Professional BJ players
- Thread starter BjFool
- Start date
Hi,
It is definitely possible to make a living from Blackjack. Although after a while you will probably start getting very board of it and wished you had just kept it a hobby.
I myself am a professional gambler (hate that world!) and it can be a very profitable business (if you already have enough finance behind you).
I would never suggest to anyone just to play blackjack professionally, I would also suggest that they learn many other games as well, like Poker, Backgammon or Bridge. I play all four professionally, although Poker is my forte.
Advantages are that you are keeping yourself fresh, and in the case of Blackjack, you would not be exposing yourself everyday (barrings etc..). Also, for me, Poker is more profitable long-term.
Also, its takes quite a while to become good enough to take these games to the professional level. I studied a hell of a lot, twice as hard as many of my student friends did at University or any other further education.
It a VERY hard business, but all it takes is time, determination, patience and a fat bankroll behind you.
good tracking
TRACKER.
It is definitely possible to make a living from Blackjack. Although after a while you will probably start getting very board of it and wished you had just kept it a hobby.
I myself am a professional gambler (hate that world!) and it can be a very profitable business (if you already have enough finance behind you).
I would never suggest to anyone just to play blackjack professionally, I would also suggest that they learn many other games as well, like Poker, Backgammon or Bridge. I play all four professionally, although Poker is my forte.
Advantages are that you are keeping yourself fresh, and in the case of Blackjack, you would not be exposing yourself everyday (barrings etc..). Also, for me, Poker is more profitable long-term.
Also, its takes quite a while to become good enough to take these games to the professional level. I studied a hell of a lot, twice as hard as many of my student friends did at University or any other further education.
It a VERY hard business, but all it takes is time, determination, patience and a fat bankroll behind you.
good tracking
TRACKER.
Professional blackjack is something that you do or dont do. You need an incredible bankroll and you need an education. The majority of masters are mathmeticians. The Majority of pros are highly intelligent, daring, and most of all tough. You have to have a grifter's heart and be worldy. The casinos know every angle. They have seen it all. The pros I know are above all experts in this game. (I am a rec player.) A lot of pros despise rookies. We play like we are counting and can sometimes bring heat on them because we draw heat. Most of the time its the pit boss chuckling at our obvious card counter tells.
Pros are a secretive bunch and are not going to let you in thier world. I know! It took me years to get to where I am now. I had to slug it out by reading all the books. I have had the good luck to have befriended a master and two pros who have had and are having a definite effect on my skills and knowledge. I can play. I have skills. I make money! But for lack of a better explanation I feel I have had begginers luck. If you want to do this thing you better study it first. Then Figure out the math. Then figure out a good strategy on how to administer what you know. Then try and figure out how to make a few bucks every day.
Remember this, the average amount needed for a bankroll that I can figure; from every one I have met; every one that has mentored me; and every thing I have read is $100,000.00. This if you are going to live off it; much higher if you are expect to live the life. Keep your day job and play at night, weekends, or vacations. Today being a pro borders on being a master villain.
PS Hello tracker welcome to this website. I am a frequent poster learning what I can from players like you. I appreciate what ever you can share.
Pros are a secretive bunch and are not going to let you in thier world. I know! It took me years to get to where I am now. I had to slug it out by reading all the books. I have had the good luck to have befriended a master and two pros who have had and are having a definite effect on my skills and knowledge. I can play. I have skills. I make money! But for lack of a better explanation I feel I have had begginers luck. If you want to do this thing you better study it first. Then Figure out the math. Then figure out a good strategy on how to administer what you know. Then try and figure out how to make a few bucks every day.
Remember this, the average amount needed for a bankroll that I can figure; from every one I have met; every one that has mentored me; and every thing I have read is $100,000.00. This if you are going to live off it; much higher if you are expect to live the life. Keep your day job and play at night, weekends, or vacations. Today being a pro borders on being a master villain.
PS Hello tracker welcome to this website. I am a frequent poster learning what I can from players like you. I appreciate what ever you can share.
Go Semi Pro
You are much better off having more than one stream of income, so don't quit your dayjob if you have a good one. Much of this decision has to do with your other financial obligations. If you don't have any and can move around easily it will be easier to go full pro than if you have a wife and children and a mortgage, car payments, etc.
You can play like a pro on a part time basis and still call yourself a professional player IMO.
You are much better off having more than one stream of income, so don't quit your dayjob if you have a good one. Much of this decision has to do with your other financial obligations. If you don't have any and can move around easily it will be easier to go full pro than if you have a wife and children and a mortgage, car payments, etc.
You can play like a pro on a part time basis and still call yourself a professional player IMO.
