Question on session lengths

[dilbert46]

Greeating BJ Giants...

My friends and I are making the trek out to Nevada this weekend. While I have dabbled in counting here in there, this will be my first sustained effort. The question I have is on session lengths. I have been reading that one should keep sessions short, 45-60 min, especially with agressive betting. But where should I go afterwards? Is it sufficient to just move to another table or pit or should I head to a different casino altogether? And then, when is it safe to return? Also, if a happen to hit some negative variance and am down, is it safe to extend the session length a little more? Thanks.

 

[blackjack avenger]

This Answer Will Say it All

What is your bet spread?

good cards:joker::whip:

 

[prankster]

I don't know but I'd guess if you're playing at a huge casino like MGM you could just move to a different area. :joker:

 

[dilbert46]

What is your bet spread?

good cards:joker::whip:

It is not large as I do not have a tremendous bankroll yet: 5 - 25 (SD, H17, D10).
I realize this is certainly not "aggressive betting" by most standards but it will work for me. I'm not even sure session length is an issue in this case, but if it is, what should I do?

 

[Blue Efficacy]

It is not large as I do not gave a tremendous bankroll yet: 5 - 25 (SD, H17, D10).
I realize this is certainly not "aggressive betting" by most standars but it will work for me. I'm not even sure session length is an issue in this case, but if it is, what should I do?

If you're playing single deck, session length is nearly always an issue.

 

[dilbert46]

So should I just play it safe a move to another casino? If so, when do you think it's ok to return?

 

[aslan]

So should I just play it safe a move to another casino? If so, when do you think it's ok to return?

Unless you can find someone here who is an eye-in-the-sky and can tell you differently, IMHO you must assume that once you have generated significant heat by aggressive betting in a plus count (enough to constitute a threat to the casino), you are temporarily dead in that casino. If you want to ensure that you can return, you should give it a rest and move on to the next casino. This is only common sense. If you stay you will be giving the house additional time to confirm that you were counting, to get the best picture possible of you, to possibly obtain a copy of your real ID, and to back you off formally.

If you hit negative variance, and if you are betting large enough to be a threat to the casino, it does not matter that you are losing. Counting behavior is just as much a tell when you lose as when you win. Unless you are willing to play camo, and you are good at it, I would not hang around. In fact, camo after losing a large amount is not really such a good idea since you will be giving up EV and therefore find it more difficult to recoup your losses, not to mention the fact that this is, in your words, your first sustained effort.

I am also getting the vibe that you may be wanting more to have fun than to win money. You will not likely have fun running from casino to casino -- it's a heck of a nuisance -- so you may be more content in spreading less and trying to play under the radar, settling for a break/even game. I doubt from what you've said that you have the skill necessary to "play-all" and win, unless you are more experienced and talented than you have indicated. A 1% edge is not much to play with, and can easily nose-dive into some serious losses.

The more I talk to you, the more inclined I feel to advise you not to play at all, since dabbling in counting is no where near the level you need to be to be successful, although you may get lucky.

 

[FLASH1296]

dilbert 46,

A betting ramp of 5 to 1 is normally considered aggressive in a SD game.

When the advice is to keep the session short — it means get out of dodge.

After a brief session you leave. As in … go elsewhere.

You will be in Las Vegas for just a few days.

You have no reason to play twice in the same store.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

dilbert 46,


You have no reason to play twice in the same store.

Normally I would agree with this, but if he plans on playing single deck he sure does. Unless he likes 6-5! :joker:

 

[dilbert46]

I am also getting the vibe that you may be wanting more to have fun than to win money. You will not likely have fun running from casino to casino -- it's a heck of a nuisance -- so you may be more content in spreading less and trying to play under the radar, settling for a break/even game. I doubt from what you've said that you have the skill necessary to "play-all" and win, unless you are more experienced and talented than you have indicated. A 1% edge is not much to play with, and can easily nose-dive into some serious losses.

The more I talk to you, the more inclined I feel to advise you not to play at all, since dabbling in counting is no where near the level you need to be to be successful, although you may get lucky.

I do agree with this on some level. I am certainly not looking to pay the mortgage with bj - I reckgonize my limitations and know I dont have what it takes. At the same time, during those few opportunities where I can get away to a casino to have some fun, I tired quickly of giving all my money away in an hour. So for the last several of years I have been practicing - first just BS, then counting. This trip though I have been really gearing up for the real deal. Hence, my questions about smaller details like session length. I know it wont be anywhere near perfect but I'd really like to give it a shot.

I greatly appreciate all the advice. I think I will drop my spread some and keep moving around. According to CBJN there appears to be a good number of casinos in Reno with ok SD games. Plus there's always hanging out with the rest of the guys, having a cold one, and watching basketball! Thanks guys.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

Don't listen to everything aslan said. It is very feasible to play all in single deck blackjack and expect to win, even without the best rules ever. As long as you try to play headsup.

