Most Important Aspect

**Orangechip2** · 08-26-2015, 06:56 AM

What is the most important aspect to playing a profitable blackjack game, IYO (in your opinion)?

im going to go with a strong 'Wonging Out' game. IMO, an aggressive/discipline Wong out has been a 'game changer' to say the least for me since adapting this style of play. I use to think pen was the most important but after watching a home store cut 2 out of 6 off after a long time of only .75-1/6 cut off I learned I had to change how I move.

As a former red chipper I don't think that table conditions are nearly as important as wonging out . Nor do I think penetration is as important as an aggressive Wong out .

If you would, share what you believe to be the most important aspect of playing a profitable BJ game - I think this post will be able to open eyes to newbees if people were to share, as this was the first question I asked when learning AP-BJ.

**mushin** · 08-26-2015, 07:03 AM

Adaptability!

Assume even moderate counting ability. The casino environment is very dynamic and in addition to the actual play you also have to be perceptive and manage perceptions. Being adaptable to your environment and the game is key.

Wonging is a form of adaptability. So is every other "soft skill" that we use. I think of things like (Wonging, tipping, acts, camo, parlaying, cover, conversation, and even play at other games soft skills.) Each and every action you take must be steeped in the principal of being able to adapt to the environment you are in.

**ZenMaster_Flash** · 08-26-2015, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by mushin

Adaptability!

I concur.

**Orangechip2** · 08-26-2015, 07:07 AM

Originally Posted by mushin

Adaptability!

Assume even moderate counting ability. The casino environment is very dynamic and in addition to the actually play you also have to be perceptive and manage perceptions. Being adaptable to your environment and the game is key.

Wonging is a form of adaptability. So is every other "soft skill" that we use. I think of things like (Wonging, tipping, acts, camo, parlaying, cover, conversation, and even play at other games soft skills.) Each and every action you take must be steeped in the principal of being able to adapt to the environment you are in.

+1 well put Mush.

RS · 08-26-2015, 07:36 AM

Adaptability -- I like that.

I think oftentimes a CC will walk into a casino with a very specific plan, "Wong in at TC of X, spread Y to Z, wongout at TC of -1...etc.". I don't really like that [personally], as it doesn't give much room for conditions. Sometimes you can get away with a much larger spread. Other times you can't get away with such a large spread. Sometimes the penetration is worse (or better!) than expected. Sometimes you can't wong in/out of games and gotta play off the top of play-all. If you've simmed all your games and conditions for each, you'll go into a casino with a general game-plan, but will be able to adapt when the time is right, if necessary.

If conditions are WORSE than expected, it's important to know if playing is "worth it" for you.
If conditions are BETTER than expected, it's important to know if [betting more] is within your risk tolerance.

At some stores, I can barely get away with a small spread given certain conditions. But (same stores), with other conditions, I can increase my spread up to 3x or 4x.

**ZenKinG** · 08-26-2015, 08:07 AM

For the purposes of answering the OPs post, i would say in order of importance --- 1. Pen, 2. Store tolerance (How much can you get away with without any heat), 3. Wong out strategy, 4. Bankroll management, 5. Bankroll size

**mushin** · 08-26-2015, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by mcallister3200

Discipline and work ethic above all else.

Discipline is indeed key. It is the only way to keep the emotional aspects from mucking up everything.

**LVBear584** · 08-26-2015, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by Orangechip2

What is the most important aspect to playing a profitable blackjack game, IYO (in your opinion)? ... If you would, share what you believe to be the most important aspect of playing a profitable BJ game - I think this post will be able to open eyes to newbees if people were to share, as this was the first question I asked when learning AP-BJ.

Being allowed to play.

Because this is aimed at new players, I will emphasize the need to maintain anonymity as much as possible. I wish I had learned that when I learned to play late in the previous century.

Giving up your birth name and ID to casinos in exchange for the paltry comps and mailers doled out at most beginners' level of play is a bad deal for the player. Later, when you want to participate in plays that require your ID, it might be too late, because once that name is tarred, it is tarred forever.

**Orangechip2** · 08-26-2015, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by mcallister3200

Discipline and work ethic above all else.

Will you elaborate more on work ethic ie: scouting, never getting complacent, et.? I like where your going with the work ethic answer .

**Masterhoudini** · 08-26-2015, 08:40 AM

Perseverance.

This is can be appreciated by all levels of play. You have to develop your own mental toughness and tenacity to fight through the downswings, which can be soul crushing and brutal.

This is especially true at high stakes levels where BO's occur more frequently and are inevitable. It sucks the most when you lose a store after losing huge there- they basically laugh in your face since you have no chance to get it back. You gotta get yourself in the right mental state to play through a heavy 5-6 figure loss at another store.

**LVBear584** · 08-26-2015, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by moses

I could write a book on this subject. Some casino's will no longer allow play without an ID.

I have not seen this, except for "large" cash buy-ins. Which casinos no longer allow play without an ID?

**ZenMaster_Flash** · 08-26-2015, 10:22 AM

The Borgata, the best A.C. has to offer, (though very sweaty), has signs on
the tables limiting those without player's cards to a $1,000 maximum bet !

I will not be surprised if/when they lower that to a $500 ceiling.

**Three** · 08-26-2015, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by ZenMaster_Flash

The Borgata, the best A.C. has to offer, (though very sweaty), has signs on
the tables limiting those without player's cards to a $1,000 maximum bet !

I will not be surprised if/when they lower that to a $500 ceiling.

Translation. If your top bet is significantly less than $500 they won't pay you much attention until your results have them decide otherwise. Results are meaningless until the sample size is significantly large. But if you bet over $1000 they will give you a lot of additional scrutiny right out of the gate.