First of all, I don't think you have to be a "highly intelligent" person to be a professional Blackjack Player (I'm not, although I was always good at maths). An above average intelligence will do. "Above average to realize the potential money making business this is (none of my friends or there friends can understand how I can be a professional gambler, that's why I hate the word "gambler". To be a gambler means to "bet against the odds". I don't, I bet with the odds!) And an average intelligence to implement the advantage play methods. It might all seem hard to do, all it takes is hard work and persistence. I play Hi-Opt II as my count and I also doing some ace tracking which is very effective. Most wannabe advantage players think it's all too much. Well, to a recreational player this is true, but if you play to get as much money as possible, then you must use all the ammo you can get you hands on, and for me this is the most effective strategy for me. Note, that I said best strategy for "me". Everybody is different, and some systems work better for some than others.
As regard to bankroll, that really depends on what limits you prefer playing at. Most people assume that you must play at $25 min to make good money, this simply is not true. You can make good money playing at $5 min tables. Plus at the $5 min you would get substantially less heat than some playing at $25 min. It also depends on what kind of a risk vs reward you like. I personally like playing with no more than 5% Risk Of Ruin. Many other players prefer less risk, and that is fine to. In fact if I was JUST playing BJ, I probably would also want that, but that's another advantage of playing other games professionally.
Another factor is spread. the general conception is to play 1-12 for 6 decks (my favoured game), I at the moment I play 1-40, but that also depends on casino, country and past experiences. You should spread with whatever you can get away with. I believe that if you are going to spread from 1-12, that will cause as much heat as going 1-40. There are many different views, but that's good because it keeps people thinking and coming up with new ideas, there is no right or wrong way to play BJ(except progressions!). For me my Blackjack bankroll is just over 100 max bets (4.25% RoR). For someone to play just BJ as a pro, I would suggest, as many do at about 200 max bets (0.5% RoR).
I would say that the biggest and best advantage of being at pro gambler as that you can organize you own day to suit you. Most tournaments are in the evening and BJ is mostly 24 hrs (umm..those 11 am alarm calls!!). I can imagine it being a very big step to quit you job and play pro, I started when I as 17, so I never really had a "real" job as such, and as I think Rob said it also depends on want responsibilities you have, wife, kids etc.. and also persuading them that this really is possible (in fact that never happens!)
I think I have pretty much covered the most common things (I was in one of those moods to write a long letter!)
(Hi "Learning to Count", Thank you for welcoming me).
good tracking
TRACKER.
As regard to bankroll, that really depends on what limits you prefer playing at. Most people assume that you must play at $25 min to make good money, this simply is not true. You can make good money playing at $5 min tables. Plus at the $5 min you would get substantially less heat than some playing at $25 min. It also depends on what kind of a risk vs reward you like. I personally like playing with no more than 5% Risk Of Ruin. Many other players prefer less risk, and that is fine to. In fact if I was JUST playing BJ, I probably would also want that, but that's another advantage of playing other games professionally.
Another factor is spread. the general conception is to play 1-12 for 6 decks (my favoured game), I at the moment I play 1-40, but that also depends on casino, country and past experiences. You should spread with whatever you can get away with. I believe that if you are going to spread from 1-12, that will cause as much heat as going 1-40. There are many different views, but that's good because it keeps people thinking and coming up with new ideas, there is no right or wrong way to play BJ(except progressions!). For me my Blackjack bankroll is just over 100 max bets (4.25% RoR). For someone to play just BJ as a pro, I would suggest, as many do at about 200 max bets (0.5% RoR).
I would say that the biggest and best advantage of being at pro gambler as that you can organize you own day to suit you. Most tournaments are in the evening and BJ is mostly 24 hrs (umm..those 11 am alarm calls!!). I can imagine it being a very big step to quit you job and play pro, I started when I as 17, so I never really had a "real" job as such, and as I think Rob said it also depends on want responsibilities you have, wife, kids etc.. and also persuading them that this really is possible (in fact that never happens!)
I think I have pretty much covered the most common things (I was in one of those moods to write a long letter!)
(Hi "Learning to Count", Thank you for welcoming me).
good tracking
TRACKER.
Welcome Tracker!
Greetings, Tracker!
You started when you were 17? So you have been a professional gambler your whole adult life? No other professesions?
I would love to hear about more about you, your games, and anything else you want to share.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience on this board,
--Mayor
Greetings, Tracker!
You started when you were 17? So you have been a professional gambler your whole adult life? No other professesions?
I would love to hear about more about you, your games, and anything else you want to share.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience on this board,
--Mayor
Re: Welcome Tracker!