 

[blackjack avenger]

Session Lenth of Infinity

It is not large as I do not have a tremendous bankroll yet: 5 - 25 (SD, H17, D10).
I realize this is certainly not "aggressive betting" by most standards but it will work for me. I'm not even sure session length is an issue in this case, but if it is, what should I do?

If I read this correctly:
A $5 to $25 spread?
In Vegas on the strip you wont really find much to play due to higher table minimums. You should look at downtown Vegas and off the strip. Also, you are betting so small that unless you have some fantastic luck and are getting stared down you can stay at a place for quite a while, so try to pick the better places. Avoid the 6 to 5 bj.

good cards:joker::whip:

 

[moo321]

Greeating BJ Giants...

My friends and I are making the trek out to Nevada this weekend. While I have dabbled in counting here in there, this will be my first sustained effort. The question I have is on session lengths. I have been reading that one should keep sessions short, 45-60 min, especially with agressive betting. But where should I go afterwards? Is it sufficient to just move to another table or pit or should I head to a different casino altogether? And then, when is it safe to return? Also, if a happen to hit some negative variance and am down, is it safe to extend the session length a little more? Thanks.

Short sessions can save you. Personally, I prefer lower heat games. I also prefer to play with stupid crews that aren't watching out for me.

Sharp bosses and surveillance are eventually gonna tag you, no matter what you do. Dumb bosses and surveillance will let you play for a long time as long as you figure out what tips them off and never do it.

The one exception is Vegas. Vegas has lots of sharp crews, and you just have to move around.

 

[dilbert46]

If I read this correctly:
A $5 to $25 spread?
In Vegas on the strip you wont really find much to play due to higher table minimums. You should look at downtown Vegas and off the strip. Also, you are betting so small that unless you have some fantastic luck and are getting stared down you can stay at a place for quite a while, so try to pick the better places. Avoid the 6 to 5 bj.

good cards:joker::whip:

Actually we're heading to Reno...

 

[farmdoggy]

Actually we're heading to Reno...

Actually, if you were heading to Vegas you would most likely get away with your spread (at your bet level) at the "Sweaty Spaniard"... SD DA2 RSA from what I remember. I played at a similar level and spread there with absolutely NO heat (WHILE I played at this bet level, and this was quite a few months back). You're really not making much of anything though.

Reno has mostly 6:5 on single deck from my limited experience I'm sure at least 1 expert can/might point you in the right direction though.

 

[aslan]

Don't listen to everything aslan said. It is very feasible to play all in single deck blackjack and expect to win, even without the best rules ever. As long as you try to play headsup.

I agree. I failed to read the post where he indicated he was playing single deck. You may be able to find games in Reno where the house edge is so slim you don't have to spread much to have a winning game in play-all mode. I am not a SD player, but it appears to be a play-all situation no matter what you spread, although if you spread to 5 or more, I don't see how you can last long without being detected. Wouldn't you agree that the higher you spread the shorter your stay? Or do you have experience that suggests otherwise, in which case I am all ears?

PS-- I don't see why you must play heads-up. What is your rationale for this? I know at double deck I find one other person to be desirable.

 

[dilbert46]

I think you guys are right: Because I'm not looking to kill the house but rather have a good time and make a little money while at the same time practice any counting skills I do have, I think I will drop my spread and try to fly under radar during my time there. I appreciate your advice.

PS - when I was there last year there were still a lot of 3:2 SD tables and according to CBJN that still appears to be the case, but I guess we will see.

 

[moo321]

I think you guys are right: Because I'm not looking to kill the house but rather have a good time and make a little money while at the same time practice any counting skills I do have, I think I will drop my spread and try to fly under radar during my time there. I appreciate your advice.

PS - when I was there last year there were still a lot of 3:2 SD tables and according to CBJN that still appears to be the case, but I guess we will see.

If you're looking to have a good time, drink, and get some comps, I'd recommend a 1-2 spread on single deck. It will win in the long run, and the variance is tiny. If you've got a $1k bankroll, you can play $10-20 for a vacation without much trouble.

Realize also that your insurance index is different than it is for shoes.

I've never been to Reno, but I believe it has plenty of single deck.

 

[Brock Windsor]

Ive have never heard of an unknown getting a backoff counting with a max bet of $25. My advice is stick to your initial plan and let us know if you get any heat. There are lots of options. Reno is a lot of fun for low rollers.
-BW

 

[moo321]

Ive have never heard of an unknown getting a backoff counting with a max bet of $25. My advice is stick to your initial plan and let us know if you get any heat. There are lots of options. Reno is a lot of fun for low rollers.
-BW

A buddy of mine got tossed at the Spaniard for $5-20.