what is considered proficient?

[fun4stuff]

http://www.lastresortconsulting.com/practice-class/counting/

I've been practicing the HiLo system mainly using this site, which allows you to count down a deck in pairs and records your time. Much easier than doing it manually. I'm wondering at what point should I consider myself proficient? When I can complete it in 20-25 seconds without mistakes?

 

[nicetrades200303]

http://www.lastresortconsulting.com/practice-class/counting/

I've been practicing the HiLo system mainly using this site, which allows you to count down a deck in pairs and records your time. Much easier than doing it manually. I'm wondering at what point should I consider myself proficient? When I can complete it in 20-25 seconds without mistakes?

Learn basic strategy for the game that you play. Learn the indices for your count. Get at least two decks and simulate the casino environment and deal 3-4 spots and pretend you're playing in the casino, with the proper bet ramp.

If you can do that without making too many mistakes on basic strategy or losing the count, you're ready.

 

[fun4stuff]

http://www.countingedge.com/blackjack-card-counting-trainer.html

thanks, yeah, also been using this site. i still have to learn the indices. i figure i have a ways to go, but i'm not in any hurry. just wondering how i stack up on the first site compared to others.

 

[Gamblor]

Be like me, go in the casino half a$$ed and learn on the fly.

OK, I'm ducking and running away now :grin:

 

[Pelerus]

Be like me, go in the casino half a$$ed and learn on the fly.

OK, I'm ducking and running away now :grin:

Actually, it's not a bad idea to go on a trip or two while you're still learning: just flat bet the minimum while trying to keep the count, doing true count conversions (if applicable to your system), making appropriate index plays, determining what you would have bet if you were really spreading, etc.

Aside from the benefit of live practice, it also allows you to see if the casino environment is something that suits you.

 

[Dyepaintball12]

http://www.lastresortconsulting.com/practice-class/counting/

I've been practicing the HiLo system mainly using this site, which allows you to count down a deck in pairs and records your time. Much easier than doing it manually. I'm wondering at what point should I consider myself proficient? When I can complete it in 20-25 seconds without mistakes?

LOL! Bill Zender has a card counting app on his site! Now that is awesome.

 

[mica]

go for it

I practiced w real cards...flipping them over I pairs...u r already faster than I was when I first headed to a casino... if u know BS and can memorize the most common indices (illustrious 18)...u r prob ready to see if u want to invest more time and money in playing .

reading and asking questions here is what has helped me more than anything else. im sure u will find good advice here too.

mica

 

[fun4stuff]

I don't think there are any *good games too close to me here in Detroit, MI. Will have to look more into it. Anyone know where the best games are in MI?

I still need practice actually remembering the count! I get distracted easily.

 

[Sucker]

I don't think there are any games too close to me here in Detroit, MI. Will have to look more into it. Anyone know where the best games are in MI?

I still need practice actually remembering the count! I get distracted easily.

Greektown Casino, MGM Casino,Motor City Casino; all in the downtown area. Windsor has a casino,as does Sarnia. Other than that, Mount Pleasant is about the next closest, about 30-40 miles north of Lansing.

If you are having a problem with distractions, one of these downtown casinos is the PERFECT place to practice. FULL of distractions. If you get lost in the count, just play basic strategy for the rest of the shoe. Contrary to what you may believe, it will cost you very little in equity.

 

[fun4stuff]

Greektown Casino, MGM Casino,Motor City Casino; all in the downtown area. Windsor has a casino,as does Sarnia. Other than that, Mount Pleasant is about the next closest, about 30-40 miles north of Lansing.

If you are having a problem with distractions, one of these downtown casinos is the PERFECT place to practice. FULL of distractions. If you get lost in the count, just play basic strategy for the rest of the shoe. Contrary to what you may believe, it will cost you very little in equity.

Oh yeah, I meant "good games", but left out the "good" part. I've been to greek town and MGM, but only played holdem. Do you know which is best for blackjack rules, penetration, nonCSMs, $5-10 min bets, etc. I remember playing blackjack at mount pleasant like 10 years ago for $5 min bets, but don't remember much more.