Well, the thought of going pro sounds intriguing. Here is my situation. I'm good at math and have had 5 years of college mathematics. I was going to be a high school math teacher but once I got in the classroom and started teaching, I hated it. I own my house that I live in so I don't pay any rent. I don't have a wife or kids. My car is completely paid for. Basically, the only things I pay for are car insurance, water bill, electric, gas, and property taxes. At this point, I'm thinking of either going back to college or actually giving blackjack a shot. I'm sort of a loner but I'm not sure if I enjoy being a loner or if I am a loner by circumstances. I was so close to getting my college degree but quit about 12 weeks before I was to get it. If I did go back, I'd probably change my major to pure mathematics or computer science. I'm 26 and I hate working 9 to 5 to be quite honest. I think I'm sort of a drifter. Any comments are welcome even if they are negative. I'm wondering the same thing as Tracker.
Well, the thought of going pro sounds intriguing. Here is my situation. I'm good at math and have had 5 years of college mathematics. I was going to be a high school math teacher but once I got in the classroom and started teaching, I hated it. I own my house that I live in so I don't pay any rent. I don't have a wife or kids. My car is completely paid for. Basically, the only things I pay for are car insurance, water bill, electric, gas, and property taxes. At this point, I'm thinking of either going back to college or actually giving blackjack a shot. I'm sort of a loner but I'm not sure if I enjoy being a loner or if I am a loner by circumstances. I was so close to getting my college degree but quit about 12 weeks before I was to get it. If I did go back, I'd probably change my major to pure mathematics or computer science. I'm 26 and I hate working 9 to 5 to be quite honest. I think I'm sort of a drifter. Any comments are welcome even if they are negative. I'm wondering the same thing as Tracker.
Other thoughts
Good bankroll advice from TRACKER. You might also consider your temperament. Does losing feel like someone kicked you in the stomach? Do you feel the need to protect your winnings when the count gets high? Even as a conservative semi-semi-pro, I had to address these issues in my own psyche. Don't forget that even advantage blackjack is still gambling. Your bankroll is important. Your ability is important. But there are times when you still need ice water in your veins. Do you have it? Best...
ZOD
Good bankroll advice from TRACKER. You might also consider your temperament. Does losing feel like someone kicked you in the stomach? Do you feel the need to protect your winnings when the count gets high? Even as a conservative semi-semi-pro, I had to address these issues in my own psyche. Don't forget that even advantage blackjack is still gambling. Your bankroll is important. Your ability is important. But there are times when you still need ice water in your veins. Do you have it? Best...
ZOD
Re: Welcome Tracker!
It is actually wonderful to see you sharing your personality so freely. It is easy to do on the internet, and allows people to get to know you much quicker. You are in a discovery period, and adding blackjack to that mix will not hurt you. Money wise you are in the right position, and time will tell if a significant other will come your way. In the mean time take a shot at it.
It is actually wonderful to see you sharing your personality so freely. It is easy to do on the internet, and allows people to get to know you much quicker. You are in a discovery period, and adding blackjack to that mix will not hurt you. Money wise you are in the right position, and time will tell if a significant other will come your way. In the mean time take a shot at it.
BECOME A HIGHSCHOOL TEACHER
What I mean is get the school job and use the frequent time off; summer vacation, xmas vacation, spring break, long weekends of teacher days office and the usual hodge podge of legal holidays; to go to vegas. Thats what I would do. You only will work 170 days a year give or take working the summer semester. This way you will have two careers education and advantage play!
What I mean is get the school job and use the frequent time off; summer vacation, xmas vacation, spring break, long weekends of teacher days office and the usual hodge podge of legal holidays; to go to vegas. Thats what I would do. You only will work 170 days a year give or take working the summer semester. This way you will have two careers education and advantage play!
Re: Welcome Tracker!
Hi "Mayor" and anybody else,
First, I would like to congratulate the Mayor and the rest of the posters on this forum. It is definitely one of the friendliest boards on Blackjack and that's important. Although there do seem to be some compulsive posters (there are on every board), which I do get slightly annoyed about.
I started playing for money at 17 in Backgammon and Poker in home games (I was relatively inexperienced at the time, but you soon learn fast when you are playing with real money), but I didn't plan to be a pro, I just fell into it because I was making more money doing that than anything else. My main ambition was to be professional orchestral percussionist, and I did study at the Royal Academy in London, but there isn't the money or the demand to consider it being my full rime job (most resident musicians in the orchestras stay till there 65+!).
I was also "financially lucky" that I inherited a lot of money when my father died, and that enabled me to be able to start at such a young age. It's doesn't matter how good you are, you need to cash in the first place to be able to play full time.
As I have said before, I believe in playing many different games. It spreads the risk and I also believe it gives me an edge over "one game" pro's. Bare in mind that there are many different types of poker, and also variations on Backgammon, like Nackgammon etc.
