more basic questions

[pal]

I recently read Proffesional Blackjack and Blackjack Attack 2E. Both advocate backcounting but neither specifies exactly where to stand. I am only 5'6 and I have a hard time seeing all the cards especially if the table is full or near full, unless i stand right behind somone. any suggestions?

Also, I only play as a hobby, if all I do is wong in and out at +1, would this mean I am playing an even money game?

Finally, I can count or play basic strategy, I lose the count every time I have soft hand or split or something. any suggestions?

Pal

 

[Rob McGarvey]

"I recently read Proffesional Blackjack and Blackjack Attack 2E. Both advocate backcounting but neither specifies exactly where to stand. I am only 5'6 and I have a hard time seeing all the cards especially if the table is full or near full, unless i stand right behind somone. any suggestions?"

Hi Pal. Both very good books. The answer is where ever you can see the cards from. I am not being smart, and I am also 5'7". I try to stick myself near the end of two table and count them both or look for something to track. You can also try the higher limit tables since you will only be playing with an advantage, tho a small one.

"Also, I only play as a hobby, if all I do is wong in and out at +1, would this mean I am playing an even money game?"

At a multi deck I would suggest you jump in and out at True Count +2 to make sure you have the edge.

"Finally, I can count or play basic strategy, I lose the count every time I have soft hand or split or something. any suggestions?"

Depends where you are sitting. I like first base so I can play, then count the table. You need more practice to make sure that you can do it in your sleep. I know it is just a hobby for you, but like any hobby you get satisfaction from doing it right, even if you only play a bit. Like building a model or something, you want it done right.

 

[CanKen]

As you, and others, have said, the only way to learn to count well is lots of practice. It almost seems that with enough practice the count is kept in one part of the brain while the rest of the brain deals with other matters.

One question though; why do you prefer first base and playing then counting the round, instead of third base and counting all the hands before your play?

 

[Rob McGarvey]

"As you, and others, have said, the only way to learn to count well is lots of practice. It almost seems that with enough practice the count is kept in one part of the brain while the rest of the brain deals with other matters."

You have described it to a tee. It is like driving the car in a snow storm and listening to your sig-other while listening to the radio. In fact I suggest that you practice with the radio or TV on and the kids running all over the house to simulate casino conditions.

"One question though; why do you prefer first base and playing then counting the round, instead of third base and counting all the hands before your play?"

I got in the habit. I am of the impression that the count is always trying to return to zero, Aces to nutral, and will do so asap. I have been told that I am wrong and that sitting anyplace is fine. I have also seen somewhere that it makes no difference where a basic strategy player sits, but that it does for a counter, and that is why I got into sitting at first or left of it. I make my bet decision right after the last hands are counted. I don't have to move my head from left to right while counting, but you don't have to from third either. Third is also a player heat spot as people are usually looking for someone to blame for everything that happens to them, unless it's a GOOD thing....

Where do you like to play from and why? Right after I play my hand I count it, then count the hands as the players hit them in batches, ie, count the cards as one group, not one at a time, making comments like "nice pull" to make it look like I am just a normal guy making conversation, then I count the dealers hand and laugh when he kills us all or go for the high five when he busts out.

 

[Abraham de Moivre]

Voodoo correction

>I am of the impression that the count is always trying to return to zero.<
Impressions are one thing, and facts are another. Once the count becomes positive or negative, the tendency is that the count remains the same.

Non-Voodoo part of the discussion - Some of my opinions.
>Right after I play my hand I count it<
You should be incorporating the cards in your hand into the count BEFORE you play it. Play variations are best when they consider all possible exposed cards (so you should be including the dealer's upcard into the count also).

It is unclear if you are describing a face-up or pitch game. In pitch, you have to be careful about what cards you have counted and which you haven't. In a face-up game, then every player's cards should be counted BEFORE you play your hand. This would make 1st base a poor choice to sit, as you won't be able to count all the cards quick enough before the dealer is wanting you to make a decision. Third base is bad, because the other ploppies give the player heat, and you have a limited amount of time from when the last card is exposed to when you need to calculate your next bet. A middle seat is bad, because you run the danger of bobbing your head while counting the cards, looking like you are at a tennis match.

So 1st, middle, and 3rd all have disadvantages. 1st, middle, and 3rd all have unique advantages also. Experience will tell you which is best suited for your style of play.

 

[zengrifter]

Re: Voodoo ROBO correction

ROBO has been assuaged of this particular VOODOO (ie, the count being inextricably drawn towards its return to zero) REPEATEDLY AT CCCAFE and I guess he needed yet another verification of this incorrect assumption. Notwithstanding, this basic tenet - that the count tends to stay where its at is contra-logical and defies the logic of homespun novices, in general (mine included). zg

 

[SammyBoy]

You said:Finally, I can count or play basic strategy, I lose the count every time I have soft hand or split or something. any suggestions?

I continuously repeat the count in my head. If the count is +5 I keep repeating in my mind - five five five five. It has really helped me. Also pick up a copy of Sage Blackjack and practice with it on the computer.

 

[The Mayor]

The count tends to stay stationary

One way of picturing this is that the deck is like an inclined plane. Though the plane returns from its high point to touching the ground, it forever has the same slope. The TC is the "slope" of the deck.

 

[pal]

Thanks for the help

Board,

thanks for all the help. I am still in college, and I don't have bankroll, but I plan to practice until I get out. I've only been to the casino 3 times,
1st, ploppy won a 150 on let it ride
2nd, lost $100 playing with a friend who plays basic strategy.
3rd, won 50 playing basic strategy, I was gonna try to count but I got flustered, i wasn't going to spread anyways.

the dealer and a bunch at the table all questioned me about hitting an A7 (or 18 as they call it) against a 10. I was suprised, b/c I figured all the dealers know basic strategy and expect most people to follow it. One guy was consistenly doubling his 8 against dealer 5 or 6.

So, if I play perfect BS, i'll never play a different game again, and I accept that I am playing a losing game, and I still a ploppie?

Thanks for all the help. Mayor, I read two of your requests, BJA, and prof. BJ, I am looking forward to reading other..

thanks for all the help,
Pal

 

[zengrifter]

Re: Thanks for the help

>>So, if I play perfect BS, never play a different game again,
and I accept that I am playing a losing game, and I still a ploppie? <<
-------

NO, YOU are a BASIC-STRATEGIST. zg