Counting style

[Friday]

Hello All,

Great resource here--Thanks to all. I am just getting started.

I play Blackjack for entertainment only and the idea of working on advantages is appealing. currently I go to Vegas with about $400 to burn on Blackjack and usually have a good time--sometimes win. I make a little more than that take home in a day in the regular job, so it's just pure mad money so far. If I can build some confidence I might consider opening up some of my savings to bankroll some more serious play.

When I am playing, I have moments where my counting is extremely instinctive--like I know the running count just be running my eyes over the cards and making one calculation with the net effect of the cards I am viewing. This is fast and easy. What is odd is that I am very awkward counting one card at a time. I can count fast in either direction, but changing direction frequently really trips me up. I am much faster pulling five or more cards out of the deck, counting, then grabbing 5 more. My question is should I stick with the single 'flash card' counting until I get it, or will the scan, cancel, and count method serve me as I continue to improve my overall play? What about if and when I move on to more advanced systems--Will I need that skill then?

Thanks,

Friday

 

[Homeschool]

Don't waste your time counting the cards as they come out. Wait until they are dealing the second card to count, as alot of times the cards will cancel each other out as they pair up. Or wait until the round is almost completely dealt and try to cancel the pairs.

Welcome to the boards.

Homeschool

 

[Sonny]

My question is should I stick with the single 'flash card' counting until I get it, or will the scan, cancel, and count method serve me as I continue to improve my overall play?

From the Frequently Asked Questions thread:

Q: Should I count the cards one at a time or in pairs?
A: You should practice counting the cards in pairs and in groups of three. You will be able to count much faster and easier since most cards will cancel out.

http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?p=87480
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=9392
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=9518
http://www.blackjackinfo.com/bb/showthread.php?t=5201

-Sonny-

 

[blackjack avenger]

Walk Before Running

First be able to count down a deck accurately and quickly one card at a time.

Second be able to count down a deck 2 cards at a time.

Third be able to count down a deck 3 cards at a time.

Finally be able to scan a table quickly.

How can you be sure you can scan a table if you don't know you can count a deck one card at a time?:joker::whip:

 

[kewljason]

First be able to count down a deck accurately and quickly one card at a time.

Second be able to count down a deck 2 cards at a time.

Third be able to count down a deck 3 cards at a time.

Finally be able to scan a table quickly.

How can you be sure you can scan a table if you don't know you can count a deck one card at a time?:joker::whip:

I am going to respectfully disagree, avenger. Where is it written that you have to count down one card at a time, and then two and then three?

I have never counted down a deck two or three cards at a time. I started with the traditional 'see each card as it was dealt' and at some point just morphed into being able to glance at the table and cancel card. I could be wrong but I think most of us that play for any time end up counting counting several cards at a time, cancelling as we go. If the OP started out doing it that way, which we might consider backwards, so be it.

 

[blackjack avenger]

A Lot of Money on the Line to Let Things Happen

I am going to respectfully disagree, avenger. Where is it written that you have to count down one card at a time, and then two and then three?

I have never counted down a deck two or three cards at a time. I started with the traditional 'see each card as it was dealt' and at some point just morphed into being able to glance at the table and cancel card. I could be wrong but I think most of us that play for any time end up counting counting several cards at a time, cancelling as we go. If the OP started out doing it that way, which we might consider backwards, so be it.

Of course one can start counting one card at a time and then one day in the casino through experience you realize you can cancel and scan. However, like most things; if not everything, if you train for it you will be better. If someone worked on their ability to cancel multiple card hands before they played their first hand of bj then I imagine they will get to the point of scanning a table faster.

Which seems better to tell a new player?
Learn to count one card at a time and eventually you will "morph" so you can scan a table?
or
Learn to count one card at a time, then groups and you will "master" how to cancel and scan a table?

I did not mention in my first post that another step is to practice by laying out cards on a table like bj hands and then scan them for a moment and then check your accuracy. :joker::whip:

Another one is to flash a single card extremely quickly and learn to recognize it.:joker::whip:

If you have never counted down a deck 2 cards at a time then try it and I imagine you will get faster with time.

In phys ed classes you will see children learning how to skip and gallop as part of developing motor cordination, these kids can already walk and run. With track athletes you will see skipping and galloping as part of their training. They also already know how to walk, skip and run!:joker::whip:

 

[Automatic Monkey]

I am going to respectfully disagree, avenger. Where is it written that you have to count down one card at a time, and then two and then three?

I have never counted down a deck two or three cards at a time. I started with the traditional 'see each card as it was dealt' and at some point just morphed into being able to glance at the table and cancel card. I could be wrong but I think most of us that play for any time end up counting counting several cards at a time, cancelling as we go. If the OP started out doing it that way, which we might consider backwards, so be it.

This is a completely individual thing. Sometimes I'll switch between both, and if it's a really slow game I'll count each round both ways as a double-check.

 

[Friday]

Thanks all for you responses.

@Sonny, I did see the entry in the FAQ before I posted, but question is slightly nuanced around that. If I know how to run, do I need to know how to walk?

Thanks again for the input.

 

[blackjack avenger]

Do You Know You Can Walk?

If I know how to run, do I need to know how to walk?Thanks again for the input.

You think you can scan in a casino, you don't know unless you test yourself at home. If you correctly practice any skill with various drills you will get better at it.

Professional basketball players know how to shoot, yet they still practice.

I would imagine all professionals no matter the field practice or continue their education.

Does anyone think practicing the skill of actually counting down a deck or several decks in various ways will make them worse?

If at home you set up cards on a table like bj hands and practice scanning them I bet you will get faster and more accurate.

But maybe I am crotchety
But hey it's only your money!:joker::whip: