Retired 68 yr old wants to play BJ for smaller amounts money or at least not lose a lot. I'm too old to start counting (really) so looking for next best 'system' to practice and play. I've watched all the YouTube tutorials, betting strategies and read a lot plus this board (thank you!).
So I've got basic strategy down, now what?
Thanks guys, I really appreciate you and this board.
There is no good system.
You are not to old to start counting. It is pretty easy really. If you want to go super easy you could learn the Ace Five count. http://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/appendix/17/
That would allow you to break even.
You could try an ace/five count or one of those secondary ones. You could bet more when the running count is high (small cards come out), while playing basic.
With some good comps and stuff, it's prob break even or even slight money maker.
If you wanna just enjoy playing bj recreationally and for fun, don't start counting. It becomes work too quickly and takes most of the enjoyment out of it.
https://www.blackjackinfo.com/blackjack-school/ (Good step by step learning method)Originally Posted by Oncesubtle
https://www.qfit.com/book/index.htm (Check out REKO count if you want something simple)
And prob my two favorite published books on counting:
Playing Blackjack As A Business - Lawrence Revere (Short and to the point)
Million Dollar Blackjack - Ken Uston (Just a good read and lots of useful information)
Play within your bankroll, pick your games with care and learn everything you can about the game. The winning will come. It has to. It's in the cards. -- Bryce Carlson
I am about your age and I can assure you that HiLo ( the most common count used) is easy and simple enough. First, just use it with Basic Strategy and then learn a few indexes in time. At your age, counting and playing is not the hard part. It is stamina and ability to motivate yourself to drive more than an hour, play and drive back and such. It is depressing when you don't need to play but yet drove a distance, lost money and have to drive back and you wonder why you are doing this for meager returns. If you have good games, close by, it's great.
The O.P. wants to play a little, and the Ace-Five Count was suggested.
As pointed out, but not emphasized, by Mike Shakleford, a very good
rule set must be in place for a low House Edge. I agree, but modifying
his betting suggestions will radically improve the lot of the player, (at a
cost of increased variance, and thus a greater R.O.R.)
The player uses the same tags, (-1 and +1 for Aces and Fives) and bets
the minimum at running counts of ZERO or below, leaves the table at -2
or worse; and betting the minimum times the R.C. at +2 or greater.
Wow, thanks for the all the responses and great information! It has really helped and given me the direction I needed. So, as of now I am an 'Ace - Five' kinda guy, and will seriously review Shackleford's videos and related materials. I'm planning on 4 trips a year, 2 to 4 days each. For the 1st trip next month I will probably stay at the Cortez unless another place comes more highly recommended. My bank will be ... 1K. <sniff>
A quick question for ZenMaster, you said in part: "...at a cost of increased variance, and thus a greater R.O.R." Uh, not sure what you mean as BJ speak is still new to me. Maybe flesh it out a bit? tx!
"A quick question for ZenMaster, you said in part: "...at a cost of increased variance, and thus a greater R.O.R." Uh, not sure what you mean as BJ speak is still new to me. Maybe flesh it out a bit? tx!"
In plain English, it means your results will vary more and your risk of losing your money rises.
Remember, the El Cortez we term "The Sweaty Spaniard" but this simple system should go over O.K.
You'll not find any other "playable" BJ games downtown, but "Palace Station" is close by.
Once subtle said ... "I will probably stay at the Cortez"
The newer Cabana Rooms there are better than most expect.
Otherwise ask for a Tower Room at the Palace Station.
Downtown you can get a sub $20 room at Main Street Station,
and there is no"resort fee" added.
Depending on what kind of stakes you play- I'd just play for comps if you're gonna play bs and an ace/five count anyways. You can get rfb for $150 avg bet/hr at Caesars and mlife properties 3-4 hours day.
If that's too rich for your blood, I'm sure you can get rfb at some lower end strip properties for $50 avg bet/hr, maybe less.
Masterhoudini,
Read post #1. The O.P. has just learned Basic Strategy and is an obvious nickel bettor.
He stated, "Retired 68 yr old wants to play BJ for smaller amounts money or at least not lose a lot."
Just learn basic strategy. That will cut the house advantage to almost nothing. If you can play basic strategy, you can get a large edge by "comp-hustling" which is getting a lot more free stuff from the casino than you lose at the tables. Get "Comp City" by Max Rubin.
Also, full pay video poker is a great option for retirees looking for some fun and side income. You can make about $8 an hour playing full pay deuces wild in Las Vegas. Just get a strategy card, play the strategy properly, and you'll have a decent edge (about .7%).
The Cash Cow.
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