Card Counting Technique

[LuckyStars]

While I’m getting more proficient, I know I’m not ready for a casino. I feel like I’m moving my lips when I count and worried that would be a clear give away, so I started using words or syllables to symbolize a plus, even, or negative count. For example, I use “E” for even and “R” for Red to signal a negative count during my count. Is this a real concern or am I overthinking it?

 

[21forme]

Yes, it is a concern. And don't make the other rookie mistake of staring at the discard rack.

 

[LuckyStars]

Yes, it is a concern. And don't make the other rookie mistake of staring at the discard rack.

Thanks, and thanks, because I do that to.

 

[KewlJ]

Yes, it is a concern. And don't make the other rookie mistake of staring at the discard rack.

Good point. Staring at the discard rack IS a card counter "tell". But watching each card come out to each player, even moving your head to do so, is NOT the tell that many assume it is.

If you watch other players, almost everyone watches each card as it comes out and is interested in other players hands, often commenting on blackjacks and double downs. But almost no other players eyeball the discard rack as card counters do.

 

[Counting_Is_Fun]

Yes, it is a concern. And don't make the other rookie mistake of staring at the discard rack.

Agree.
And I'm not sure why you think altering some words will change your lips moving? Whatever it takes, maybe record yourself...but you cannot move your lips, that is a dead give away.
And I agree with the other posters...DO NOT stare at the discard rack. You can only glance at it when it looks natural. Dealers will notice and tell the pit, if the pit doesn't notice you doing it. Nobody stares at the discards except counters.
As far as looking at every card as it comes out...I mostly agree with KewlJ...ploppies mostly also look at every card.
Some good advice is instead of staring at the tray and cards...start watching some ploppies and mostly act like they do.

 

[LuckyStars]

Agree.
And I'm not sure why you think altering some words will change your lips moving? Whatever it takes, maybe record yourself...but you cannot move your lips, that is a dead give away.
And I agree with the other posters...DO NOT stare at the discard rack. You can only glance at it when it looks natural. Dealers will notice and tell the pit, if the pit doesn't notice you doing it. Nobody stares at the discards except counters.
As far as looking at every card as it comes out...I mostly agree with KewlJ...ploppies mostly also look at every card.
Some good advice is instead of staring at the tray and cards...start watching some ploppies and mostly act like they do.

My point was that by using a word with less syllables, or using “E” instead of ”even” , it would reduce possibility of lip movement. Either way I understand your point.
I think I was kept looking at the deck for penetration, but regardless , I wouldn’t have thought about it if I hadn’t read about it here so that’s a good thing.
I’m still saving a bankroll, but I’ve started visiting a few places to check out the games, get used to the environment, and clean up things like this so I appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[gronbog]

I internally use the syllable "mi" for negative counts and no extra syllable otherwise.

Why invent something for "even" which I assume means zero?

 

[LC Larry]

I just used the letter "M." A friend used "B", as in "below." "Zero" or "+" numbers, were just the numbers.

 

[LuckyStars]

I internally use the syllable "mi" for negative counts and no extra syllable otherwise.

Why invent something for "even" which I assume means zero?

Good point.

 

[LuckyStars]

I just used the letter "M." A friend used "B", as in "below." "Zero" or "+" numbers, were just the numbers.

I’ve used R but B seems much easier. Thanks

 

[LuckyStars]

I internally use the syllable "mi" for negative counts and no extra syllable otherwise.

Why invent something for "even" which I assume means zero?

I think it came from counting by groups. For example, my count is at Zero, then I see a 3,10, 5, &K. By acknowledging a Zero count, I’ve let myself know I’ve included those cards. Granted,

 

[Counting_Is_Fun]

I internally use the syllable "mi" for negative counts and no extra syllable otherwise.

Why invent something for "even" which I assume means zero?

This seems about right. Everyone's brain works a little bit differently...so I guess whatever you find that helps you keep the count correctly, and for sure stops you from moving your lips would be advisable.

 

[kcchiefsfan1982]

When I first started counting...I would pile up my chips to the count...I would place chips on the front edge in positive count and back edge in negative count. I did this my first month of playing in the casino lol!

