So far I've read only 10 pages of this thread and its been very interesting so far. I've learned a lot from this forum (other threads) and decided to post a reply here now.
ThunderWalk said:
With so many so vehemently opposed to the act of doubling up after a loss, or any "progressive" system, I have to wonder if there's anyone here who has actually had any experience trying that method. Is all the bad stuff just theory or hearsay, or have you, or someone you know ever lost your shirt trying to make that method work?
It works for me. Always? No. Usually? Yes.
No different that counting.
Let me explain. First, I've done this for years. I used to go to Tahoe with a four figure amount and usually doubled it. I lost it once with 7 losses in a row. After that, I adjusted my strategy to three losses max...example: $5, $10, then $20 (or $25). If I lose 3 in a row, I start over at $5.
Do I lose 3 in a row? Of course. Do you? Yes. So I tend to accrue some winnings and occasionally lose. There is a win/loss ratio. What is it? It depends on how much I drink and how much fun I have.
Worst case scenario: I lose 5, 10, 20...then another 5, 10, 20, then another. that makes $105 in losses. I put my money where my mouth is that I will more likely be ahead than behind in an hours playing...not always, but more likely than not.
Losses in experience: I usually lose big if I split or double when I shouldn't (i.e. 3rd double or whatever).
It's NOT fool-proof. It can bite you in the end. It's also not for everyone, but I figure I'm above average (per hand) and this helps me in the long run. Yes, long run.
I've read a few books and been playing for years. I'd love to find a better strategy but counting isn't for me (no fun...tried the +1/-1 style and it was enough).
I registered here to make a point: it works for me. It might not for you. We are, after all, talking about gambling. Casino's love our types? Of course. They love counters also...don't fool yourselves. If they don't, they'll tell you (the individual, not a group).
Now that I've got that out of my system, I hope to join you guys in further discussions after I go back to reading the rest of this thread (I'm on page 11) and hopefully you guys will prove me wrong...or better yet, convince me to ditch this strategy. So far, I've clicked on links and read the replies and you guys are all shooting blanks...mainly under the assumption that people intend to play for several hours and eventually lose their 10th double in a row compounded. As I mentioned, I only double 3x and it works fine for me. Not only that, but it makes the game much more enjoyable to know that I don't have to count and I can do as I please (dont follow any "basic strategy strictly as some do).
This thread actually reminds me of the other thread here about comps...a lot of opinions and thoughts, but very little empirical evidence. It also reminds me of the average "serious" player you run into casinos, who seems to think that the randomness of the draw card can be altered by my decision to hit or stay...or worse, the voodoo atmosphere of a playing style.
I'm not defending thunderwalk, but I agree completely that some of you have an irrational and exaggerated animosity to this simple strategy.
:whip:
