Card Counter's log
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I keep 2 seperate logs. A results log and a play log. My results log consist of:
1.) table conditions (number of decks, rules, penetration, ititial house advantage)
2.) an estimated number of hands played. (I keep track of hands played rather than time as that is whats important and can vary greatly with speed of dealer and number of players)
3.) cumulative hands played
4.) won/loss for session
5.) cumulative won/loss
6.) average w/l per 100 hands (to me this is the most important number and becomes less volatile with the more hands played)
You may note that I specificly left out dates and casino. Dates really have no significant value and keeping track of casinos was causing me to analize play at each location. I would discover that I was way above EV at casino A and way below at casino B with same game conditions. I then started voodoo thinking like should I play more at casino A because I am winning? or should I play more at casino B because I am "due" to win. (of course when you sit down, the table doesn't know you are due for anything) With listing blind results I can NOT concentrate on individual casino, short term results. I only see comulative long term results.
The second log is my play log, which I just record date, time of day, and number of hands of hands played at each location. (no results) I use this log to set up my trip plan and casino rolation so that I spread my play around to different locations and shifts as much as possible.
1.) table conditions (number of decks, rules, penetration, ititial house advantage)
2.) an estimated number of hands played. (I keep track of hands played rather than time as that is whats important and can vary greatly with speed of dealer and number of players)
3.) cumulative hands played
4.) won/loss for session
5.) cumulative won/loss
6.) average w/l per 100 hands (to me this is the most important number and becomes less volatile with the more hands played)
You may note that I specificly left out dates and casino. Dates really have no significant value and keeping track of casinos was causing me to analize play at each location. I would discover that I was way above EV at casino A and way below at casino B with same game conditions. I then started voodoo thinking like should I play more at casino A because I am winning? or should I play more at casino B because I am "due" to win. (of course when you sit down, the table doesn't know you are due for anything) With listing blind results I can NOT concentrate on individual casino, short term results. I only see comulative long term results.
The second log is my play log, which I just record date, time of day, and number of hands of hands played at each location. (no results) I use this log to set up my trip plan and casino rolation so that I spread my play around to different locations and shifts as much as possible.
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In addition to the above, dates, shift, casino. If there was anything unusual such as heat or odd comments from the pit or dealer, a flashing dealer, etc. I note that as well.
As Jason said, you don't want to be in the same place, same shift, too often.
I carry a little logbook with me, then when I get home, I transfer the numbers in CVJournal (part of CVBJ).
As Jason said, you don't want to be in the same place, same shift, too often.
I carry a little logbook with me, then when I get home, I transfer the numbers in CVJournal (part of CVBJ).
A few other things to keep track of are
tips
side bets wagered ie. Lucky Ladies
dealer errors (you will be amazed how much you can make from dealer errors over the course of a year)
expenses- don't forget to calculate all expenses, this is more important than you think because while you might be making money at blackjack your costs might be putting you into the red. Especially if you are a red chip player. Keep track of your fuel consumption too.
tips
side bets wagered ie. Lucky Ladies
dealer errors (you will be amazed how much you can make from dealer errors over the course of a year)
expenses- don't forget to calculate all expenses, this is more important than you think because while you might be making money at blackjack your costs might be putting you into the red. Especially if you are a red chip player. Keep track of your fuel consumption too.
In addition to what you listed, the source data I log is:
- Decks
- Rules
- Shift I played on (Swing, Grave, Day)
- Exact times I played
- Heat perception (I use a scale, 1-10. I also have another column where I keep specific comments about the session.)
- Casino Chain
- My minimum bet
- Spread I acheived (e.g. I spread 1-8 in DD games... but I sometimes have a session where no situations arise for me to reach 8 unit bet).
EXPENSES, EXPENSES, EXPENSES!
Its so important especially if your traveling around the globe.
In Team play its even more important.
We had one guy playing on our team who was playing a winning game but when his expenses came off he was actually a losing player, a liability. (his win rate per hour also showed this)
Obviously it depends also on what type of game you are playing.
Its so important especially if your traveling around the globe.
In Team play its even more important.
We had one guy playing on our team who was playing a winning game but when his expenses came off he was actually a losing player, a liability. (his win rate per hour also showed this)
Obviously it depends also on what type of game you are playing.
Your question was answered in the quote post that you quoted! Did you even read it? Just because you won at a particular casino a few times is no reason to only play there. You are not going to always win there. Just because you lost at a casino a couple times doesn't mean you shouldn't play there anymore. (assuming it's an honest and beatable game) I mentioned a while back that you were thinking short term. You are still are. In the short run anything can and will happen. You have to think longer term.
Incidentally, I just stated the way I do my logs. I specifically don't want to have the results for individual casinos for reasons that I already stated. I am sure no one else does it this way and am not suggesting they should.
I have noticed you jumping all over the place with all sorts of different questions, which is ok. Asking questions is great, but you should make some effort to find these answers yourself first. You should read the sticky post as they contain some of the info you are seeking. Also I neglected to mention the blackjack school section on this site and the "newbie" free chat tutoring on tuesdays from 10-11pm, when I gave you a list of resources a while back.
Incidentally, I just stated the way I do my logs. I specifically don't want to have the results for individual casinos for reasons that I already stated. I am sure no one else does it this way and am not suggesting they should.
I have noticed you jumping all over the place with all sorts of different questions, which is ok. Asking questions is great, but you should make some effort to find these answers yourself first. You should read the sticky post as they contain some of the info you are seeking. Also I neglected to mention the blackjack school section on this site and the "newbie" free chat tutoring on tuesdays from 10-11pm, when I gave you a list of resources a while back.
I keep track of my total win/loss (as well as amount ratholed) at specific casinos because I like to know what the casino's perception of my game is (I use a players' card). There really isn't TOO much value in this, as there are many more factors to a casino's perception of my game, but I would like to get as much info as possible.
that is awesome. I've just been recording hours played and assumed 100hands/hr. How do you keep track of hands played? I thought about getting one of those tally counters/headcount clickers that bouncers use at clubs. but if got caught using one, ya think that would be considered an illegal device to aid in betting?
Don't do that. They would think you are using it to track cards and yes it would be considered an illegal device. Just estimate hands as best you can. Playing at a mostly full table will get ya about 60 hands an hour. One or two other player, maybe closer to 100/hour. Heads up 150-200, depending on speed of dealer.