Gambling is ruining my life!

[Gamblingruinedmylife]

I didn't see an introduction section like on most forums, but I wanted to properly introduce myself to everyone on the forum (Not that many of you give a ****, cause I wouldnt) lol But yea I am a young man who has been losing a lot of money playing blackjack lately (Over 30k these past 2 months) and although I have had some pretty good days, I've come to realize that I am on a collision course heading nowhere fast. I really enjoy playing blackjack, as well as the possibility of making money from it. However my play has been catered mainly to luck and basic strategy, then trying to give myself a clear edge. I would very much love to start counting cards, and gain any extra knowledge that would help sustain a healthy long term playing career, as opposed to the long sleepness nights I'm having for blowing thousands of dollars in a night, only to have trouble sleeping, and waking up hating the world.

Anyways I understand the apprehensive nature of the forum, and the fact that everybody has their ass to cover, and that trust comes at a premium. It's a cost I'm willing to pay as opposed to the valuable lessons that the casino itself has been teaching me, while causing me a lot of depression as well. I have a strong beef against them right now, and would like to reverse the tide.

With that being said, if anybody can lead me on the right course of action to get to where I would like to go, I would highly appreciate it. Any advice and helpful suggestions you may have for me would also be great.

And I know this is my first post and as time will come, hopefully trust will be better established, but while I am learning the schematics of card counting and becoming a more advanced player, I would be willing to invest money into someone who is a proven player with the hopeful goal of gaining knowledge as well a return on my investment (in the DC area, preferably)

[Ouchez]

Use a bigger spread.

In order to win you need Skillz, and by that I mean more than straight counting, unless you are another KJ or Tarzan. A number of years ago you could do very well straight counting, I doubt that today.

What you have to do is stop now, and never play again, because it could lead you to places you want no part of,,I can tell by your post,,,, you down with what I am saying??. If you do insist on learning to AP, buy Norms software, use that software,,, stay sober and in a positive and very disciplined state of mind, read this forum, and put yourself in the "AP Zone". That being said, I say, forget about it and build up a bankroll to capitalize on other investments that are out there.

Your friend,
Ouchez

[bjarg]

Where are you playing? What are the rules? You mentioned basic strategy, but from your post Id be willing to bet you are far from having basic strategy down. if you are going to keep playing learn basic strategy and make sure you know it down cold. You wont gain an edge nor be able to win playing only basic strategy, but if the rules are good you should be able to play an almost breakeven game and reduce your losses in a significant manner.
If you cant stay away from casinos, that should be your first step and course of action. You wont learn to make money at bj tables in a week.

one final suggestion: if you do learn (or already know) basic strategy and when playing you constantly deviate from it because of whatever reason (intuition, fear or whatever) then you should definetely never set foot in a casino again.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

I have advice that comes in the form of two words:

"Gamblers Anonymous."

[RS]

Step 1: Don't look into card counting and don't learn anything about it for a good 3-4 weeks. Clear your head.

Step 2: Memorize basic strategy down cold.

Step 3: Learn the tag values, how to True Count, indices (Ill 18 to start).

Step 3.5: Make SURE you know basic strategy 100%. If you don't know instantly what to do with A,3 or A,4 versus a dealer 4 up, you don't know basic strategy. Make sure you can count a deck in less than 30 seconds, consistently, without error.

Step 4: Buy Casino Verite BJ. Practice on CVBJ.

Step 5: Go to a casino. Count cards. But here's the caveat, don't increase your bet. Simply flat bet the minimum, adhere 100% to basic strategy or proper index deviations (when called for). If you can do this, you might have the will power to survive the game.

Unfortunately, although with counting you might be playing a winning game, that doesn't necessarily mean you always win. And you might even find yourself in a steep hole (ie: variance -- your expectation & actual result aren't the same). If you've already had problem gambling, I don't know if this is the best thing for you to do. To me, it sounds like an addict trying to come up with a reason or excuse to continue his behavior. (No offense, but that's really what it seems like.)

It's not all fun and games. Can you wait 6 months and simply train & practice every day (1-2 hours/day?) without ever stepping foot in a casino? Or are you simply looking for an excuse to support your gambling behavior? Be honest.


EDIT: Nevermind everything I said above. ZMF hit it right on -- google "local gamblers anonymous meetings".

[ohbehave]

Advantage players have a different mindset from gamblers. Simply stated, put your money down only on good bets, meaning when the advantage is in your favor. BJ can be difficult to follow that rule all the time because the advantage shifts but essentially only play when you have the ability to know when you have the edge and take advantage of it.

Personally, I was out of the game for a couple of years before coming back to it about 2 months ago. Since then I have only sat at a table ONCE, the rest of the time has been practicing and scouting table conditions and because I'm working on some advanced STuff I am not concerned right now with getting in playing time. I have entered many casinos in these past 2 months, walked around, got the information I needed and walked back out the door without putting a dime on a table or in a machine.

