How do you guys do it...

[Morphy]

running count is +4

I'm dealt a 2,3
i hit 2
i hit 3
i hit 5
i hit 4



I think the most difficult thing for me in my counting adventure is being dealt low hands and trying to add up my cards while adjusting the count all while keep the count accurate

does anyone have any tricks for this or is this something that just becomes second nature?

 

[Krainn]

How long have you been counting? As you guessed, it comes naturally after a certain time. I've been counting for maybe 2 months now, and keeping the count is almost as second nature as breathing. Just practice, practice, practice!

 

[Ryemo]

Play enough and you'll be able to do it in your sleep. Just keep practicing.

 

[Taff]

Doesn't your dealer call out the totals when he/she deals.??If not the count comes first. Do that then sort the card totals. Work at your own pace, it's your cash. Makes you look more ploppy like if you think about it.

 

[gronbog]

Never trust the dealer's addition of your hand. I played with a dealer who, for some reason, kept saying 19 when I had 21. Most times it made no difference, but one time he tried to take my bet vs his 20. I questioned him each time it happened and, based on his reaction, it seemed like a genuine mental block in his part. He was a rookie. I don't think he was up to anything, but it still pays to be vigilant.

 

[Morphy]

How long have you been counting? As you guessed, it comes naturally after a certain time. I've been counting for maybe 2 months now, and keeping the count is almost as second nature as breathing. Just practice, practice, practice!

About about 3 1/2 months

 

[Morphy]

Doesn't your dealer call out the totals when he/she deals.??If not the count comes first. Do that then sort the card totals. Work at your own pace, it's your cash. Makes you look more ploppy like if you think about it.

I have no idea I have never played blackjack ever.


I have stalked my local store and I didn't notice them adding. When I play on CV the totals are not called out. Sometimes my wife randomly totals up my hands, which i have to correct occasionally.



i have been worried this whole time that slow play means "this person is slowing the game down to count"

 

[Morphy]

Thanks everyone

 

[Meistro]

Never trust the dealer's addition of your hand.

Don't correct a dealer if they inaccurately add up your hand either. It is good if they think that you have something you don't have, because then they can make a mistake such as not busting you if you bust, or paying you if you push or lose etc.

 

[Rebecca C]

i have been worried this whole time that slow play means "this person is slowing the game down to count"

If the game has to be slowed down for someone to count it, that person is not ready for real play. Competent players want the game to go faster, not slower, to play more hands per hour.

 

[Taff]

If the game has to be slowed down for someone to count it, that person is not ready for real play. Competent players want the game to go faster, not slower, to play more hands per hour.

Mmmm yes and no. I would argue that 'real play' is the only way you acheive competency. Before I hit a casino I could count down a deck in 20 and had my bet ramp down cold. Hit my first store and I was frankly awful. It seemed counting as cards were dealt across a table threw me. It took a good 10 hours before my speed transferred to real play. My advice to OP would be slow everything down. Buy in so you have enough for a couple of max bets at the lowest limit table then simply forget about the chips. Concentrate on keeping the count and ramping bets accordingly, maybe with a handful of the most important index plays chucked in. This helps you relax and look like you're there to have a good time rather than busting a gut learning a skill. The best cover I've found is have a bit of banter with everyone at the table. The Bell ends in the pit are less likely to single you out if they think it will piss the table off.

 

[Fenix]

Practice. If I have to hit for more than 3 cards, I usually don't have the totals memorized and have to add them to know how to play my hand. I don't worry about the count while I'm making the hitting decisions. Sometimes the count tracks automatically in my head, sometimes not. If it doesn't, once I've decided to stand or have busted, I count the uncounted cards.

 

[xengrifter]

I think the most difficult thing for me in my counting adventure is being dealt low hands and trying to add up my cards while adjusting the count all while keep the count accurate

does anyone have any tricks for this or is this something that just becomes second nature?

You should not need to add/calc your hand total.

 

[Morphy]

You should not need to add/calc your hand total.

Are you saying that the number combos should be memorized?

please explain..

 

[Fenix]

Are you saying that the number combos should be memorized?

Yes. If you have a 7 and an 8, you shouldn't have to add it up on your fingers or in your head, you should just know it's a 15. Three card and some four combinations are important to know too. Either work on memorizing them away from the tables, and/or work on improving knowing your total while at the tables.

 

[Morphy]

Yes. If you have a 7 and an 8, you shouldn't have to add it up on your fingers or in your head, you should just know it's a 15. Three card and some four combinations are important to know too. Either work on memorizing them away from the tables, and/or work on improving knowing your total while at the tables.

Thanks Fenix

I am good with 2 cards, but now that you mention it i do have to work on three and 4 card totals. When you say "some" 4 card totals do you have some that I should work on more than others?

 

[Fenix]

When you say "some" 4 card totals do you have some that I should work on more than others?

The ones that are 21 and under. They'll be a repeat of the two and three card combinations though. Two or three of the cards will equal one total, and the remaining ones another.

I should work on these too. Sometimes I find myself having to add up cards at the table. It's not the end of the world, but it's harder to catch dealer errors and takes more brain power than I'd like.

 

[Morphy]

The ones that are 21 and under. They'll be a repeat of the two and three card combinations though. Two or three of the cards will equal one total, and the remaining ones another.

I should work on these too. Sometimes I find myself having to add up cards at the table. It's not the end of the world, but it's harder to catch dealer errors and takes more brain power than I'd like.

sorry I re read my question to you and it was a dumb one, but your answer makes complete sense.