I personally would suggest not trying to count cards on you first trip.
If this is your first visit to a casino, then your Basic Strategy is probably not perfect, or even near perfect. Also, your counting, at least in a casino environment, is almost certainly not spot on.
So you will make lots of errors.
Don't take this to mean that you are a failure; you are just starting!
I would personally just take a certain amount of money to gamble, say $100, and find the lowest limit table you can, like a $3 table, or a $2 or $1 table if possible. Then just flat bet.
Spend a little while, say 20 minutes at a table, and then move on to another one.
Just try to get a feel for what it is like to actually play blackjack in a casino.
If your Basic Strategy is pretty good, you should only lose a few dollars, but of course you'll probably either lose more than a few dollars or win more.
Just have fun while getting used to the game.
If you want to try to count, do it, but don't actually let this change how you bet. This is a good thing to do first up, because it lets you get an idea of actually counting at a table, but if you lose count or get distracted, it doesnt matter, you can just start again.
This is only my personal opinion, and I'll happily tell you that I'm no expert. I've only played Blackjack in a casino once (doubled my money with BS), but I've been practicing BS and card counting for months, with lots of hours built up, and I consider myself to be of well above average intelligence (IQ 130+) (and I'm very modest too
).
I'm going to a casino this week as well, but I don't think my counting is good enough yet, especially with the average game and poor penetration at the local casino. I will probably just play Basic Strategy and flat bet or possibly try Oscar's Grind, and try counting without betting on it, and also try to see if I can back-count or Wong-in maybe.
If you, or any other newbies want to send me a Private Message to share experiences (or our lack of them) feel free.
More experienced players, please correct anything I said that may be incorrect!