When you begin to develop that type of mindset you might be on the road to playing BJ again. Good luck but I don't envy you trying to recoup your loses. Its a brutal game even under the best of conditions and todays conditions certainly aren't the best.

[njrich]

Stop playing right now don't chase the money your only going to lose more.
Start reading all the threads here. Stick around and ask questions. If you can't control yourself then get some help. Show some self discipline.
Join the subscription part of this forum and start reading the free book "Modern Blackjack" available here.
Get to know who are the real Players on here before you invest any money with anyone who may contact you.

[BJNewbeeNoMore]

As RollingStoned said... if you can control yourself and not set foot in a casino for 6 months, practice and do a lot of reading during that time, there's hope.

If not, gamblers anomymous is the best option.

I wish you the best of luck.

[biggg]

I would join a team. Your history of big losses playing square is extremely valuable.

[seriousplayer]

I didn't see an introduction section like on most forums, but I wanted to properly introduce myself to everyone on the forum (Not that many of you give a ****, cause I wouldnt) lol But yea I am a young man who has been losing a lot of money playing blackjack lately (Over 30k these past 2 months) and although I have had some pretty good days, I've come to realize that I am on a collision course heading nowhere fast. I really enjoy playing blackjack, as well as the possibility of making money from it. However my play has been catered mainly to luck and basic strategy, then trying to give myself a clear edge. I would very much love to start counting cards, and gain any extra knowledge that would help sustain a healthy long term playing career, as opposed to the long sleepness nights I'm having for blowing thousands of dollars in a night, only to have trouble sleeping, and waking up hating the world.

Anyways I understand the apprehensive nature of the forum, and the fact that everybody has their ass to cover, and that trust comes at a premium. It's a cost I'm willing to pay as opposed to the valuable lessons that the casino itself has been teaching me, while causing me a lot of depression as well. I have a strong beef against them right now, and would like to reverse the tide.

With that being said, if anybody can lead me on the right course of action to get to where I would like to go, I would highly appreciate it. Any advice and helpful suggestions you may have for me would also be great.

And I know this is my first post and as time will come, hopefully trust will be better established, but while I am learning the schematics of card counting and becoming a more advanced player, I would be willing to invest money into someone who is a proven player with the hopeful goal of gaining knowledge as well a return on my investment (in the DC area, preferably)

If gambling is ruining your life than stop gambling.

[KJ]

Here's the problem, all advantage play requires discipline and self control. Traits that as a gambling addict, you are as far away from as can be. Can a person change? I used to think not. Now, I don't say absolutely no, but it would require incredible desire and inner strength. It would be a life altering transformation, one that I would equate to an longtime obese person, losing 100+ pounds and keeping it off for years. It would require a massive redoing of your mentality and thought process, coupled with incredible inner strength and discipline. Many times more discipline and self control than needed fellow AP's.

I don't want to speak for Flash, but he has indicated that he came from that dark side, and after a number of years of losing gambling activities was able to transfer himself into a strong AP. What I am not sure of is the extent of his negative gambling activities before he turned it around. Maybe he will be willing to discuss this with you, either in this thread or private. Best of um...luck to you.

OK, now I want to switch gears and pick on Ouchez a little. Ouchez, you are one of a number of longtime (senior) expert AP's that frequently poo-poo card counting these days. I realize you guys that had access to better conditions in years past have grown very frustrated with today's conditions, and rightfully so. I also know that many of you have moved past straight counting into other areas, such as ST and HCing, to gain bigger edges and that is fine. I can appreciate that the smaller edge from card counting is no longer attractive to you. But I have a bit of a problem, when you say card counting no longer works. That is just not true. The basic principles of card counting still work. It's true that you may have to work a little harder to find decent games and adjust your attack to play less negative counts, use a healthy spread, Wong in and/or out some, but the principal concept still works.

BTW, slightly off topic, but related, one of the biggest obstacles to overcome today, isn't even about rule changes, it about crowded conditions that players in much of the country face. And that is still the big advantage of Vegas.

[muckz]

Anyone that recommended this person do anything but seek professional counseling should delete their post. Even if they learned to count and were successful it could take only one bad swing to revert to chronic gambler.

Anyways, get help.

Muckz

[Blitzkrieg]

First thing is first, stop the bleeding! Don't give those vampires any more of your dollars! Start using some self-control and stop chasing losses with bigger bets thinking your going to recoup losses on the next hand. Study the game and learn as much as you can from it. Practice, practice, practice and have a pre-determined stop-loss if you start losing too much on a particular table.

If you find that you cannot control your emotions at the table or your losses, find a different hobby or a different game that isn't so expensive.