainment.
mdlbj said:
Well dont take away from what you have, most self proclaimed APs I have met in the past can not answer some of the most basic Blackjack questions. You have your play down pretty darn well considering that you have taught yourself. As for the CE adjusted numbers plays, they will become second nature with a little practice. I think you play well but like most out there, just need to focus a bit more on the game and not on the shiny objects around you With just a bit more practice you will be out with the best tearing it up.
I wish I could sit down with someone like wvblackjack and help him out of his rut. I'm sure it is a simple adjustment he has to make in his game.
I think it is a great experience to sit with a pro and to see how your game is. I thought I was a good player until I met up with a few seasoned people, I was wrong.
And yes EmeraldcityBJ, it does seem like a job at first and should always be treated that way but, the rewards are well woth the effort.
Cheers, it was a pleasure to talk with you.
See you this summer.
With just a bit more practice you will be out with the best tearing it up. I wish I could sit down with someone like wvblackjack and help him out of his rut. I'm sure it is a simple adjustment he has to make in his game.
I think it is a great experience to sit with a pro and to see how your game is. I thought I was a good player until I met up with a few seasoned people, I was wrong.
And yes EmeraldcityBJ, it does seem like a job at first and should always be treated that way but, the rewards are well woth the effort.
Cheers, it was a pleasure to talk with you.
See you this summer.
If that question was for me AM, I could not tell you. I'm sure if you talk with them they may be able to give you a group discount or something. I did not pay a dime to go, I was invited.
Also, I have never said one should go and take the class but I have written about my experiences with Dave Irvine and Mike Aponte. At the same time, I have suggested that if people want to improve their game, I have let them know to seek advise from proven professionals.
To speek to MAZ's comments, he has no idea about how well or bad I play.
The article he read ( Blackjack Awakening ) was tailored for a specific demographic. And judging by his comments, it worked. So I am stoked about the response he has left, it lets me know that the ideas in the article were understood and absorbed by the reader.
Peace.
Also, I have never said one should go and take the class but I have written about my experiences with Dave Irvine and Mike Aponte. At the same time, I have suggested that if people want to improve their game, I have let them know to seek advise from proven professionals.
To speek to MAZ's comments, he has no idea about how well or bad I play.
The article he read ( Blackjack Awakening ) was tailored for a specific demographic. And judging by his comments, it worked. So I am stoked about the response he has left, it lets me know that the ideas in the article were understood and absorbed by the reader.
Peace.