Pent Up Questions

[Three]

1) How do the BJ gurus really make their money? I see this pattern where a guy claims to have made $$$ from playing BJ pro, retires, and is now training others how to play. I can't but help ask to the guru, if you are so good, then how come you're still not playing? Why do many of the retired gurus seems to go back to 9-5 jobs? Wasn't their winnings enough to keep them afloat?

That is one way to make money and you don't have to worry about variance. There is an old saying, those that can do and those that can't teach.

2) What's your experience of splitting 9/9 against dealer's 8 or 9? Now, I know the book says to split, but it certainly seems like every time I've done this, I end up with a worse hand, or busting. Your experience?

It works out fine for me. 18 is a losing hand. Splitting almost doubles your EV. Stand EV 9.926 split EV is 19.34. Just trust the math.

3) What has playing BJ done for you? Has it allowed you to purchase a zippy sports car, pay off debts, or take an exotic vacation?

It has made me a retirement fund. Buying stuff with profits is for a very large BR. I have taken all my initial investment out of my BR and only take money out for car repairs and trip expenses.

4) What's your system? I can already anticipate this is a religious question, so I'm not looking for anyone to proselytize their point of view, but I'm just curious. For me, I'm working on Hi/Lo lite. When I saw how this is simpler than Hi/Lo, with no statistical decrease in payout, the Hi/Lo list just made sense to me, and I'm curious if anyone else has come to the same conclusion?

My system is one of my own making. Just know it is more complex than anything you will find available to the general public.

5) How long do you play per session? I've heard some people say they only play for one hour at a time, for fear of raising undesirable attention. Then, I've heard other chaps say how they'll just play all weekend at the same place.

I don't care to be specific about this. It depends on a lot of factors so there is no one size fits all answer but I often play long stints at the table.

6) Do you look for dealer tells, to try to better guess the hole card?

The dealer doesn't know what the hole card is. If he has a peak device it only tells him he has BJ or he doesn't have BJ.

7) Have you even been on a team?

I have been recruited but as yet have not played on a team.

8) Have you seen any factors of how some knobs remain knobs, while others turn the page to becoming respectable? This is a path that's been traveled a zillion times before: someone sees the movie "21", is lured to the idea of money for nothing, and starts to study and play BJ. I'd think about 98% of these folks crash-and-burn. So, what's the secret sauce that causes the remaining 2% to succeed?

Discipline, dedication ton practice and finding new ways to improve their game, being able to admit your limitations and make the most of your skill set. A desire and dedication to expand your skill set. The ability to manage risk and a BR.There is so much that has nothing to do with counting that are at least as important to success. Most just don't fall in the overlap of the sets.

9) Do you provide solicited advice while playing? If the guy next to you asks, "Hey, what do you think I should do?", will you answer?

Yes. It is funny how many ask and then don't listen follow your answer.

10) Do you think Google Glasses could be an upcoming factor for BJ play? (Assume you already know http://www.geekwire.com/2013/countin...startup-world/)

They are illegal in most jurisdictions. Using a device...