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Card Counting?

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by ICallHimGamblor, May 26, 2016.

  1. Malibugolfer

    Malibugolfer
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    "What doesn't kill you makes you strong."
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    Topcard, while the counting, even using a true count and controlling for decks, is an acquired ability just like basic strategy and its adjustments for different games, to make real money one has to both have a larger base bet and then multi-unit spreads. That's where the hassle comes in IMHO.
    Pit critter heat becomes real as does the need to hit and run, wong out, use disguises/ etc.
    Hassle.
    I know you are aware of this and play as an AP since that makes much sense. Start with much larger bet levels and the scenario gets more complicated.
    I compromise with a simple A-5.
    To really win real money over a long period one needs teammates, which is a major, major endeavor.
     
  2. topcard

    topcard
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    ...malibu...I don't really consider myself an 'advantage player', as my spread is so small, as is my base-bet... all I want is to turn a very-small house edge into a very-small player edge.
    My kind of play does that pretty regularly.
    It's still "entertainment" for me... but I'd much rather leave Vegas with a series of small wins than with any kind of loss...
     
  3. Malibugolfer

    Malibugolfer
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    Any player advantage over the house makes one an AP.
    And good on ya' for doing it.
     
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  4. Breeze147

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    Fuck that shit. Grip it and rip it.
     
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  5. Tyche

    Tyche
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    Such a Paulie thing to say! LOL
     
  6. thefish2010

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    Card counting is not at all difficult. IMO, the system with the most power relative to its simplicity is the one taught in
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    .
    That system delivers 90%+ of the advantage that much, much more complicated systems do and is very easy to carry out, regardless of the number of decks. The idea that counting into a 6 deck shoe is difficult is a myth perpetuated by movies like Rain Man. This book will also explain the effect of various rules, what playing conditions to look for, etc. I'll tell you up front that 6/5 cannot be beaten with any counting system, so don't bother.

    The problem with card counting as a Vegas fan, however, is that usually sooner, sometimes later, but always eventually, they will identify you as such and Vegas won't be nearly as friendly...you'll be kicked out of your favorite hotels. Professional card counters view this as a badge of honor, but if you are a recreational player that wants to enjoy the Las Vegas lifestyle, card counting isn't for you. I actually learned the KO system when I first started gambling, and to this day I can't help but count the cards, but I don't vary my bet with the count, because it would get me kicked out. I got kicked out of one casino when I was practicing the system a few days after buying the book (this was 17 years ago), and that was enough for me. I decided I like Vegas more than I like having a tiny edge. The house edge on blackjack with perfect basic strategy is very small anyway, so I decided I'd rather go that direction.

    Another thing. FWIW, card counting delivers a very small advantage. Even playing with an advantage, you can lose for hundreds of playing hours before it turns around. So if you're card counting a few weekends a year, maybe a few hours per day per trip, you're essentially just gambling like the rest of us. In that period of time, anything can happen...card counting or not. This is why most professional advantage players have moved onto hole carding, which delivers a drastically larger edge.

    So can you gain an edge relatively easily? Yes, you can, and you don't have to be Rain Man to do it. The $10 book I linked to above and several hours of practice will give you the tools necessary to theoretically beat the house. But IMO, for a Vegas fan, counting is winning the battle and losing the war. You are MUCH better off learning basic strategy, taking casinos up on every offer they give you (when you're gong to be in town anyway), and cultivating a relationship with your host to get all the comps you can.
     
    #16 Jul 2, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2016
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  7. Malibugolfer

    Malibugolfer
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    Very well said. To add, counting is a huge grind and one needs a large BR to withstand those neg variances when big bets are out.
    Really a hassle unless there is a team. And that brings in a whole new set of problems to overcome.
     
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