Practice

[davidlh]

So, I've known about card counting for a number of years, but only just recently even thought of it as something I'd be interested in. I grew up performing magic (for the last 11 years now), and with that came my love of scams and all things shady.

Now, to be clear, I've never scammed anybody, but the idea of having this edge of somebody else has always peaked my interest. False shuffles, mucking cards, stacking the deck...the list goes on and on. I went on to learn these things until I was proficient enough to, basically, show off to my friends. I'd dabbled a little in card counting, but was never really interested enough to pursue it.

Then, about two weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to not only learn about counting, but to master it. I don't know why I became interested all of the sudden, but it hit me hard and hasn't gone away since. For the last 15 days now, I've practice Basic Strategy and Counting at least 5 hours a day. I've read the book "Blackjack: Play like the Pros" by John Bukofsky, but I have a feeling that that book only touched on the surface of the many possibilities that this game holds, so I've recently started reading "Modern Blackjack," as advised by many on this board. The only problem is, I have to read it online, so I can't take it with me...

My plan is to find more books and more information, and study this game for the next 6 months, until I'm to the point where making decisions doesn't even require a thought.

I've posted this thread, in an attempt to get some advice from you guys. Do you think my strategy is worthwhile? Do you have any suggestions for books that are "Must Reads?" etc...

By the way, a little information about me, as I am new here:

• I've been reading on here for a while, but just haven't posted anything
• I live in the St. Louis area, and have for my whole life
• I'm 19, and plan to attack Indian Casinos until turning 21 (What's your take on this?)
• Whenever I want to learn something, I learn everything there is to know about it
• I'm starting out using the HiLo

Thanks for reading thus far, I look forward to hearing your replies!

-David

 

[Deathclutch]

Well as long as you stay in Missouri you won't have to worry about being banned from any casinos so it's an okay place to learn. As for must reads, I'd recommend Fred Renzey's Blackjack Bluebook II. That was by far the most useful one for me.

 

[shadroch]

Modern BJ is available as a printed book. you can order it from the site you are reading it at.
I'd suggest reading The Blackjack Zone. While it's not a great book for learning card counting, it destroys many of the myths that most people assume to be true and will save you from developing bad habits from the start.
My next book recommendation would be Blackjack Bluebook 2, but there are many other good books.

 

[tripsix]

If your learning hi-Lo then get;

to (Dead link: http://www.gamemasteronline.com),
Stanford Wong's Professional Blackjack,
Blackjack Attack 3 and
Casino Verite.

That should be a good start for a perfectionist, sticking to counting only. There are further steps after that, i.e. Beyong Counting 'Exhibit CAA' ((Dead link: http://www.beyoncounting.com)) and making contacts.
Good Luck!

 

[BlackHawk]

If you are using the Hi-Lo then you must read Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong. If you would like an easier approach then try reading Blackbelt in Blackjack by Arnold Snyder with the Hi-Lo Lite. I'm currently practicing the Hi-Lo Lite and it's much easier than the traditional Hi-Lo. It's probably not as accurate as the original, but in the long run less errors mean more profit.