I don't know if I want to be pro gambler my whole life. The nice thing is that you can stop, or start up again when you feel like it, no deadlines or waiting for vacancies.
I am in the process of forming a Rock/Pop/Folk Band (Alanis morissette/Cranberries) with a quality line up and a very big name guitarist from the early 90's who mysteriously disappeared!
As far as the question of turning pro goes, I don't feel I am in the position to tell you how to approach that, as I had a slightly different route to most. However, you do sound in a good position to give it a go, but make sure you do you homework, you must study just like you might study for any other subject, and generally there is more money on the line than most careers - be careful.
Good tracking
TRACKER.
(p.s. thanks Mayor for helping me earlier)
Hi "Mayor" and anybody else,
First, I would like to congratulate the Mayor and the rest of the posters on this forum. It is definitely one of the friendliest boards on Blackjack and that's important. Although there do seem to be some compulsive posters (there are on every board), which I do get slightly annoyed about.
I started playing for money at 17 in Backgammon and Poker in home games (I was relatively inexperienced at the time, but you soon learn fast when you are playing with real money), but I didn't plan to be a pro, I just fell into it because I was making more money doing that than anything else. My main ambition was to be professional orchestral percussionist, and I did study at the Royal Academy in London, but there isn't the money or the demand to consider it being my full rime job (most resident musicians in the orchestras stay till there 65+!).
I was also "financially lucky" that I inherited a lot of money when my father died, and that enabled me to be able to start at such a young age. It's doesn't matter how good you are, you need to cash in the first place to be able to play full time.
As I have said before, I believe in playing many different games. It spreads the risk and I also believe it gives me an edge over "one game" pro's. Bare in mind that there are many different types of poker, and also variations on Backgammon, like Nackgammon etc.
I don't know if I want to be pro gambler my whole life. The nice thing is that you can stop, or start up again when you feel like it, no deadlines or waiting for vacancies.
I am in the process of forming a Rock/Pop/Folk Band (Alanis morissette/Cranberries) with a quality line up and a very big name guitarist from the early 90's who mysteriously disappeared!
As far as the question of turning pro goes, I don't feel I am in the position to tell you how to approach that, as I had a slightly different route to most. However, you do sound in a good position to give it a go, but make sure you do you homework, you must study just like you might study for any other subject, and generally there is more money on the line than most careers - be careful.
Good tracking
TRACKER.
(p.s. thanks Mayor for helping me earlier)
thanks
I appreciate your advice. I ordered The Theory of Blackjack and should be getting it soon. I need to get Blackjack Attack since so many people have been recommending it. I don't have a desire to change society or make the world a better place so I don't think being a school teacher is in my future. I was just way too miserable back then. Besides, lawsuits, angry parents, long hours at home and at school, and uncontrollable teenagers are other reasons to consider. I could get into many other things but I won't. I just appreciate hearing your casino experiences. Once I feel that I am good enough, I will hopefully have some of the same experiences. I have a twin brother and I was thinking, software is fine to practice with, but I'm gonna see if he'll deal me some hands. My standard of living is so low right now that I could probably live comfortably off of 17,000 dollars a year. What do you guys think about video poker? I was reading some of Bob Dancer's article and he said that a consistent advantage can be achieved off of video poker just like blackjack. I just don't trust those machines.
I appreciate your advice. I ordered The Theory of Blackjack and should be getting it soon. I need to get Blackjack Attack since so many people have been recommending it. I don't have a desire to change society or make the world a better place so I don't think being a school teacher is in my future. I was just way too miserable back then. Besides, lawsuits, angry parents, long hours at home and at school, and uncontrollable teenagers are other reasons to consider. I could get into many other things but I won't. I just appreciate hearing your casino experiences. Once I feel that I am good enough, I will hopefully have some of the same experiences. I have a twin brother and I was thinking, software is fine to practice with, but I'm gonna see if he'll deal me some hands. My standard of living is so low right now that I could probably live comfortably off of 17,000 dollars a year. What do you guys think about video poker? I was reading some of Bob Dancer's article and he said that a consistent advantage can be achieved off of video poker just like blackjack. I just don't trust those machines.
Re: thanks- VP
The VP edge is very small if you find the right machine and play a perfect game. VP is good for comping since it's all about coin in, so if you like to sit on your ass all day then go sit again in the buffet to fill your face, pass out from a full stomach in a free room, you've got it made! ;>
The VP edge is very small if you find the right machine and play a perfect game. VP is good for comping since it's all about coin in, so if you like to sit on your ass all day then go sit again in the buffet to fill your face, pass out from a full stomach in a free room, you've got it made! ;>