To be honest, as a red chipper, nobody gave a hoot.

There is a chance that a red chipper, with max bet around $100 or less has never (or rarely has been) been kicked out!! I don't know...but, I am just saying...if you at least max your bet at $90 so that they don't call out "black in action" I think you could mouth the count...count out loud even...and you probably survive

 

[LuckyStars]

Thanks, and I hope your correct because I suck at counting. I just left my second trip to a casino since I started practicing and I couldn’t get through a shoe. I’m betting 5-25 because I’m building a BR, but wanted to test my skill.
Good thing I guess is I had some fun, tested my skills, and walked out while I was up.

 

[kcchiefsfan1982]

Thanks, and I hope your correct because I suck at counting. I just left my second trip to a casino since I started practicing and I couldn’t get through a shoe. I’m betting 5-25 because I’m building a BR, but wanted to test my skill.
Good thing I guess is I had some fun, tested my skills, and walked out while I was up.

i was like you my first year...i can tell you.. $5 to $25 might be a break even game. It was for me. Can you drive uber or do something on the side to build your bank roll to at least $3,000... preferably $5000?

Sell a few items on craigslist as well...

 

[Counting_Is_Fun]

Thanks, and I hope your correct because I suck at counting. I just left my second trip to a casino since I started practicing and I couldn’t get through a shoe. I’m betting 5-25 because I’m building a BR, but wanted to test my skill.
Good thing I guess is I had some fun, tested my skills, and walked out while I was up.

Uggg please read every reply to you so far on the forum, before you post anymore.

 

[Counting_Is_Fun]

i was like you my first year...i can tell you.. $5 to $25 might be a break even game. It was for me. Can you drive uber or do something on the side to build your bank roll to at least $3,000... preferably $5000?

Sell a few items on craigslist as well...

LuckyStars...find someone else besides this guy to follow here. He has no idea what he is even talking about...in all threads.
5-25 and his other nonsense is just another ploppy. Why he thinks he is some poster here lately is beyond me.
Don and everyone has tried to quiet this guy...but he will not be stopped. He makes zero sense and does not belong here.

 

[kcchiefsfan1982]

LuckyStars...find someone else besides this guy to follow here. He has no idea what he is even talking about...in all threads.
5-25 and his other nonsense is just another ploppy. Why he thinks he is some poster here lately is beyond me.
Don and everyone has tried to quiet this guy...but he will not be stopped. He makes zero sense and does not belong here.

Don is Don. You are not Don, lol.

How much money have you made in your blackjack career?

Colin from blackjack apprenticeship talks about using a 1-12 unit bet spread...just to make $10/hr. That is with a $10 to $120 spread!

How much do you think you can make using a 1-5 unit bet spread on a $5 table?

Maybe $3/hr if you are lucky?

 

[Counting_Is_Fun]

Don is Don. You are not Don, lol.

How much money have you made in your blackjack career?

Colin from blackjack apprenticeship talks about using a 1-12 unit bet spread...just to make $10/hr. That is with a $10 to $120 spread!

How much do you think you can make using a 1-5 unit bet spread on a $5 table?

Maybe $3/hr if you are lucky?

LuckyStars...in case you needed any more proof... Hopefully you can see what this guy is doing. #mentalissues

 

[LuckyStars]

Don is Don. You are not Don, lol.

How much money have you made in your blackjack career?

Colin from blackjack apprenticeship talks about using a 1-12 unit bet spread...just to make $10/hr. That is with a $10 to $120 spread!

How much do you think you can make using a 1-5 unit bet spread on a $5 table?

Maybe $3/hr if you are lucky?

I agree with you completely. The point to my statement was to say Im proba not getting any attention with my small bet spread.
As far as my $5 bet, I just started learning to count last month and I’m currently saving a bankrole. I just wanted to start spending a few hours a week in casinos to start testing the things I’m learning. For example, after playing a bit last night and then some this morning, Ive seen the dif of try to play when I’m tired and rested. Anyway, thanks for the feedback.