Card Counting will definitely drive you crazy faster than sports betting

[clarkacal]

I have spent years learning to count cards and playing blackjack and today I can't stand to play it. I don't care if there is a theoretical 1.5% edge(debatable). Here are some reasons why card counting is an awful way to try to make money:

-You are constantly around smoke, smart ass dealers and people who jump in and out and try to switch positions on the table which is distracting.

-The casino personnel will(they will) recognize you are a counter and wipe out your edge by shuffling early, harassing you, and distracting you so you can't keep an accurate count. I was once kicked out of the Mirage for counting and I was down $3000!

-It is very stressful and frustrating to work so hard to actually know what hands you have the edge and have to watch while you get ur ass kicked by some convoluted sequence of cards to make a dealer 21. Happens aaaall the time. Your edge is never that big anyway.

If anyone is interested in learning to count I use a 3 level system

2,8=+1
3,4,6,7=+2
5=+3
9=-1
10 values=-3
Aces=keep separate count with feet. Neutral running count value but +3 per ace adjustment for betting purposes

Try it, you'll eek out some money and hate it

[dodger33]

Never tried it, but am interested.

[thezbar]

This seems to be a hot topic these days. My count system is more basic. 5's and Aces only. Easier and less issues with casino employees. I was reported as a counter at one casino but due to the fact my betting amounts were small no action was taken. For the small edge to can get its almost not worth the trouble. Yet when I play I play to win , not to just play. I will use all tools available. The past eight times I've visited and gambled at a casino I've won. My secret? Solid bankroll, realistic goal, stick and move to avoid bad runs. Most importantly I get out of dodge once my goal is reached.

[clarkacal]

in any type of gambling if you quit whenever you make a small hit you will win more often. But then you will hit the streak where you can never get ahead in a session and you lose it all back. I'm not hoping this happens to you, Im just telling you it probably will. Also, I don't think just keeping track of As and 5s is a powerful enough system to do more than break even

[Justin7]

clark,

How long were you playing in one session when you got tossed from Mirage? There are so many good pits in Vegas, you can really spread it around. Were you there more than 40 minutes? Or playing at the "double-deck counter trap" near the Cirque du-soleil booth?

[Fred Showpan]

IMO time spent learning to count is put to better use playing poker...

[clarkacal]

I agree with you Fred, live poker is the shit, online is a grind

[Ace_of_Spades]

I tried doing this, and dide well for 3 rounds until the loud music fuked me over.

[DrunkHorseplayer]

If you can't handle the distractions, use a simpler system such as Hi-Lo or Hi Opt I. Never stay longer than an hour and a half at one table.

[wtf]

good thread

[illfuuptn]

Oh and add in the fact that the count gets to a profitable number like NEVER. What does it need to be to be profitable? Like +7 or something? And that almost never happens.

[clarkacal]

The advantage depends on how many cards are left. Early in the deck(s) its tough to have the advantage, but deeper in it can get juicy. This may sound surprising but the best bet you can make against the casino is taking insurance on an ace when the deck is positive. Plus you already have big money out there because the count is high so the insurance bet will be bigger. For ex:

normal ten to nonten ratio 16:36(1:2.25)

in a high count around 16:28(1:1.75)

This can happen deep in the deck or shoe and ins pays 2:1

[DrunkHorseplayer]

Oh and add in the fact that the count gets to a profitable number like NEVER. What does it need to be to be profitable? Like +7 or something? And that almost never happens.

The count gets profitable quite often; here's a suggested betting strategy for beginners.

0<: 1 unit
1-2: 2 units
3-4: 3 units
4-5: 4 units
6>: 5 units

[no1here]

I would never recommend blackjack w/o counting cards. System I learn and used was extremely easy. Who here would not seek new table or reduce bets, if after fresh shuffling, dealer dealt out six aces?

[DrunkHorseplayer]

I wouldn't switch tables because it might give you away. I'd play a couple hands then use the restroom (unless I recently did so) or make a call on the cell phone.