Are you a professional blackjack player?

[Craps Master]

I'm curious to know just how many professional blackjack players there are here.

 

[fubster]

I am not, but it's good to see you posting again

 

[21forme]

Why did you make the individual responses public?

 

[Craps Master]

Why did you make the individual responses public?

Why not? At the very least, it helps maintain the integrity of the poll.

 

[fubster]

assuming nobody has their actual identity associated with their internet alias, it shouldn't matter. anyone that has their identity associated with their alias and votes honestly in this poll is childish at best and foolish at worst, at least in my humble opinion.

 

[jack.jackson]

I'm curious to know just how many professional blackjack players there are here.

What's your definition of a pro? I know, alot consider theirselves a pro, but in fact are not. I consider myself one, but have very little casino play under my belt. And dont forget to cast your vote

 

[Craps Master]

anyone that has their identity associated with their alias and votes honestly in this poll is childish at best and foolish at worst, at least in my humble opinion.

Why?

 

[Craps Master]

What's your definition of a pro? I know, alot consider theirselves a pro, but in fact are not. I consider myself one, but have very little casino play under my belt. And dont forget to cast your vote

I think the common sense definition will suffice. Speaking of which, how do you consider yourself a professional blackjack player if you have very little casino experience under your belt. Have you made a living hustling bonuses in online casinos or something? Or are you just new?

 

[jack.jackson]

I think the common sense definition will suffice. Speaking of which, how do you consider yourself a professional blackjack player if you have very little casino experience under your belt. Have you made a living hustling bonuses in online casinos or something? Or are you just new?

Again, it just really depends on what the definition of pro is meant. For example, I consider myself a pro when it comes to straight counting and hole-carding only(since I know, dealers hole-card strategy). And even though, i have barely won a nickle in actual casino play, (due to no Drivers License and lack of finances) i stiill consider myself a pro21 player. Trust me, if I was gonna lie about considering myself a pro, i would'nt be telling the truth about my lack of casino play. This is embarrasing.

I consider myself a pro, when it comes to straight counting, play-all and being able to win continously on a constant level. Everything from the count i use(ao2) with ace side-count and ace params, I can bring my PE up to around ..70 easily.

To adjusting your bets, to compensate for the rules in play, with betting indices. Any # of decks in play, & using different indices, with different rules in play. Falling back, to full kelly betting, when and if bad runs hit. Which RA indices to use, depending on what level im betting and what my RoR looks like and what risk im willing to take. Upsizing and Downsizing my bankroll at a comfortable level im willing to accept, when good and bad fluctuations hit. Getting more aggresive as the # of players increase. Can count any direction, with the fastest of dealers. Optimal departure points for MD. Compensating for Floating Advantage in both betting and the play of hands, etc, etc.

IN PRACTICE: When you can sit, in total isolation for hours on the day and take 10,000 and turn into 1million in about a year or so time, against a realistic 2deck gmae(-.37)3plyrs,1:10, 67% while still being able to focus, ride out 60-70 hour losing streaks on occasions, and succeed at this level, (even if it is, in your own home) is NOT something everyone can do.

However, since ive never done this in a casino, its really hard to say im a pro. Maybe perhaps, but an unsuccessful one at that. You make the call. Cheers!

 

[muppet]

I think the common sense definition will suffice. Speaking of which, how do you consider yourself a professional blackjack player if you have very little casino experience under your belt. Have you made a living hustling bonuses in online casinos or something? Or are you just new?

by pro, do you mean play blackjack for a living? if so i would disagree with your definition :whip:

 

[shadroch]

I'd say a pro is someone who plays for a living. Playing in your kitchen does not make you a pro. It makes you an aspiring pro.

 

[muppet]

but what about a part-time weekend warrior

 

[SleightOfHand]

but what about a part-time weekend warrior

Personally, I consider a pro a person that plays for the majority of their income, maybe even closer to at least 80%. A weekend warrior is a person who either plays frequently, but not for sole income, or a person who plays to supplement their income. As far as JJs situation, I would consider him more of an AT (advantage/armchair theorist). He doesn't play much, but understands the mathematics of the game as well as creating his own strategiea

 

[prankster]

I agree with Shadroch.:joker:

 

[kewljason]

Seems we have had these "what is a pro" discussions before. For the purposes of this poll, it would have been helpful if the original poster had expressed his definition of professional, since different people seem to have different definitions.

 

[LV Bear]

My rough definition

A pro player is one who regularly plays at reasonably high stakes for a significant portion of their overall income, and has done so for at least a few years. There is no set formula of specific hours of play or percentage of overall income, as these factors will vary from year to year.

 

[kewljason]

A pro player is one who regularly plays at reasonably high stakes for a significant portion of their overall income, and has done so for at least a few years. There is no set formula of specific hours of play or percentage of overall income, as these factors will vary from year to year.

I think most would agree this is a pretty good definition, LVB, however whats missing is any mention of some level of success. I am friendly with a poker player that insists he is a poker professional. His income comes entirly from poker winnings for several years now. Problem is this income is not what most people would consider suitable for a living. He sleeps in his car 5 nights a week. :laugh:

 

[psyduck]

Getting more aggresive as the # of players increase.

What's the theory behind this idea?

 

[FLASH1296]

Jack Jackson, You said … "take 10,000 and turn into 1million" W. T. F. ?

You better put down that crack pipe or learn to use 'smileys' to indicate sarcasm or joking.

 

[FLASH1296]

It is easy to confuse one's skills and fund of knowledge with "professionalism"

Being a Pro means that for an extended period of time [years, not weeks],
one has supported themselves primarily through gaming/betting.

A lavish lifestyle is not an element of professionalism any more tha betting
large sums is, but living out of a parked car and washing in rest rooms
suggests abject failure at being a professional.