Analyze my game please!

[countjack21]

Hi helpful and knowledgable members of this forum,

I've been counting for 5 years now, and my bet spread has really been formed only by going through a plethora of posts here and reading many BJ books - but nothing tailored specifically for me. It would really be great if someone could take a look and comment/advise on my game and let me know if there is a better way of playing. I'm a recreational player, but due to the nature of my day job, I have a lot of free time, so I go to Vegas around once a month for 3-4 days. I figure if I'm going to be counting, I should really be maximizing the profit potential.

I only play shoes. Most games I play are 6 deck, H17, around 75-85% pen, around half have surrender, most RSA, all DAS. I utilize i18 and f4. I rarely use cover and almost always wong out at -2 (unless playing heads-up, which I really prefer). I only play $5 and $10 games. If the minimum is higher, I'll back count and wong in at +2. I try and keep my sessions short, especially after a max bet or big win. I rarely feel heat. I also like to tip friendly/helpful dealers by placing a $1 chip on top of bets when the count is high. I keep it on top till I lose. If I left out any vital info, let me know.

Here's my current bet progression ($10 game):

0-1 = $10
+2 = 2x$30
+3 = 2x$60
+4 = 2x$90

Can someone tell me what my hourly win rate would be? Should I be doing something different to increase it (without bringing on heat)?

Thanks in advance!

[21gunsalute]

You left out some important information, such as what counting system you're using and what your bankroll is. That being said, a 1-9 spread is not going to be sufficient for shoe games.

[skuner]

His spread is 1-18!!!

[Rainmaker]

His spread is 1-18!!!

LOL...my thoughts exactly when I read 21's post. His spread is going to get him 86'd and 21 thinks it is insufficient. lol

[21gunsalute]

LOL...my thoughts exactly when I read 21's post. His spread is going to get him 86'd and 21 thinks it is insufficient. lol

Spreading 10-90 on 2 hands shouldn't get you 86'd anywhere, except for single/double deck games or El Cortez perhaps. I've never had any problem spreading much, much higher on shoe games everywhere I go, and I usually employ little to no cover.

[countjack21]

My thought was (and I definitely remember seeing this in a few places) that when I spread to 2 hands, it's like I'm playing one hand for less than that amount. So my spread is really 1-12, but to lessen my risk, I can spread to 2x9 and it's considered the same (The one hand multiplied by 1.5).

I use hi-lo. My bankroll is replenishable. On each trip, I bring 700 units, and have more in the bank should I need it.

[seriousplayer]

My thought was (and I definitely remember seeing this in a few places) that when I spread to 2 hands, it's like I'm playing one hand for less than that amount. So my spread is really 1-12, but to lessen my risk, I can spread to 2x9 and it's considered the same (The one hand multiplied by 1.5).

I use hi-lo. My bankroll is replenishable. On each trip, I bring 700 units, and have more in the bank should I need it.

What is your total bankroll in units or in dollars for the calculation?

[countjack21]

What is your total bankroll in units or in dollars for the calculation?

I'm not sure, since it's replenishable. Before it's replenished monthly, let's say $13k. With $2k added monthly. Thanks!

[BJGenius007]

You left out some important information, such as what counting system you're using and what your bankroll is. That being said, a 1-9 spread is not going to be sufficient for shoe games.

I don't believe it is true. I used to play using Hi-Lo, Zen or AO2 with 1 to 16 spread($25 to $400) on 6/8D shoes, with indexes I grabbed from books or Internet. Now I am using a new system with indexes my program generated and winning more (>1% advantage).

TC Bet
0/- $25
+0.8 $50
+1.6 $75
+2.4 $100
+3.2 $150 or $125

If I play at $50 table, I bet $50 to $300. The key is to use more indexes which need to be accurate and win most hands (50% or more).

[Pacman]

He's spreading to two hands. Thats a 1-18 spread.

~Pac

[21gunsalute]

He's spreading to two hands. Thats a 1-18 spread.

~Pac

His spread is 1-18!!!

How do you guys figure? It's a 1-9 spread for each hand. It would be the same as 2 players on a team playing 2 hands each at the same table spreading $10-$90. You can't add both top bets together, divide by one minimum bet and arrive at the bet spread that way.

[Rainmaker]

How do you guys figure? It's a 1-9 spread for each hand. It would be the same as 2 players on a team playing 2 hands each at the same table spreading $10-$90. You can't add both top bets together, divide by one minimum bet and arrive at the bet spread that way.

It has to do with it being his extra hand, and him placing it due to the count being good (i.e. card counter). If it is 100% camoflauged...like a team member is betting that extra hand in a different casino, it is not part of his spread.

[21gunsalute]

It has to do with it being his extra hand, and him placing it due to the count being good (i.e. card counter). If it is 100% camoflauged...like a team member is betting that extra hand in a different casino, it is not part of his spread.

His spread for each hand is 1-9. It doesn't matter if you play 2 hands at once or one at a time, the spread is 1-9. When you play 2 hands you have to consider the minimum bets for both hands when considering your spread, even if you drop to 1 hand at low or negative counts.