session length

[Meistro]

The prevailing wisdom among card counters seems to be that short hit and run sessions are the way to go. And while there are certainly many things that recommend this approach, I feel at times that this answer may be facile. In 'Blackjack Secrets' Wong advocated for the complete opposite approach, recommending a weekend 'binge' at the casino before moving on. A lot probably depends on location. If there is a high cost associated with travelling to a casino, or you have only a few stores to choose from, it may not be viable to play short sessions. You may need to camp out and put in long hours, despite the potential costs to longevity. The quality of the game also comes into play here, although it is not clear whether a really premium game should be milked or taken advantage of to the maximum before conditions change.

The main advantage of the short session is to longevity. You get in and get out before anyone really has a chance to ask about what is going on. If you have a wide variety of stores that you can cycle through you may be able to use this hit and run approach while still putting in enough volume to generate a reasonable weekly expected win. People who only count part time, either because of an actual job or because they pursue other gambling opportunities like playing poker have an advantage here. If you are playing sufficiently high stakes, then travelling frequently or constantly becomes a more attractive option.

The problem with short sessions is that it may make it harder to get in sufficient volume. If you want to make money, the formula is edge * action. The more volume, the more action, the more your expected win. Some stores are extremely tolerant and/or oblivious, and you are really just costing yourself a big opportunity by pussy-footing around with hit and run sessions.

What are your thoughts on optimal session length?

 

[Midwest Player]

One word "Depends"

 

[BetWise21]

I sometimes play for two hours and not even see a TC greater than 1, so I don't understand how you could win at all in short sessions unless you are back counting.

 

[Meistro]

It's a lot easier to find situations to bet if you are playing heads up or if you are in a good game.

 

[xengrifter]

I'm more of a "camper" - my average session is 2+ hours.

 

[Meistro]

sometimes the game is just too good to walk away from

 

[ZeeBabar]

For longevity purposes, when you only have a few stores (say 3-4 close by), your max bet and chips in front of you plus your awareness of heat should be factored in. On busy weekends, longer sessions are possible but always be aware that you are not sitting with large stacks of chips.

I have 3 casinos near me, I leave when I am up $300 (playing $25 min, DD game) or $200 in 6 deck $10 min. Games and return on another shift or 2-3 days later. When playing rated, I ensure to book small loses too.

 

[KewlJ]

Meistro: One thing to keep in mind, blackjack secrets was published in 1993. I am not saying any advice in the book is invalid or should be discounted. To be honest, I read it, but a long time ago, and don't remember specifics. I am just saying 1993 was a long time ago. What may have seemed like a good approach 25 years ago, when there was like 2 places to play in the US, might not be the best approach in 2017, with advances in surveillance and casino counter-measures.

But in reality, everyone should determine what is the best approach for their individual circumstances, including availability of games. The first 5+ years of my career, I was based out of AC and had an entirely different approach and plan of attack than I do now, based out of the desert. Different situation, different plan of attack.

Zee: I am sort of opposed to a stop limit based purely on wins or losses, with the exception of trying to keep a win below a threshold that would create a lot of additional problems. I am talking about a 5 figure type threshold, the kind of money that some pit person may have to answer for. In the absence of that a stop limit based on a small amount of a few hundred dollars doesn't make sense to me. I mean $200 or $300, at the games you mentioned, what is that 2 max bets? Why would you set a top limit like that? If you are playing a place that sweats 2-3 hundred bucks, you are going to have problems no matter what you do.

If you are looking to keep sessions short, for the benefit of longevity, I recommend a series of exit "triggers" based on other things, like showing your max bet, or even time, rather than a dollar amount. In my case it's 1.) negative counts, 2.) showing my max bet and 3.) time (1/2 hour to 45 minutes). These three triggers, almost guarantee I won't register a huge win, without setting a win stop limit. But to each his own. Do what you think is best for you and your situation.

 

[ZeeBabar]

Kewlj:

My reality is that there are just 3 playable stores available to me and whether rated or not, they know me. So, in my case, I have cultivated an act where I am just a wealthy guy come to hang out with the regulars, joke with dealer and pit guys, that their casino is like a happy hour type place for me, that I am not out to make a living playing BJ off them. I often visit during the same shift ,2-3 times a week. Thus, for the local onez, I do not want to come across that I am out to get them. Sure, sometimes I hit a lucky streak, get myself up $7-800 after one deck but for the most part, I want to keep the wins under $500, occasionally book a loss, play between 40 and 60 minutes. If I get up too much, I cut ✂back on spread. I would be happy making $5-600 a week at local places. Playing 6 sessions in total at 3 different casinos each works.

I save your recommendations to longer trips I take where Max bet and short sessions and other such stuff comes into play (walk away after max bet or short session, return later for next shift, play unrated), etc.

 

[BoSox]

In Zeebabar's first post:

I have 3 casinos near me, I leave when I am up $300 (playing $25 min, DD game) or $200 in 6 deck $10 min.

In Zee's second post.

My reality is that there are just 3 playable stores available to me and whether rated or not, they know me. So, in my case, I have cultivated an act where I am just a wealthy guy come to hang out with the regulars, joke with dealer and pit guys, that their casino is like a happy hour type place for me, that I am not out to make a living playing BJ off them.

Zee, First, I think your two post do not work together. Personally I would never play the wealthy guy because down the road you could be a real threat, so they periodically have to keep an eye on you.

I wish I could talk about my own methods that I use, but I am sorry I cannot, as I have only two current places to play locally, and I will not talk about it on an open board, or on any paid board.

 

[ZeeBabar]

In Zeebabar's first post:



In Zee's second post.



Zee, First, I think your two post do not work together. Personally I would never play the wealthy guy because down the road you could be a real threat, so they periodically have to keep an eye on you.

I wish I could talk about my own methods that I use, but I am sorry I cannot, as I have only two current places to play locally, and I will not talk about it on an open board, or on any paid board.

Bosox, I seriously do not try to win $20k plus a year, I play conservatively with a max bet under $175. I have been playing at these casinos for some 3 years but I sense its going to be over soon.