New Casino Verite User

[Chris H]

Hello fellow counters. I would probably be what you call a "ploppie" someone who is not highly skilled as a counter yet. Last month I bought Norm's CV program and have been practicing using the REKO strategy recommended in his free online book. After going at the tables from around New Year's day through May mostly at Pechanga Casino in Temcula, CA. I racked up a negative 4K balance to be avenged. Saddly I did not start training in earnest until going deep into the red. I have a 10k bankroll and hope to make a successful run at evening the score and then some.

The local casino in this area of OR. is Seven Feathers. They mostly use 6D Hand shuffle with what looks like 90% Pen. They hardly cut any cards off the shoe! So far heat nonexistent, dealers cooperative and friendly, but I lost $400 in first outing. First time tried hi-lo counting but distractions and my lack of ability made me lose count too much and bet erratically as frustration grew. Needed more help so I got CV and practiced REKO strategy while still working daily, went again yesterday and lost another $400! Kept losing the count so I must not be ready for prime time. I'm sort of retired now with BJ as my only hope for income and will make it or break it I guess. Now I can practice full time but am chomping at the bit to get back in there and win my money back.

Any help or suggestions are most welcome. Norm, your software is quite impressive and a most effective training tool. Now it remains to be seen if I have what it takes.

[stopgambling]

With time and a lot of practice You will get it down pat. Then you must learn all the other stuff such as discipline ,Risk of ruin ,comportment ,game selection ........

[Chris H]

Thanks for the support! I should also throw out the question of which strategy is most effective since I'm still in learning mode so I can waste as little time as possible. Hi-lo or REKO for instance? I know the differences between them and could manage either, which is most successful? If Hi-lo then I should go back to practicing it and the extra step of True Count. Just want to be off on the best foot possible. Thanks.

[Norm]

The edge is not large. You really should avoid risking real money before you have a solid footing.

[Chris H]

Thanks Norm, do you think joining some online training outfit like Blackjack Apprenticeship is worth the cost/benefit? Perhaps you know this Colin and Ben? Apparently they favor hi-lo but it sounds like more of the same as far as practicing with drills and game sims. Maybe the bankroll counseling is worthwhile or their boot camp (which must cost a bit more). I'm not in a hurry to throw more money from my bankroll at it unless it will be well spent.

[Norm]

I know them and do business with them; but have never looked at the site.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

Advice:

Steer Clear of "Blackjack Apprenticeship."

Learn a good count such as Hi-Opt II or Zen.

[yjs1210]

Advice:

Steer Clear of "Blackjack Apprenticeship."

Learn a good count such as Hi-Opt II or Zen.

Hi why do you say so?
I was interested in their site as well.

[Bigdaddy]

As for the counting aspect of AP, keep drilling on CV. There is no better practice tool, period. Suggest that you practice in CV with the table format setting at 4 or 5 people playing an 8-deck shoe. Start with a slow speed setting (about a quarter of max speed), then keep notching up the speed as you get comfortable (no errors) at each speed level. Once you've logged about 20,000 practice hands in CV and are comfortable with the speed setting at 3/4 of the max, then you're ready from a counting perspective. No live game action goes that fast. Also, learn how to visualize the count - see it as a number in your mind's eye. This is more effective than repeating it over and over in your head. After a year or so, you will be amazed at how automatic the counting will become. Remember - the key to success in any sport or game is: "practice and play, practice and play, practice and play..." The more you practice the luckier you get...