Anyone turn to counting out of desperation?

[tfg]

This is a different type of question but has anyone gone to counting because they had to? Like loss of regular job etc? I'm at a crossroads where my regular income is going to be disappearing soon and I'm sick of my normal job anyway. I normally play blackjack recreationally and can count but not very well but I'm going to bust my ass over the next few months to learn to use it to make ends meet. Forunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I'm at a point where a relatively small amount of winnings should be sufficient. I have a decent bankroll and my goal is just to make enough to pay my bills until I figure something else out. This amount shouldn't be enough to start drawing attention.

I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience.

 

[bjcount]

This is a different type of question but has anyone gone to counting because they had to? Like loss of regular job etc? I'm at a crossroads where my regular income is going to be disappearing soon and I'm sick of my normal job anyway. I normally play blackjack recreationally and can count but not very well but I'm going to bust my ass over the next few months to learn to use it to make ends meet. Forunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I'm at a point where a relatively small amount of winnings should be sufficient. I have a decent bankroll and my goal is just to make enough to pay my bills until I figure something else out. This amount shouldn't be enough to start drawing attention.

I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience.

My opinion only,

Bust your ass working on a new resume, looking for a new job, or even a new field and keep the counting as a hobby. What you will learn in just a few months may not support your needs without drawing from the BR.

If you hit a rut of -ev you will have nothing to fall back on. If your BR is sufficient use it to live on while you look for long term opportunities. The casinos will still be around once your life is back on track.

Stressful times make for stupid decisions when not properly thought out. Sit back, sit on the beach, look at the ocean, and really give it some thought if you had not a penny left to your name what you would do.

BJC

Edit: Kewljason should chime in here

 

[tfg]

Yeah i will be doing all of the things you've mentioned. I know eventually I'm going to have to get things back on track but in the meantime I think with my bankroll and since I'm not going to be spreading huge amount I can grind out some small winnings to supplement.

I don't think this is something I could do exclusively full time. That would kill the enjoyment I get out of it.

 

[Unshake]

I agree I think your time would be MUCH better spent searching for jobs or even working a low paying job.

But if you're really serious you should calculate your EV and reconsider. Depending on the games you have available, if you have a 5k bankroll or so your hourly will be pretty low. Not to mention you can only play a couple hours a day maximum (assuming you never get backed off).

 

[kewljason]

This is a different type of question but has anyone gone to counting because they had to? Like loss of regular job etc? I'm at a crossroads where my regular income is going to be disappearing soon and I'm sick of my normal job anyway. I normally play blackjack recreationally and can count but not very well but I'm going to bust my ass over the next few months to learn to use it to make ends meet. Forunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, I'm at a point where a relatively small amount of winnings should be sufficient. I have a decent bankroll and my goal is just to make enough to pay my bills until I figure something else out. This amount shouldn't be enough to start drawing attention.

I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience.

I turned to counting after quiting my job 5 and a half years ago. It was a low paying, stressful job and the third time I was held up in a year was the final straw for me. I have supported myself playing blackjack ever since. The first couple years especially were very difficult and I think I was very lucky. I also was lucky to have had very limited expenses and obligations at the time.

From the situation you described, I wouldn't recommend attempting it unless you have a substantial bankroll and a years worth of living expenses seperate from your BR. Those big negative swings, which are inevitable are difficult to deal with under any circumstance but the stress is magnified a hundred times when you have no other source of income and lose a significant portion of your bankroll. You quickly begin to question everything you know including your ability.

I would recommend finding employment first, even if at a decreased salary from what you previously enjoyed and then supplement your income playing blackjack.

 

[rukus]

I turned to counting after quiting my job 5 and a half years ago. It was a low paying, stressful job and the third time I was held up in a year was the final straw for me. I have supported myself playing blackjack ever since. The first couple years especially were very difficult and I think I was very lucky. I also was lucky to have had very limited expenses and obligations at the time.

From the situation you described, I wouldn't recomment attempting it unless you have a substantial bankroll and a years worth of living expenses seperate from your BR. Those big negative swings, which are inevitable are difficult to deal with under any circumstance but the stress is magnified a hundred times when you have no other source of income and lose a significant portion of your bankroll. You quickly begin to question everything you know including your ability.

I would recomend finding employment first, even if at a decreased salary from what you previously enjoyed and then supplement your income playing blackjack.

+1 to this and BJC's post. if all youve got to your name is your bankroll (without savings to cover living expenses), playing BJ full time is a bad idea. you could easily go on a 3-6 month losing streak from normal variance. and thats playing a strong game under good conditions. if you have other gambling skills besides counting (whether in the realm of BJ or in other games), that might be another story all together.