Gambler23 said:
How many hours do you normally go to one casino for?
It ranges from don't play at all to play all night.
How sweaty is the casino?
How good are the comps?
How good are the games?
Are there other good games nearby?
What are your goals?
Do you wish to return soon?
Will you ever return?
Is it a pitch or shoe game?
Do you play rated or unrated?
And I hate to say it...
et cetera.
Even the formulas in this game are not certain... that is, if you don't play perfectly the formulas don't apply (I mean, your results will vary from expectations).
If I have learned anything about this game it is that you have to plan carefully, but be ready to act by the seat of you pants depending on the specific circumstances your encounter.
A brain is the most important asset an AP has. There are two ways to develop a brain-- (1) read everything you can get your hands on written by pros (or talk directly with pros), and (2) experience pain. It often goes like this: read what the pros have to say first, then disregard some of what you read (because you're smarter), then suffer pain, then learn to trust the advice of the pros. Or you can neglect reading altogether, jump right in and suffer pain, then, with your bankroll and ego in a cast, read how to avoid the pain.
The smart AP reads (or talks with the pros), acts on what he reads/learns, analyzes his results, compares them with established guidelines, reads/inquires more to improve results, correct any flaws in his play, and expand his skills.
This is my belief. Others may vary. It's pretty plain vanilla generic. There are no shortcuts as your questions seem to imply. Get a couple of good books on Blackjack and start reading.
