How much hourly EV is worth it?

**mickeymouse** · 04-08-2015, 05:16 AM

One of the biggest regrets I have is that I didn't start my CC career earlier, when I was a college student; back then conditions were better where I live as well. Nowadays, since I have a day job, while I still enjoy the social interaction, there is comparatively much less incentive for me to play.

I'm just wondering, what is the minimum theoretical hourly EV you think it is worth playing? My current theoretical hourly EV is about $40-50, which is on a par with the hourly rate I earn in my day job (slightly better, considering we do not pay tax on earnings from games). My yearly profit is almost bang on the expected amount so far (within 10%). I wouldn't bother grinding it out at say $15 an hour, though. Would like to hear your thoughts about this.

**ZeeBabar** · 04-08-2015, 05:25 AM

I think hourly EV is for the full timers and those who would rather do something else and playing BJ is a grind. For me, who has a full time job, and who enjoys being in a casino, playing BJ, as long as it is not negative, I don't care. I usually play an our or two after work ( and the EV is better than being at Happy Hour at the local tavern. On weekends, I play if other options are not available or the weather is not conducive to other things.

**mushin** · 04-08-2015, 05:55 AM

It really depends on the individual. However; there are times like the other day I was playing red and hit a run and walked with $300 in just about 30 minutes. If that were my EV $600. and hour would keep me at a table 24/7 if possible. On the reverse I had a session not long ago where I wand to grind out play for hours as I never got to spread beyond 2 units. The grind put me down substantially but finally I found a game where I got to spread to my max and game out with a $20 win. That night I ate like a king for free so it was not a total bust and I had nothing better to do. If that was my EV it would have been probably less than $1.00

Long story shot is that I really don't worry too much about it. If I have the time and opportunity I play. I get enjoyment out of the struggle to come back from the depths, from the quick wins, from the long drawn out wins, and from those see saw sessions where you just can't see to edge out more that a 2 unit lead. Still while I don't worry too much about EV It is a metric I use to analyze my results over time.

**Jabberwocky** · 04-08-2015, 08:13 AM

Taxes on winnings? Similar to overtipping; you won't make much if anything.

**Avincow** · 04-08-2015, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

Taxes on winnings? Similar to overtipping; you won't make much if anything.

It's just like taxes being taken out of a desk job. It's either pay your taxes or commit a crime, take your pick.

**stopgambling** · 04-08-2015, 08:43 AM

Depends where you are located.

**ZeeBabar** · 04-08-2015, 11:41 AM

"It's just like taxes being taken out of a desk job. It's either pay your taxes or commit a crime, take your pick." Committing a crime is neither a sin nor immoral. I do go over the speed limit from time to time and that is a violation of a DMV regulation just as not declaring your gambling income is a violation of IRS regulations. heck, when I was ordered to fire on the folks in a village overseas, I just shot above them or below them. My conscience is my guide in all situations.

**NotEnoughHeat** · 04-08-2015, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Avincow

It's just like taxes being taken out of a desk job. It's either pay your taxes or commit a crime, take your pick.

I live in a jurisdiction where gambling isn't normally taxed. It's only taxed if you're considered to do it professionally, which can be hard to prove, especially if you have other income.

**tiny** · 04-08-2015, 12:47 PM

It depends on a several factors mainly how big of a bankroll you're working with and how big of swings you're able to endure. It also depends if your traveling or playing at a local casino. It depends on how tolerant the casino you're playing at is.

For me, $50 / hr in EV is worth it because I only count part time and do so locally.

**bigplayer** · 04-08-2015, 02:09 PM

If you're sizing your bets appropriately (in terms of risk) then $100 in EV is roughly equal to $50 an hour at a job without the variance. What do you need to pay your bills? The lower your nut the less stress you'll have. Even spreading $10 to 2x$90 on a well cut local LV double deck game is worth around $100 an hour with a strong two level count. If you play 20hrs a week that's $104K per year in EV. Is it worth it not to have to work for someone else and is it worth it to be able to sleep in when you want? That's up to you.

**Aslan** · 04-08-2015, 05:42 PM

If you can't win enough to satisfy yourself, why bother? I am assuming you are playing at the highest level that you can afford. For some people it is not entirely about the money, but that's a different story.

**trey.95** · 04-15-2015, 05:13 AM

Can someone explain to me how to run a team correctly before I start my team officially we all are very close and live in the same city there is about 8 of us and I think we will all invest about 5-700$ in the team bankroll. I don't really know where to go from that other than making sure everyone's game is 100% perfect and everyone playing at least 3 times a week. And are 6 deck shoes worth playing in. How much should the team expect to make in a month.

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**ZeeBabar** · 04-15-2015, 05:18 AM

You post this on the other forum and you would be ridiculed, blasted and told to buy some books and read team play chapters and run sims on software to get expectations. You really can't ask questions about what to expect in a 6 deck game without indicating penetration, spread, total BR and such.

I would suggest staying away from forming a team with friends or the friendships will be lost. You need strict rules and such and lots of friction.