Once Ive mastered counting, then what?

[morry]

Gday guys first post.

Ive started to get into BJ and card counting. Im still a long way off being proficient however, I am getting there

I have a good computer simulation which keeps track of the count for me. So while I master my counting skills, I can play like I have already mastered it.

Now what I am unsure is what to do for certain counts. I know a -ve count is bad, so I bet the minimum amount for that, but are there "rules" for what I should do when the count becomes +ve?

Thanks guys, hopefully I can learn a lot off of you!

 

[KenSmith]

Your question could take a lot of information to answer definitively, but I'll give a short answer that covers the basics...

Your bet size should increase along with the count, until your maximum bet is on the table at around a true count of +5 or higher (assuming you use the Hi-Lo count or something roughly equivalent).

 

[morry]

Ahh ok that makes sense. Thanks Ken.

 

[BJStanko]

Card counting.....

is worthless unless:

You master:

-Rules of BlackJack (that doesn't mean to know what means to hit stand split or double down only) but to know apsolutelly EVERYTHING. I will mention only few; know how to handle chips, cards, money, behaviour at the table too. Every single book about BJ explains rules very well.

-Discipline, Discipline, Discipline.

-Basic Strategy for 1,2, 4,6,8 decks and know how to change BS when rules change (there is only one correct BS for each set of rules)

-Money management. Know how to bet according to your bankroll, and lots more thing .....Kelly Criterion etc.

-Look for truly profitable games. Do not just sit down and play any game. Be aware of deck penetration , particular rules. DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER PLAYING 6:5 RULE! Card Counting DOES NOT WORK IN MOST OF THE GAMES THESE DAYS. So you will have to hunt for profitable game.

-Card Counting (be able to count single deck of cards in 30 seconds minimum, and it is acceptable if you make mistake in count 1 out of about 16 times)
Chose counting system that works best for you, but recomendation is to learn Hi-lo first, and than some more complicated one that will give you best adventage posibble. Like OMEGA 2 , or Hi-Opt II. Know how to bet according to count and Kelly Criterion again.

-Pit Bosses are not morons, and all those stories how you should try not to look like card counter are stories for little children, written only to add materials to the book so book sell better. There is nothing that you can really do so you do not get ditected by casino personel, but you can make sure not to go to the same casino every day, if you pick to go to the same one at least change shift...... But ultimate rule is do not go to one casino often. Move around.

-First time you go to casino do not try to count because I would recommend you to get used to atmosphere.

-Leave Ego at home

.....................and lot more!

Good Luck

 

[morry]

Hey, great post!

Yeah Im a long way off going near a casino. Im learning basic strategy and I have a pretty good idea about that.

Im also a long way off being able to count decks quickly. I can recognise cards and pairs instantly, its taking longer for the count to change accordingly.

Unfortunately, where I live (Australia) there is only one casino in every state. But somehow, I dont think Ill be worrying pit bosses for a while.

Thanks guys.

 

[BJteam_player?]

go to a Casino

Morry,
It is alright to practice at home, but at the Casino, a table can change from One on One (either you Bust or Dealer Wins) to 7 players very quickly, so you have to be on your counting toes.

When you go, go with say $250 (to lose), go to a $5 table, and practice there.
15 years ago, I was in Adelaide and I went in with $500 (to lose) and Bet the Minimum and went to "School", making mental notes of what to do.
See another post for the 4 I came up with, and I never really knew of BS until 3 or 4 years ago.

Happy BJing

 

[morry]

Thanks BJTeam,

Ill probably hit the casino when I feel a little more confident than I do now. Im getting better at counting, but still a long way off where Id like to be.

I dont mind losing a little at the start if it helps me in the long run though.

Cheers.